Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) has confirmed that the spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event is back.

The event, sponsored by Dutton Gregory Solicitors, will see a local hero switch on the Christmas lights on Thursday, November 17, between 4pm to 7pm on The Broadway.

This live evening of entertainment attracts over 10,000 visitors and will include local choirs, acts, and dancers, kickstarting the festive season in Winchester.

From 12pm, the giant inflatable snow globe will be back in the Square. For a small charity donation, you can enter the globe for the opportunity to take some snowy selfies. 

Sarah Davis, Winchester BID manager, said: “Winchester BID is so delighted to organise the 2022 Christmas lights switch on. Turning on the Winchester Christmas lights is a tradition that we know everyone enjoys.

“We wanted to bring people back to Winchester to celebrate and look forward to seeing families and friends come together, to witness some amazing local performers before our local hero turns on the lights at 6pm.

“Thank you to all of those businesses who sponsor the Christmas tree – we really couldn’t do it without you.”

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The Winchester BID Christmas chalet opens on November 18 until December 22, in collaboration with the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.

Independent businesses from across the city will sell their products. Added extras include free festive maps and free branded #indiewinch tote bags.

Robert Bolwell, senior partner at Dutton Gregory Solicitors, said: “We are hugely looking forward to this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On. It is always such a fun occasion, kicking off the magic of Christmas.

“The event means so much to the community and we are delighted to be supporting it again as part of our Diamond Anniversary celebrations, marking as it does, 75 years of helping people across Winchester.”

For the latest updates, follow #FestiveWinch and @WinchesterBID on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.