Discover the magic of Christmas 2026 in Bath with our guide to festive events near you and your local area. From Christmas markets and dazzling light displays to meeting Santa in his grotto and going on Christmas trails, there's something for every family this Xmas.
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The Christmas lights switch on event in Bath is one of the most exciting and festive events of the year. It marks the start of the Christmas season and is a chance for the whole community to come together and celebrate.
The event typically takes place in late November or early December, and the city center is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive decorations. There is a variety of entertainment on offer, including live music, dance performances, and children's activities.
The highlight of the evening is the official switch-on of the Christmas lights, which is usually performed by a local celebrity or dignitary. The crowd counts down together, and then the city is bathed in a magical glow as the lights are turned on. It is a truly spectacular sight and one that is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas lights switch on events in York, in order of most recent:
Despite there being no big switch-on event in 2022, York was still lit up beautifully for the festive season. The city centre was decorated with more Christmas lights than ever before, with a focus on sustainability, using more LED and solar lights. New areas were also lit up, including George Hudson Street and Nessgate.
The Christmas celebrations in York kicked off on 17th November with the opening of St Nicholas Fair, the city's traditional Christmas market. There was free entertainment across the city centre throughout the day, including bands, choirs, performers, and workshops.
The Christmas lights in York were switched on at dusk on 17th November, and remained lit until the beginning of January. The lights were particularly impressive around the Minster, with sympathetic lighting that highlighted the well-known landmark.
The York Christmas Festival returned in 2021 after a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The switch-on event took place on 19th November, and was hosted by local celebrities and radio presenters.
The event began with a performance by the York Minster Choir, followed by speeches from the Lord Mayor of York and the CEO of Make It York. The lights were then switched on by a special guest, who was chosen by competition.
After the switch-on, there was a fireworks display over the River Ouse. The event also featured live music and entertainment, food and drink stalls, and a Christmas market.
Unfortunately, the York Christmas Festival and switch-on event were cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the city was still lit up for Christmas, with a smaller display of lights in the city centre.
The York Christmas Festival and switch-on event returned in 2019, and was bigger and better than ever before. The event took place on 16th November, and was hosted by local celebrities and radio presenters.
The event began with a performance by the York Minster Choir, followed by speeches from the Lord Mayor of York and the CEO of Make It York. The lights were then switched on by a special guest, who was chosen by competition.
After the switch-on, there was a fireworks display over the River Ouse. The event also featured live music and entertainment, food and drink stalls, and a Christmas market.
The York Christmas Festival and switch-on event took place on 17th November 2018. The event was hosted by local celebrities and radio presenters.
The event began with a performance by the York Minster Choir, followed by speeches from the Lord Mayor of York and the CEO of Make It York. The lights were then switched on by a special guest, who was chosen by competition.
After the switch-on, there was a fireworks display over the River Ouse. The event also featured live music and entertainment, food and drink stalls, and a Christmas market.
