Watch Winchester district light up for Christmas 2026 at these switch-on events
Looking for festive lights to admire and Christmas lights switch-on events? Nothing kicks off the countdown to Christmas in Winchester like the switching on of the Christmas 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.
Curated by the Visit Winchester team.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
✨Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On - Thursday 19 November 2026
The annual Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday 19 November 2026 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 Winchester Cathedral Choristers and Theatre Royal Winchester’s Pantomime Cast. The event will be hosted by Heart Radio's Jonny Meah.
✨Kingsgate Village Christmas Lights Switch On - TBC
Head to Kingsgate Village, which is nestled along the cobbled streets between between Winchester College and Winchester Cathedral, for the annual lighting of the Kingsgate Christmas tree. Last year, on the evening the area was transformed in festive finery, there was also carols and a Pizza Tavern pop-up at Kingsgate Wine & Provisions.
✨Wickham Christmas Lights Switch On - Sunday 29 November 2026
Watch Wickham's Christmas lights get switched on at 5pm on Sunday 29 November. More details of the festive evening are set to be announced soon.
✨Whiteley Christmas Lights Switch On - Saturday 5 December 2026
Head to Meadowside Recreation Ground from 5.00pm on Saturday 5 December 2026 to watch Whiteley's Christmas lights turn on for the season.
✨ Alresford's Christmas Lights
The charming market town of Alresford will start feeling festive from Wednesday 25 November 2026, when the town's Christmas tree is set to arrive in Broad Street. The technicolour, traditional Christmas trees which decorate the buildings in the centre of town each year will be in situ from Saturday 28 November too.
