2016 Christmas light switch-ons for Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Sunday November 20, 2016

The Big Switch on will run until around 6pm and the lights themselves will be turned on at 5pm in Market Square. There will be entertainment throughout the day with community performances from local dance, music and theatre groups. There will also be entertainment in the Lion Yard, Grand Arcade & Grafton Centre throughout the afternoon.

Ely, Cambridgeshire

Friday November 25, 2016

Ely Market Place. Live acts, stalls and a craft fair.

Acts start at 4pm and the lights are turned on at 6.45pm.

Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Sunday November 27, 2016

The Harpenden Christmas Carnival. The event is held in conjunction with the monthly Farmer’s Market. Acts on stage from 12 noon. Procession runs along the High Street at 3pm, and the lights are switched on at 5pm.

Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Saturday November 19, 2016

Santa and Hagrid will appear at Hatfield’s Christmas lights event. There will be fun fair rides, street entertainers and the chance to meet Father Christmas. The fun, in Hatfield town centre, starts at 1pm and the lights will be switched on around 5pm.

Hitchin, Hertfordshire

Friday November 25, 2016

Market Place. 4pm-8pm. Switch-on at 6.15pm.

Various entertainment will also be put on during the day, from bands playing music to stalls for people to do their Christmas shopping.

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Sunday November 20, 2016

Taking place at Market Square, Huntingdon Community Radio FM will be linking the various activities and introducing local acts. Children can visit the stable and feed the animals, plus browse stalls and enjoy fairground rides. The event takes place from 1pm-5.30pm.

Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire

Sunday December 4, 2016

Outside the Town Hall

5pm - 8pm. Lights switch-on 5-6pm.

The switch-on in Godmanchester will include a Christmas market, Harmonia Singers, carol singing, fund and games, mulled wine, cakes and hot refreshments and more.

Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire

Saturday November 26, 2016

Letchworth Town Centre

3pm - 8pm

Enjoy live performances, a Christmas market and get to meet Santa. There will also be a fireworks display.

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Saturday November 19, 2016

1pm - 7pm

Cathedral Square

A packed programme of entertainment is planned. The switch-on will take place at 5pm.

Saffron Walden, Essex

Friday December 2, 2016

8.30am-8.30pm

Market Square

Late night shopping and charity stalls will take place in the square at 5.30pm-8.30pm. The lights will be switched on at 6pm.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Sunday November 27, 2016

The Christmas lights switch-on is the culmination of an afternoon of entertainment starting at 12 noon. Local groups and acts will be performing live on the stage throughout the afternoon. There will also be a small market with traders selling festive and seasonal goods and a food arena with local restaurants and professional caterers providing festive feasts. Families can also visit Father Christmas at Santa’s Grotto.

Ramsey, Cambridgeshire

Saturday November 26, 2016

9am-6.30pm

There will be a whole host of entertainment from local groups, schools, including charity stalls and a Christmas Fayre. A children’s party will take place between 2.30pm-4pm and the evening entertainment will start at 5.30pm. The lights will be switched on at 6.30pm.

St Neots, Cambridgeshire

Sunday November 27, 2016

12noon-6pm

Market Square

There will be a Christmas market, children’s craft area, and a fireworks finale. Guests can also enjoy a fun fair and live performances from local bands and performance groups. Lights will be switched on at 5pm.

Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Thursday November 24, 2016

The main event starts at 4pm. Lots of Hertfordshire talent will be a part of the event, with Heather Small headlining. Lights are switched on at 6.30pm.

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The lights will be switched on outside the steps from the Howard Centre entrance. There will be lots of fun for the family with music and entertainment on offer. Festivities start at 3pm with the lights switch on at 6.30pm.