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. From now until the end of the year, 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.
If you want to be there when the switch is flicked, here's your guide to the dates, times and locations of Winchester's Christmas light switch ons.
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.
✨Kingsgate Village Christmas Lights Switch On - Thursday 20 November
Head to Kingsgate Village, which is nestled along the cobbled streets between between Winchester College and Winchester Cathedral. The annual lighting of the Kingsgate Christmas tree at 6pm on Thursday 20 November will see the area transformed in festive finery. There will also be carols and a Pizza Tavern pop-up, serving pizzas, wines, beers and negronis at Kingsgate Wine & Provisions from 5pm onwards.
✨Wickham Christmas Lights Switch On - Sunday 23 November
Watch Wickham's Christmas lights get switched on by a very special guest in a red coat at 5pm on Sunday 23 November. It'll round off 'A Wickham Christmas Carol', a day of Victorian-themed festive fun in Wickham Square, where from 12pm there will be live music, carol singing, food stalls, craft stalls, children's entertainment and a Santa's grotto.
✨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.
