21st December 24
Many of the towns and villages across South East England turn on their festive lights in November to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season. Head out with family and friends to a town centre Christmas light switch on near you and enjoy a sparkly night out! These events bring light and the festive feeling to high streets, market squares, and city centres throughout the South East. Many include a countdown to the light switch on, often by a local celebrity or guest, often with entertainment, music and traditional Christmas market and fireworks. Grab you hat and scarf and head along to one of these free events and take the chance to enjoy what's on the doorstep. A number of towns and cities also hold winter lantern processions, these heart-warming celebrations of the festive season are filled with light, music and community spirit, these include Winchester, Reading, Dover, and Brighton.
Our featured events list is shown in date order, you'll also discover more Christmas lights switch on events happening across the South East at the bottom of the page. You can also find a host of colourful Christmas Light Trails many of which take place in visitor attractions, woods and gardens across the region.
Number of results: 23
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Portsmouth, Southsea and Cosham
The countdown for a magical Christmas in Portsmouth begins with a dazzling party.
Christmas
Maidenhead
Bustling Festive Market with a fabulous selection of stalls, a bar and street food as well as children’s funfair rides. Live entertainment followed by Christmas Lights switch-on and firework display.
Christmas
Chichester
Its the Chichester Christmas Lights Switch - taking place on Saturday 23rd November 2024. Bringing together family-friendly fun, live performances, and festive celebrations, culminating in the brand-new Light Up Chichester: The Afterparty.
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Bringing together some fantastic Christmas shopping opportunities mixed with a fun-filled afternoon of family entertainment at this year's Christmas Light switch-on event in Haywards Heath.
Shopping
Rye
See the Christmas tree light switch on and start your Christmas shopping in Rye.
Christmas
Deal
Start your Christmas celebrations with a visit to the family-friendly Deal Annual Christmas Lights Switch On.
Head along to Deal town centre on Saturday 25th November, from 4.30pm including music, a visit from Father Christmas and ends with the…
Christmas
Fareham
Come to celebrate Fareham Town Centre Lights Switch On and visit the Indoor Christmas Market taking place inside the previous Clarks shop in Fareham Shopping Centre.
Christmas
Ramsgate
A new festival in Ramsgate will bring a vibrant, six week long celebration, illuminating the town from November 24.
Community
Winchester
Fun for all the family, Winchester Cathedral's popular Winter event returns and everyone is welcome to join in.
The annual lantern parade returns to Winchester Cathedral, and this year the theme is Christmas Creatures.
Join Winchester Cathedral in…
Christmas
Henley-on-Thames
Henley on Thames will be getting into the festive spirt on the 29th November, with the Henley Christmas Festival. The town square will come alive with festive stalls offering seasonal delights, unique crafts and seasonal goodies. There will be…
Christmas
Arundel
Visit one of the South's most beautiful Christmas Towns Arundel in West Sussex
Christmas
Bognor Regis
THE BIG SWITCH AT 6!!!
WHAT? The Switch on of the NEW Bognor Regis Christmas lights
WHERE? Bognor Regis Town Centre – High Street
WHEN? 30th November 4PM – 7PM Lights on at 6PM
WHATS ON? well, read on ......
The Mirror Men…
Christmas
Faringdon
Its the Farringdon Christmas Light Switch on Saturday 30th November
With a Christmas market, music around the Christmas tree, a Santa Grotto, festive light switch on at 5pm, and craft activities in the Corn Exchange
Christmas
Sandwich
The annual Christmas lights switch on event in Sandwich will be coming to The Guildhall Square on the 30th November.
With stalls, face painting from 10am, live music from 12 - 6.30pm and a colourful lights parade at 5pm. The count down the Sandwich…
Christmas
Princes Risborough
Mark the start of the festive season and join Princes Risborough Town Council on Saturday 30th November for Princes Risborough's annual Christmas Lights Switch On event!
Princes Risborough High Street will once again come alive with Christmas…
Christmas
Gosport
Lots to see and do, with entertainment throughout the day presented by Hampshire Cultural Trust.
Shopping
Eastbourne
See Eastbourne's Christmas lights and giant interactive LED tree switch on with late night shopping, entertainment and market.
Christmas lights to be turned on at 6pm.
Family
Battle
Santa's Amazing Parade starts the event, heading down the High Street at 1.45pm with Santa's Sleigh, elves, reindeer and friends
Christmas
Midhurst
The annual Midhurst Christmas Street Party and Christmas Tree Light Switch will be lighting the way on Friday 6th December 2024 between 5pm and 8pm.
With a stage in the Market Square, entertainment, Christmas lights countdown along with Santa's…
Christmas
Dover
Head along to Dover Market Square this December, and discover a range of stalls for Christmas gifts, food and drink and entertainment to enjoy on the 7th December 24.
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