The council’s free events programme starts with Feast of Fire on Saturday 31 October and continues with festive entertainment through December.
Feast of Fire will combine Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations around Parliament Square from 5.30pm.
The programme includes fire dance performances, The Lips Halloween Show by Puppets with Guts and a Halloween fireworks display.
Oldham’s Christmas Lights Switch-On follows on Saturday 14 November, with activities starting at 1pm.
Visitors can meet Peppa Pig, see Oldham’s mascots and take part in activities organised by the Spindles Kids Club.
The evening show starts at 5.30pm, featuring Father Christmas, Peppa Pig’s Dance Party, Oldham Rock Choir and Fierce Dance.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Pam Byrne, will attend, and a local schoolchild who wins a competition will switch on the lights. Fireworks, lights and lasers will conclude the event.
Three themed Saturdays are planned for December.
Brass Monkeys takes place on 5 December from 11am to 4pm, with local and national brass bands performing Christmas carols and strolling street performances.
Winter Wonderland Saturday follows on 12 December, from noon to 4pm. Entertainment includes the Winter Fairy, Betty Twinkle, Winter Wonderland Birds, The Snow Patrol, Lairy Fairy, a dancing Christmas tree and Bouncing Snowmen. The Spindles Kids Club will also run activities.
Santa Saturday concludes the programme on 19 December, from noon to 4pm.
Performers include Wish Fairies, Festive Funky Hooping, Circus Elves, Rockin’ Robins, Bad Santas and Glitter Belles, alongside Christmas music from local brass bands.
The events form part of Oldham’s programme as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026.
Shelley Kipling, Oldham Council’s chief executive, said “Our brilliant town centre shops and market traders are here to welcome you as we head into the festive season, and we’re encouraging everyone to shop local and support Oldham’s businesses.”
Separately, the Odeon at Parliament Square will screen the Festive Fun with Peppa Cinema Experience on 14 and 15 November, at 10am and 11.30am each day. Booking details are available on the Odeon website.
The council says parking in its town centre car parks will be free after 3.30pm on event days. Visitors arriving earlier can obtain three hours’ free parking by taking a ticket from a machine.
