Christmas festivities in Swindon are about to get underway with grottos, markets and more, so here are all the events you can't miss.
Although the official countdown to Christmas doesn't begin until December 1, in Swindon celebrations are due to begin from mid-November.
“We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this year’s Christmas season the busiest and best Swindon has seen for years," said Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, of Swindon Borough Council.
“I’m excited for the town to become a hive of festive activity and I can’t wait to see people enjoy the new town centre Christmas market and all the lights and colours at this dark time of the year.
“We know not everyone celebrates Christmas, but our hope is that the variety of events will bring people together and bring joy to everyone’s family, friends and local community.”
Flash Sale!🌟
— Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) November 1, 2024
Get closer to Swindon's stories with The Swindon Advertiser
Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80% fewer ads.
Subscribe now for a seamless news experience - https://t.co/ayrpkI4RBy#StayInformed pic.twitter.com/0RPJk3hDqF
Light switch-ons
Located next to the Cenotaph in the town centre, the switch-on will see Swindon’s very own Dame, David Ashley, press the button to illuminate the town in festive lights.
The event will also include performances by Swindon Dance, the Salvation Army and Rhythmix Goa, all hosted by the local community radio station Swindon 105.5.
Following the switch-on, a lantern parade will pass through the town from the Cenotaph to the Brunel Shopping Centre, where children will be encouraged to post their letters to Father Christmas.
In Old Town, the lights will be switched on a day later at the Old Town Christmas Festival held on Victoria Road on Sunday, November 24.
The event will run from midday to 6pm and include performances by Swindon's own The Voice finalists Billy and Louie.
A Christmas light switch-on will also be held at Lydiard Park on Friday, November 29, from 4.30pm to 6pm.
This event marks the start of Lydiard Park’s festive programme, which includes ghost stories and carols by candlelight.
Christmas markets
The market, run by LSD Promotions, will offer stalls selling unique gifts, food and drink, as well as live music and entertainment.
This will be open 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, or from 10am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Santa's Grotto
The Brunel Shopping Centre will host Santa's Grotto from Saturday, November 16 until Christmas Eve, and opening times are available on the Brunel's website.
A Christmas post box will also allow children to post their wishlists to the North Pole.
Other events
Christmas at STEAM will take place at the STEAM Museum on December 7 and 8, and will include an appearance from Santa who will read children a Christmas story and present them with a gift.
A special showing of The Snowman with the music performed live with Aldbourne Band at STEAM on the 14 December.
In Old Town, South Swindon Parish Council is once again running its annual Enchanted Gardens Light Trail at the Town Gardens from Friday 29 November.
More information about the trail and how to book can be found here.
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/
As a digital subscriber, you will get:
- Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website
- Advert-light access
- Reader rewards
- Full access to our app
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel