Back by popular demand the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) has announced the Christmas Lights Switch On event for Thursday November 14, along with #IndieWinch and Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market from November 22 to December 22.

This annual event, organised by Winchester BID and sponsored by Dutton Gregory Solicitors, attracts many thousands of people to the city centre.

Taking place in The Broadway outside the Guildhall from 4.30pm, the Winchester Christmas lights will be switched on by local heroes nominated by the public. The lights are expected to come on after 6pm. 

Sarah Davis, Winchester BID manager, said: “We are delighted to be coordinating the 2024 Winchester Christmas Lights, the switch on event and the #IndieWinch chalet at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.

"The Christmas Lights Switch On kick starts the festive season in Winchester and is a fun, family event that brings together the whole community and helps get everyone in the festive spirit."

Read more: Five best Hampshire Christmas markets to visit in 2024

Christmas Lights Switch On Event 2023 & Winchester's Christmas Tree  (Image: Holly Bobbins)Sarah continued: "It is also the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of our community heroes, which is why we are in search of well deserving local people to help switch on this year’s lights.

"A special thank you to the event sponsor Dutton Gregory Solicitors and to all the businesses which sponsor the High Street Christmas tree – we couldn’t do it without you."

The event is hosted by Heart Radio and promises an evening full of festive fun, with Winchester Round Table’s Santa’s Sleigh and wonderful live performances from Harestock Primary School Choir, The Pilgrims’ School Chamber Choir, Rubik’s Cube, Winchester A Capella, Integr8 Dance, Theatre Royal Winchester, Rock Choir and Diva Academy.

There will also be a Giant Inflatable Snow Globe which will be located in The Square on the day of the Switch On from 12 noon to 8pm.

Visitors to the Snow Globe are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to Spare Change for Lasting Change, Winchester BID’s charity scheme which aims to help reduce street begging and rough sleeping in the city by supporting two local homelessness charities, Trinity Winchester and The Winchester Beacon.

Read more: Christmas 2024

Winchester BID is hosting a Christmas chalet where a selection of local independent businesses will be trading. Why not visit the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market this festive season and visit the local independent businesses showcasing their Christmas offerings.

People can grab a free tote bag to promote shopping with local #IndieWinch businesses. The Winchester BID chalet will run for the full duration until the market closes on December 22.

Emma Menzies, Partner and Chair of Dutton Gregory Solicitors, said: "The Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’ always marks the official start of the festive season in Winchester, so Dutton Gregory is delighted to be continuing its sponsorship of the event for a fifth year, and grateful to the team at Winchester BID for its work in creating a celebration that brings so many people in the city together.

"As a busy and eventful year draws to a close, we wish our clients, Winchester’s business community and residents a very happy and peaceful Christmas."