Watch Winchester district light up for Christmas at these switch-on events
Nothing kicks off the countdown to Christmas in Winchester like the switching on of festive lights. Come November, shops, homes and high streets across Winchester district will be lit up in a warm glow, thanks to twinkling fairy lights, tinsel-covered Christmas trees and glittering illuminations.
Here's your guide to the dates, times and locations of Winchester's Christmas light switch ons. We'll see you there, just as soon as we've had our fill of Halloween, Bonfire Night and October half-term.
We'll be adding more dates below for Christmas 2025 as they are announced.
✨Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On - Thursday 13 November 2025
The annual Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday 13 November 2025 in The Broadway outside the Guildhall from 4.30pm. The countdown will begin just before 6.30pm, when local heroes will help press the giant red 'ON' button that will light up the city. There will also be live performances, including some from local choirs like The Pilgrims' School Chamber Choir and Winchester Rock Choir. The event will be hosted by Heart Radio's Jonny Meah.
✨Whiteley Christmas Lights Switch On - Saturday 6 December
Head to Meadowside Recreation Ground from 5.00pm on Saturday 6 December to watch Whiteley's Christmas lights turn on for the season. Father Christmas will rides a sleigh into Whiteley, where he will switch on the lights.
