to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Step into Christmas with these festive light switch on celebrations and events taking place in Hampshire's cities and towns this November and December.
Winchester Christmas lights switch on
Thursday 19 November 2026
Christmas in Winchester officially begins on Thursday 19 November 2026 with the Christmas lights countdown taking place in The Broadway before local heroes help to switch on the lights.
Southampton Christmas lights switch on
TBC
Southampton’s Christmas lights switch on event is yet to be confirmed but is likely to be mid November, coiniciding with the opening of the Southampton Christmas Market.
Aldershot Christmas lights switch on
Saturday 14 November 2026
The Aldershot Christmas Cracker event on 14 November will see the town centre filled with Christmas cheer, including festive stalls, a Father Christmas grotto, street performers, and live entertainment across two stages. The finale of the celebrations will be the countdown to the Christmas lights switch on in Princes Gardens.
Eastleigh Christmas lights switch on
Saturday 21 November 2026
Eastleigh kicks off its town centre celebrations with a full festive day on Saturday 21 November finishing with the Christmas lights switch on and a grand fireworks finale.
Southsea Christmas lights switch on
TBC
Southsea’s Christmas lights switch on event is yet to be confirmed for 2026, but is likely to be mid November, when Palmerston Road will light up with an evening of live music and local acts.
Andover Christmas lights switch on
TBC
The Andover Christmas Lights Switch On usually takes place as part of the Andover Christmas Festival in November. Taking place in the town centre, the event also features a Christmas market, live music, fairground rides, and entertainment. Watch this space for the 2026 date to be confirmed.
Alton Christmas lights switch on
TBC
Alton's Christmas lights switch on event, which usually coincides with a Christmas market in the town centre, is yet to be confirmed for 2026 but usually takes place in mid to late November.
Portsmouth Christmas lights switch on
TBC
Portsmouth city centre’s Christmas lights on Commercial Road are usually switched on as part of a special event featuring live music and special guests. The date for 2026 is yet to be confirmed, but watch this space for updates.
Romsey Christmas lights switch on
Saturday 21 November 2026
On 21 November there will be Christmassy market stalls and entertainment in the town centre before the magical moment when the lights come on in the evening.
Fareham Christmas lights switch on
Saturday 21 November 2026
Fareham’s festive event will take place in the town centre on 21 November with fun fair rides, food stalls, crafts, activities, street performers, photos with Santa's sleigh, and the big light switch on under the bandstand.
Fleet Christmas lights switch on
Wednesday 25 November 2026
The Fleet Christmas lights switch on will take place on 25 November during the Fleet Christmas Festival, with stalls entertainment and activities to enjoy all afternoon and evening along Fleet Road and in Hart Shopping Centre, and the Christmas Tree lights switch-on taking place in Gurkha Square.
Petersfield Christmas lights switch on
Friday 20 November 2026
Petersfield will light up for Christmas on 20 November with an event from 5pm featuring live music, stalls, performances by local schools and choirs, carol singing, and music from the Salvation Army before the Christmas lights are switched on.
Gosport Christmas lights switch on
Saturday 28 November 2026
On 28 November Gosport’s High Street Christmas Lights Switch On, bringing a fully festive day to the town centre, complete with a Christmas market, followed by the evening event that will see the turning on of the lights.
Ringwood Christmas lights switch on
Sunday 29 November 2026
Ringwood celebrates Christmas with Winter Wanderland, a series of festive events and activities in the town starting on 29 November with a Christmas market, live music, grotto, entertainment, and the lights switch on.
Stockbridge Christmas lights switch on
TBC
Although the 2026 date is yet to be confirmed, the pretty High Street of Stockbridge usually turns on its Christmas lights at the beginning of December with a special event featuring late-night shopping, live music, and a Christmas grotto.
