Christmas Lights Switch On
November 29 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Celebrate the Start of the Festive Season with the Christmas Lights Switch On!
Where: Banbury Market Place, OX16 5LJ.
FREE ENTRY
Enjoy dazzling lights, terrific treats, and thrilling funfair rides at the Christmas Lights Switch On 2026! Join us on the last weekend of November as we welcome in the Christmas season, kicking off December in style with live music, dance, and of course the biggest moment of the night – the ‘switch on’ itself!
What to Expect:
Dazzling Christmas lights – Banbury’s eye-catching array of Christmas lights are sure to leave you in the festive spirit.
Live Music and Dancing – With the help of our friends at Banbury Music Mix Radio, enjoy an incredible line-up of local favourites and rising stars.
Festive Fireworks Display – Get a good spot near the main stage to enjoy a sparkling fireworks over the heart of Banbury – one of the highlights of the year!
Christmas in the Heart of Banbury – Like other Banbury Town Council events, Banbury Christmas Lights Switch On is free to enter and enjoy, making it a fantastic opportunity to get to know the town and all that makes it such a great place to be!
A Visit from Father Christmas – Every year we invite a special guest from the North Pole to welcome everyone to the event!
Special Guest Appearance – Father Christmas isn’t the only guest of honour at the Christmas Lights Switch On! From broadcasting stars to centenarians to heroes from our Emergency Services, we’ve had a wealth of special guests over the years – who will be on stage in 2026? Stay tuned to find out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does this event cost to enter?
A: Like all Banbury Town Council events, the Christmas Lights Switch On is completely free to enter and enjoy.
Q: When and where does this event take place?
A: Banbury Remembrance Sunday takes place on Sunday 29th November, 11:00am – 6:00pm in front of the Town Hall on Bridge Street, OX16 5LJ.
Q: Who organises this event?
A: This event is organised by Banbury Town Council. The fantastic team at local radio station Puritans Radio will be returning for hosting duties, while Banbury Music Mix Radio will be working with Banbury Town Council to provide an exciting line-up of acts to the main stage.
Q: Who Organises the Banbury Winter Market?
A: The Banbury Winter Market is organised entirely by the Banbury BID. While the final day of the market runs alongside the Banbury Christmas Lights Switch On, the events are operated separately. However, there are no barriers or perimeters between the two events, and visitors are encouraged to explore both sites as much as possible! For any enquiries related to the Banbury Winter Market, please email info@banburybid.com.
Q: Will there be food and drink at this event?
A: There are currently no plans to bring food and drink stalls to this event. There are, however, many cafes, pubs, and other eateries to visit throughout the town centre.
Q: Why is the Event Held on a Sunday?
A: The Banbury Christmas Lights Switch On is held on the last Sunday of November in order to ensure the lights are operational in order to ensure Banbury residents and visitors can enjoy the displays for the entirety of December. It also takes into account the local economy; holding the Switch On on a Sunday ensures fewer clashes with events held at pubs, eateries and other local businesses, which most commonly tend to run on Fridays and Saturdays.
Q: Can I bring my dog to this event?
A: Well-behaved dogs are welcome to Banbury Town Council events provided that they are kept on a lead. Please note that this event can get very busy, especially in the evening, so we advise against bringing dogs who are anxious or easily overwhelmed.
Q: Will There be Toilets at This Event?
A: No, there will be no toilets provided at this event, but the toilets at Castle Quay will be open to the public until at least 4:00pm.
Q: What Time are the Lights Switched On?
A: The Christmas lights will be switched on around 5:00pm.
Q: What Time are the Fireworks?
A: The fireworks are planned for 5:00pm, as soon as the lights are switched on, and will last around 5 minutes before our headline act performs for the remainder of the event, which ends at 6:00pm.
Q: I am a Trader – can I Trade at This Event?
A: We do not accept traders at the Banbury Christmas Lights Switch On, with all stalls and rides already provided. However, you are invited to email events@banbury.gov.uk if you are interested in trading at one of our other events.