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 2025 Christmas Lights Switch Ons have not been released. This will be noted at TBC and updated once I have more information.
Holt
When: 14 November
Head to Holt where the Christmas lights will come on at half past three, and the shops are keeping their doors wide open till 19:00 or 20:00 for a proper late-night spree! There will also be fundraising games, entertainment, and activities around town, along with delicious food stalls in Bakers’ Yard.
Get more information here.
Burnham Market
When: 15 November (provisional date)
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.
Learn more here.
Norwich
When: 20 November
St Peter’s Street by City Hall will be the place to start the Christmas season with Norwich’s favourite panto actor Joe Tracini who will lead the celebration. They 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, there will performances from local artists to keep you entertained plus interactive fun including a snowball fight, Father Christmas on stage, and a visit from the Norwich Grinch. Norwich Market will stay open late with entertainment from Hellesdon Brass Band, plus an illuminated DJ set from Damien Sure Delight at The Canopy of Light on Hay Hill.
Get more details here.
Be sure to also read our suggestions for things to do in Norwich at Christmas.
Great Yarmouth
When: 21 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 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.
Wells-Next-the-Sea
When: 22 November
Santa will arrive in the Quay by boat and the lights will be switched on in Wells-next-the-sea. 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. See our short video from 2024 here to get an idea of what to expect.
King’s Lynn
When: 23 November
Get ready for holiday fun in King’s Lynn! It starts from 13:00 onwards with live music, a lantern parade, festive street entertainment plus a marquee with local food and drink traders on Tuesday Market Place.
Get the details here.
Aylsham
When: 28 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.
Thetford
When: 28 November
Thetford’s festivities are going to be a little different this year as Santa will be arriving in Thetford Market Square on a fabulous new mode of transport! There will also be a funfair, entertainment, 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.
Harleston
When: 28 November
This year, you have a chance to switch on the lights in Harleston if you complete the Elf Trail. In addition, there will also be live entertainment on the stage, delicious food and drink, face painting, and Santa’s Grotto.
Get more details 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.
North Walsham
When: 29 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: 29 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, and food.
Get more details here.
Attleborough
When: 29 November
The festive celebrations kick off with a lively Christmas Carnival at 14:00, leading up to the grand lights switch-on at 17:30pm. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food stalls, browse unique market stands, meet Father Christmas, and enjoy fairground rides.
Get more details here.
Diss
When: 29 November
Head to Diss Market Place for an afternoon of festive fun for everyone. Enjoy a variety of performers including headline act Leon Mallett! 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.
Gorleston
When: 30 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. The lights go on at 17:00, then you will want to 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.
Mundesley
When: 30 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.
Downham Market
When: 30 November
Then the annual switching on of the Christmas lights will take place in the town centre at 16:30. Before the lights, you could enjoy the community stalls, festive food, live music, fairgrounds rides and games, and a free visit Santa in his grotto starting at 13:00 (advance booking recommended).
Get details here.
Dereham
When: 30 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.
Swaffham
When: 30 November
Swaffham will have a Christmas market with a variety of craft and food stalls, a funfair, lantern parade, and live entertainment. Santa will also be there to meet children and their families.
Get more information here.
Sheringham
When: 30 December
Celebrate the start of the festive season with the Sheringham Christmas Lights Switch On! The Hub at the Sheringham Little Theatre will decorated and they will be serving treats for all ages. At 16:30 the Salvation Army will be performing beloved Christmas carols before the winner of the Elf Competition is announced. Then Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz will entertain the crowd until the official light switch on at 17:00!
Get more details here.
Hunstanton
When: 30 November
It’s going to be a Winter Wonderland in Hunstanton. There will be live music from local bands and schools, indoor and outdoor stalls, donkeys, alpacas, kid rides and more holiday delights.
Get details here.
Thorpe St. Andrew
When: 30 November
Details to follow.
Get more information here.
Cromer
When: 6 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. Please gather around the high street at 15:45 as the lights will be switched on at 16:00
Get all the details on the Cromer Christmas Festival Facebook page here.
Wymondham Christmas Lights Switch On
When: 7 December
Wymondham is all set to sparkle this Christmas! They have an unforgettable light switch-on celebration planned with delicious food and drink, wonderful gifts, and all the fun of the fair. Enjoy festive music throughout the evening, and a very special visitor, Santa, will be making an appearance.
Get more information here.
More Ideas for Christmas in Norfolk
You might also want to read:
Best Christmas Markets in Norfolk