Start Your Christmas Story in Newbury
The magic of Christmas begins here.
Join us from 9am on Saturday, 15th November as the town centre brings the festive cheer for our much-loved Christmas Lights Switch On, marking the start of Christmas in Newbury.
It’s one of the most anticipated dates in the local calendar, a full day of free, family-friendly activities, live performances, markets, and plenty of festive surprises. Whether you’re spending the day shopping for gifts, enjoying the entertainment, or waiting for that magical moment when the town centre bursts into light, the Christmas Lights Switch On is where your Christmas story begins.
This year, we’re making a full weekend of it too! The night before (Friday 14th), live bands will be joining us on the big stage in Market Place as we get the party started nice and early in anticipation of the big day, and on the day after (Sunday 16th) we’ll be hosting two festive markets in the town centre, offering even more opportunities to get out in the town and hunt out those perfect gifts nice and early.
Learn more about these events on our Christmas in Newbury page, or keep reading to see everything taking place during the Christmas Lights Switch On, a full day of free, festive fun for the whole family, on November 15th!
A Day Full of Festive Fun
From 9am, Newbury will come alive with a wonderful mix of music, markets and Christmas magic.
Visit the Charter Market on Northbrook Street, where all of your favourite regulars will be joined by seasonal traders local produce and festive treats. Take a stroll through town and enjoy live performances across multiple stages, organised by the talented team at Good Vibes Music Academy, or stop by Santa’s Grotto in the Kennet Centre, the Nativity Petting Farm in Inch’s Yard, or the Festive Funfair on Bartholomew Street for family fun throughout the day.
Don’t forget to visit the Christmas Gift Fair at the Corn Exchange, and we have a very special guest joining us on the day!
The one and only Paddington™ will be visiting Newbury and making multiple appearances throughout the afternoon, before we light up Newbury at the big Christmas Lights Switch On finale, taking place in Market Place at 6:30pm.
Live Music Across the Town Centre
Get into the festive rhythm with live music and performances from local artists, choirs, and community groups throughout the day, leading up to the Christmas Lights Switch On in the evening.
With multiple performance areas around the town centre this year, you’ll never be far from the action, so you can enjoy a day out in Newbury to a beautiful backdrop of music, ranging from classic carols to upbeat covers, performed by talented musicians of all ages.
You can find our musical schedule below!
Event Map
Our event map includes everything you need for the big day – from performance stages and event locations, facilities and more:
A Christmas for Everyone
We are committed to making sure our Christmas Lights Switch On event is one that everyone can enjoy.
At this year’s event, we will have a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform in Market Place with a view of the Main Stage. It is free to book in advance, but as space on the platform will be limited, please click on this link to register.
From 5.30pm, we will have a BSL interpreter on stage, as we gear up for the big switch on!
We have quite an exciting show planned for the switch on itself – but we also appreciate that for some, a show can be quite an overwhelming experience. Please note that the Christmas Lights Switch On finale at 6.30pm will include a light show and short firework display (under 10 minutes, no strobe lighting).
During the afternoon, to help ensure the safety of everyone attending our event, we will be mangaging crowd flow into Market Place, as part of a safety plan that we have been working on with Thames Valley Police, and other operational partners. From 5.30pm on the day, access to Market Place will only be via Mansion House Street – all other streets will be exit-only. We will have plenty of signage up around the town to help guide you there if you are visiting for the first time!
Plan Your Visit
We can’t wait for you to visit Newbury and start your Christmas Story at our very own Christmas Lights Switch On!
If you are coming from out of area, check out the links below for details on getting to Newbury, where to park and where you can stay.
Join the Celebration
The Newbury Christmas Lights Switch On is proudly organised by Visit Newbury (operated by Newbury BID) and supported by local businesses, key partners, and very generous sponsors:
Stay tuned to our social media channels (@VisitNewbury) for more details and updates on the day’s line-up, timings, and special guests.
So wrap up warm, bring your loved ones, and start your Christmas story right here in Newbury.
