Christmas in Christchurch 2026: Market, Entertainment and Lights

Christchurch welcomes the festive season with a community celebration through the historic town centre.

The event traditionally brings together local traders, entertainment and family activities before the town’s Christmas lights are officially illuminated. Christchurch High Street, Saxon Square and the Old Town Hall area provide the main setting, with shops, cafés and restaurants also joining the seasonal atmosphere.

The 2026 celebration is planned for Saturday 28 November, with the lights switch on planned for 5.45pm

Christmas Market and Local Traders

Christchurch High Street will be closed to traffic for the celebrations, creating space for Christmas and artisan market stalls selling seasonal gifts, crafts and independent products.

Visitors can browse the stalls, discover local traders and enjoy festive food and drink while exploring the town centre.

Christchurch's independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants will also add to the atmosphere, making the event a lovely opportunity to support local businesses while getting into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Lights Switch-On and Laser Show

One of the biggest highlights of the celebration will be the official Christchurch Christmas lights switch-on at 5.45pm.

Before the countdown, visitors can enjoy a spectacular laser light show set to music at 5.30pm, bringing colour and excitement to the town centre.

The countdown will then mark the moment Christchurch's Christmas lights illuminate the High Street, officially welcoming the festive season.

Celebrations will continue afterwards, with live music from 6pm until the event finishes at 6.30pm.

Entertainment and Family Activities

• 2.30pm: Christmas celebrations begin

• 2.30pm - 5.30pm: Market stalls, music and family entertainment

• 5.30pm: Musical laser show

• 5.45pm: Official Christmas lights switch-on

• 6pm: Live music and dancing

• 6.30pm: Event finishes

Location

The event is expected to take place across central Christchurch, including areas around:

• Christchurch High Street
• The Old Town Hall
• Saxon Square

Central address: Old Town Hall, 30 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AY

Admission

The town-centre celebration and Christmas lights switch-on are free to attend.

Individual purchases from market traders, shops and food vendors will be charged separately.

Travel and Parking

Visitors travelling by public transport can reach Christchurch town centre from Christchurch railway station, approximately a 10-15-minute walk away. Local buses also serve stops near the High Street.

There is also good news for those planning to drive.

Free parking is available on Saturday 28 November 2026 from 8am until 8am on Sunday 29 November at participating council-run surface car parks.

Participating locations include:

• Saxon Square

• Wick Lane

• Bank Close

• Bypass Car Park

The offer does not extend to private car parks, including supermarket parking. Visitors should check car park notices and any applicable restrictions before leaving their vehicles.

With the High Street closed to traffic and larger crowds expected around the switch-on, arriving early or travelling by public transport may make the visit easier.

Accessibility

The High Street and Saxon Square are predominantly level and paved, although the event may become crowded at popular times.

Visitors with particular accessibility requirements should contact the organiser before attending and check the final event information for accessible parking, toilets and viewing arrangements.

Important Information

• Date: Saturday 28 November 2026

• Event time: 2.30pm - 6.30pm

• Laser show: 5.30pm

• Lights switch-on: 5.45pm

• Location: Christchurch High Street

• Admission: Free

• Road closure: High Street closed to traffic during the celebrations

• Organiser: Stir Events CIC on behalf of Christchurch Town Council

Event details and timings may change, so visitors are encouraged to check the latest official information before attending.

Official Information

Christchurch Town Council

Visit Christchurch

Christchurch BID