Christmas in Christchurch returns on Saturday 28 November 2026 with a festive town-centre celebration and the official Christmas lights switch-on. The full programme is still to be announced, but local artisan traders are being recruited for the event and visitors can expect seasonal shopping, food, entertainment and activities for families. We will update this guide with confirmed times, performers and attractions as soon as the organisers release further information.
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November 28th 2026
10:00 - 20:00
Christchurch welcomes the festive season with a community celebration through the historic town centre.
The event traditionally brings together local traders, entertainment and family activities before the town’s Christmas lights are officially illuminated. Christchurch High Street, Saxon Square and the Old Town Hall area provide the main setting, with shops, cafés and restaurants also joining the seasonal atmosphere.
The 2026 celebration is planned for Saturday 28 November, although the full timetable has not yet been released.
Local artisan traders are being invited to participate in the 2026 celebration, bringing seasonal gifts, crafts, food and other independent products into the town centre.
The final trading area, opening hours and list of stallholders have not yet been confirmed. Visitors should check the official programme nearer the date.
Christchurch’s regular shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants will also be open, making it easy to combine the event with Christmas shopping or a festive meal.
The official switch-on will be one of the main moments of the day, illuminating Christchurch town centre for the festive season.
In 2025, the Mayor led the countdown at 5pm following a day of entertainment. The time for the 2026 switch-on has not yet been announced and should not be assumed to be the same.
The detailed 2026 programme is awaiting confirmation.
Previous celebrations have included:
These are examples from earlier events and are not a confirmed programme for 2026. We will update this section when the organiser announces the performers, activities and timetable.
The event is expected to take place across central Christchurch, including areas around:
Central address: Old Town Hall, 30 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AY
The town-centre celebration and Christmas lights switch-on are expected to be free to attend.
Individual purchases from market traders, shops and food vendors will be charged separately.
Christchurch railway station is approximately a 10-15-minute walk from the town centre. Local bus services stop close to the High Street.
Public parking is available at several town-centre car parks, including Bank Close, Mayor’s Mead, Wick Lane and the Priory car park. The event is likely to attract large crowds, so visitors should arrive early or use public transport where possible.
Road closures or parking restrictions may operate during the celebration. Check the final visitor information before travelling.
The High Street and Saxon Square are predominantly level and paved, although the event may become crowded at popular times.
Visitors with particular accessibility requirements should contact the organiser before attending and check the final event information for accessible parking, toilets and viewing arrangements.
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