You know it’s Christmas season when you start seeing the festive light displays. They seem to get better and better each year. If you want to be one of the first to see the lights, then you need to go to a Christmas Light Switch On.
In this post, we will share details on the best Christmas Light Switch Ons in Norfolk.
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What is a Christmas Light Switch On?
Many towns and villages spend a lot of time, effort, and money on their Christmas decorations. The Christmas Light Switch On is an event where they debut the current year’s lights to the public. Sometimes it will also include fireworks, stalls, and other family-friendly activities.
Best Christmas Light Switch Ons in Norfolk
You have several Christmas Light Switch Ons to choose from in Norfolk. The good news is that you don’t have to choose just one.
If you are unable to make the date for the Switch On, you can always see the light display another night. Most will be up until at least New Year’s Day.
You might also want to read about other Christmas events in Norfolk.
Note: Some details for the 2024 Christmas Lights Switch Ons have not been released. This will be noted at TBC and updated once I have more information.
Norwich
When: 14 November
St Peter’s Street by City Hall will be the place to start the Christmas season with Norwich’s Festive Lights Switch-On event. Owen Evans from The Nimmo Twins, who will be the panto dame in Aladdin at Norwich Theatre Royal this season will officially switch on the lights at at 19:00. Unfortunately there won’t be any Tunnel of Light again this year.
Starting from 17:30, you can enjoy performances from local artists like YouTube star Leon Mallett, pop singer Juliet, and a Christmas disco from The Catton Grove Allstars. There will also be festive fun with Triple Threat Theatre, Framtastics Gymnastics, and a visit from Father Christmas.
After the lights go on, the celebration will continue on Gentleman’s Walk, with a brass band playing seasonal favourites, late-night shopping at Norwich Market, and a funfair.
Get more details here.
Be sure to also read our suggestions for things to do in Norwich at Christmas.
Holt
When: 15 November
The Holt Christmas Lights switch-on will look a bit different this year. “Festive Holt” promises an expanded celebration of community spirit and Christmas cheer across the entire weekend. The event will start on Friday at 15:00, the focus will be on the shops, eateries, and businesses of Holt creating a welcoming, festive atmosphere. While there won’t be a formal countdown or central stage, the lights will come on at dusk.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy late-night shopping, seasonal activities, and competitions, like The Mulling Cup, which will crown Holt’s most welcoming food and drink establishment. Holt Community Centre will be the heart of the event, offering activities like a children’s magic show, a Christmas craft workshop, and a toy swap shop. Local organisations such as Holt Brownies, the WI, and the Friends of Holt Community Primary School will run various stalls and activities to raise funds for community causes, including teddy tombolas, hamper raffles, and carol singing.
Get more information here.
Burnham Market
When: 16 November
The Burnham Market Christmas Lights Switch-On is set to transform The Green into a festive wonderland beginning at 13:00 and leading up to the lights switch-on at 17:00. Throughout the day, families can enjoy a visit to Santa’s Grotto, where children will receive a special gift, and have fun with the giant snow dome, fairground rides, and various stalls. Carol singers will provide entertainment, and there will be festive food and drink, including mulled wine and a hog roast. For those looking to do some Christmas shopping, The Hoste will host an indoor festive market with unique local gifts.
Learn more here.
Gorleston
When: 17 November
Head to Gorleston High Street for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, a family-friendly event packed with festive fun starting at 12:00. With live entertainment throughout the day, it’s a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit while exploring the High Street.
For a bit of adventure, take part in the Elf Trail, a fun activity where participants search for missing letters to uncover a hidden Christmas item. As the highlight of the evening approaches, gather near the Palace Cinema for a spectacular firework display at 18:00.
Get more information here.
*Also read about more things to do in Gorleston here.
Great Yarmouth
When: 22 November
The Great Yarmouth Christmas Lights and Fireworks event starts at 17:00 in the Market Place. Harbour Radio will host an array of live music, choirs, and dance performances leading up to the big moment: the Christmas lights switch-on by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth at 19:00. Right after, a rooftop firework display will light up the sky to celebrate the start of the season.
Many town centre shops will stay open late until 20:00 and you can also enjoy the first day of the Great Yarmouth Christmas Fayre at Great Yarmouth Minster.
Get more details here.
Mundesley
When: 24 November
Mundesley’s festive event promises to light up the town. Enjoy live music as the sun sets, browse craft stalls for unique gifts, try delicious treats from food stalls and a licensed bar, and much more. The lights switch on at 17:00.
Get more information here.
King’s Lynn
When: 24 November
Get ready for holiday fun in King’s Lynn! The day kicks off with family activities and children’s lantern making at The Place in New Conduit Street from 12:00 to 16:00. Enjoy street entertainment and live music on the borough council stage in the Tuesday Market Place. Food, drink, and stocking filler stalls are open all day. The highlight is the lantern parade at 16:20, ending in the Tuesday Market Place. The Mayor, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson will switch on the Christmas lights at 17:00.
Get the details here.
Attleborough
When: 24 November
The festive celebrations kick off with a lively Christmas Carnival at 1:00pm, leading up to the grand lights switch-on at 4:15pm in Queen’s Square. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food stalls, browse unique market stands, and enjoy fairground rides.
Get more details here.
Downham Market
When: 24 November
The annual switching on of the Christmas lights will take place in the town centre at 16:30. While you are waiting for the lights, you can enjoy the community stalls, festive food, live music, fairgrounds rides and games, and a free visit Santa in his grotto starting at 13:00.
Get details here.
Dereham
When: 24 November
The Dereham Christmas Light Switch is fun for the whole family. There will be stalls, entertainment, fair rides and more. The lights will be switched on at 16:30. You can also visit Santa in the Assembly Rooms from 13:30.
Get more information here.
Hoveton & Wroxham
When: 29 November
Hoveton & Wroxham are hosting their first ever Christmas Light Switch on this year! Santa will be there to ensure it’s a magical evening.
Get more information here.
Aylsham
When: 29 November
Experience the magic of the Aylsham Christmas Light Switch-On at Aylsham Town Hall, Market Place, and Red Lion Street! Enjoy festive stalls, live music, delicious food and drink, and Santa’s grotto. It all starts at 17:00, with the lights switching on at 18:00.
Get more information here.
Swaffham
When: 29 November
Swaffham will have a Christmas market with a variety of craft and food stalls, a funfair, and live entertainment. Santa will also be there to meet children and their families.
Get more information here.
Thetford
When: 29 November
Father Christmas will make an appearance at Thetford Riverside at 17:30. There will be photo opportunities around town, and market stalls selling Christmas treats and crafts leading up to the switch on at 18:30.
Get more information here.
*Also read about more things to do in Thetford.
Wells-Next-the-Sea
When: 30 November
The Christmas celebrations actually start on Friday 29th November with carols, mulled wine, and more in the Buttlands. On Saturday, the lights are switched on and Santa will arrive in the Quay by boat. He will head to the his grotto in Wells Maltings to see the children. It’s all capped off with fireworks.
Get more information here.
Harleston
When: 30 November
Harleston is set for a festive day filled with Christmas cheer, featuring a bustling market, Santa’s Grotto, and plenty of stalls offering seasonal food and drink. The highlight of the event will be the Christmas Tree lights switch-on, led by a local celebrity. The festivities run from 12:00 to 19:00.
Get more details here.
North Walsham
When: 30 November
Please check for detailed information about the timing of the light switch on in North Walsham in the Market Place closer to the date. In past years, there has also been be food, gifts stalls and children’s rides too.
Find out more details here.
Fakenham
When: 30 November
The Fakenham Christmas Fayre is a family filled day of seasonal celebrations! In addition to the town lights switch on, there will be stalls (starting at 10:00), music, entertainment (from around 13:00), and food.
Get more details here.
Sheringham
When: 1 December
Festive live music will fill Sheringham High Street from noon, setting the tone for the day’s celebrations. Santa visits begin at 13:00 at Sheringham Little Theatre (£5 per child) and there are other festive events leading up to the big moment at 17:00 with the lights coming on. If you want to see the light switch on, gather around the Town Clock.
Get more details here.
Hunstanton
When: 1 December
Christmas arrives in Hunstanton with a food and gift fayre inside the Town Hall. There will also be live music from local bands and schools along with rides and more holiday delights including the West Norfolk Food & Drink Festival on the High Street. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 17:00.
Get details here.
Cromer
When: 7 December
Cromer hosts one of the largest switch ons in Norfolk which includes a Christmas Tree Festival, Street Market, Santa’s Grotto, and street entertainers.
If you would like to join in the torchlight parade, then gather at North Lodge Park. The parade will head off towards the churchyard at 16:30. The lights (including their lighted arch) will be switched on about 17:00.
Get all the details on the Cromer Christmas Festival Facebook page here.
Diss
When: 7 December
Head to Diss Market Place for an afternoon of festive fun for everyone. Enjoy a variety of performers including headline act Will Power! There will also be a parade down Mere Street, Santa’s grotto, a small funfair and the Christmas Lights switch-on at 18:00!
Get the details here.
More Ideas for Christmas in Norfolk
You might also want to read:
Best Christmas Markets in Norfolk