Sheffield retro: Illuminating pictures looking back at Christmas lights over the years

By Jane Salt

Published 7th Nov 2026, 05:00 GMT

As Christmas approaches, here we take a look back at Sheffield’s festive lights from years gone by.

While there won’t be a big Christmas switch-on event in Sheffield city centre this year, the streets will still be garlanded with twinkling lights to spread some festive cheer.

A search of our archives brings you these 14 pictures of festive illuminations from Christmas past.

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The lights shine brightly over a busy Fargate in the 1960s

1. 1960s

The lights shine brightly over a busy Fargate in the 1960s Photo: Sheffield Newspapers

A brightly lit Goodwin Foutain in November 1990

2. Fountain

A brightly lit Goodwin Foutain in November 1990 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers

Father Christmas at the switch on of the Christmas illuminations in Barkers Pool in 1965

3. Barkers Pool

Father Christmas at the switch on of the Christmas illuminations in Barkers Pool in 1965 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Ald. Dan O'Neill, is pictured performing the switch on of the Christmas lights at the Midland Station, with Mr Kenneth Robinson, Assistant Station Manager, Sheffield, left and officials looking on, December 5, 1969.

4. Midland Station

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Ald. Dan O'Neill, is pictured performing the switch on of the Christmas lights at the Midland Station, with Mr Kenneth Robinson, Assistant Station Manager, Sheffield, left and officials looking on, December 5, 1969. Photo: Sheffield Newspapers

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