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 2023 Christmas Lights Switch Ons have not been released. This will be noted at TBC and updated once I have more information.
Norwich
When: 16 November
The new Norwich Christmas lights (without the beloved Tunnel of Light) will be switched on at 19:00. Millie O’Connell who will be playing the role of Sleeping Beauty in this year’s panto at Norwich Theatre Royal will do the honours.
The event will start at 5:30 and also include live song and dance entertainment, gymnastics displays, a funfair in Gentleman’s Walk, and a visit from Father Christmas. Norwich Market will be also be open until 20:00 so you can get your festive treats.
Get more details here.
Be sure to also read our suggestions for things to do in Norwich at Christmas.
Holt
When: 17 November
The official switch on in Holt is a big event! In addition to the lights, there will be live entertainment, street food, craft traders, Santa’s grotto, panto horse race, and a firework spectacular. This year’s MC is Olly Day, the host of the Cromer Pier Christmas Show.
The panto horse race is now into its eighth year, and will take place on Holt Hight Street ahead of the official switch on. You can watch on as fifteen+ panto horses run for the chance to grab the esteemed @Sowerbys Cup. These ‘panto’ horses are a three-piece composition made up of two-part horse, one-part handler all sponsored by Holt traders.
Since this event is popular we recommend booking the park and ride in advance. Get more information here.
Burnham Market
When: 18 November
The annual Christmas lights switch on coincides with a Christmas market with artisan and street food stalls. For 2023, there will be a Victorian theme. You can enjoy entertainment from the Burnham Church Choir and School Choir and there will be a funfair for the kids. The lights switch on at 17:15.
Learn more here.
Gorleston
When: 19 November
The Light Switch On in Gorleston happens at 17:00 There will also be more stalls along the High Street starting at 12:00 and a free firework display from the roof of the Palace Cinema at 18:00.
Get more information here.
*Also read about more things to do in Gorleston here.
Great Yarmouth
When: 24 November
The Great Yarmouth Christmas Light Switch-On happens on the first day of the Christmas Fayre and Christmas Market.
Harbour Radio will be hosting live music and entertainment on a distinctive double-decker bus stage located in the market square, starting at 17:00. The ceremonial lighting of the Christmas lights will be conducted at 19:00 by Her Worship the Mayor and special guests, followed by a large fireworks display launched from the rooftop of the Market Gates shopping centre. Numerous shops and stalls will extend their operating hours, remaining open until 20:00.
Get more details here.
Aylsham
When: 24 November
Experience the magic of the Aylsham Christmas Light Switch-On! Enjoy festive stalls, soul-stirring live music by Bill Downes, performances by Aylsham High School students and the Vocalights Choir, delicious food and drink, and Santa’s grotto.
You can also explore the Christmas tree festival at St. Michael’s Church and shop late for unique gifts. The revelry starts at 17:00, with the lights switching on at 18:00.
Get more information here.
Wells-Next-the-Sea
When: 25 November
The Christmas celebrations actually start on Friday 24th 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 in front of the Quay.
Get more information here.
Harleston
When: 25 November
Along with the Light Switch On, there will be a Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto, lots of stalls, food and drink. It runs from 12:00 to 19:00.
Get more details here.
North Walsham
When: 25 November
The Christmas lights in North Walsham in the Market Place will come on at 18:00. There will also be food, gifts stalls and children’s rides too.
Find out more details here.
Mundesley
When: 25 November
Mundesley’s festive event promises to light up the town. Enjoy live music as the sun sets, browse craft stalls for unique gifts, and try delicious treats from food stalls and a licensed bar. The lights switch on at 17:00, with Santa’s grotto opening at 14:00.
Get more information here.
King’s Lynn
When: 26 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 11:00 to 15:00. Enjoy street entertainment, including music from East Angles Brass Band, starting at 13:00. Live music on the borough council stage in the Tuesday Market Place at features Big Summer Blowout, St Martha’s School Choir, and headliners Bear Club. Food, drink, and stocking filler stalls are open all day.
Meet characters from Dick Whittington at the Alive Corn Exchange from 15:30, and enjoy Christmas hits and games with Simon Rowe from Radio West Norfolk. The highlight is the lantern parade at 16:15, ending in the Tuesday Market Place. The Mayor, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, assisted by Alive Panto characters, will switch on the Christmas lights at 17:00.
Get the details here.
Hunstanton
When: 26 November
Christmas arrives in Hunstanton with a Dickensian-themed Christmas Market in the High Street. There will also be live music from local bands and schools along with rides and more holiday delights.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 17:00.
Get details here.
Attleborough
When: 26 November
The fun starts with a Christmas Carnival at 13:00, then the light switch on is at 16:15 in Queens Square.
Get more details here.
Downham Market
When: 26 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 14:00.
Get details here.
Dereham
When: 26 November
The Dereham Christmas Light Switch is fun for the whole family. There will be stalls, entertainment, fair rides and more. Miss Dee Licious will switch on the lights at 16:30. You can also visit Santa in the Assembly Rooms from 13:30 and there is no booking required.
Get more information here.
Thetford
When: 1 December
Father Christmas will make an appearance at Thetford Riverside at 16:30. There will be photo opportunities around town, and market stalls selling Christmas treats and crafts leading up to the switch on at 18:15.
Get more information here.
*Also read about more things to do in Thetford.
Cromer
When: 2 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 at 16:30. The parade will head off towards the churchyard at 16:45. The lights (including their lighted arch) will be switched on about 17:45
Get all the details on the Cromer Christmas Festival Facebook page here.
Fakenham
When: 2 December
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), Santa’s grotto, music, entertainment (from around 13:00), and food.
Get more details here.
Diss
When: 2 December
Head to Diss Market Place for an afternoon of festive fun for everyone. Ben Langley will be the event compere. There will be live music, a parade down Mere Street, performers, comedy, stalls, Santa’s grotto, a small funfair and the Christmas Lights switch-on at 17:15!
Get the details here.
Sheringham
When: 3 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 Oddfellow’s Hall, where adults can enjoy complimentary mulled wine. Then, everyone is welcome to join the lantern parade starting from Oddfellows at 17:20. The festivities culminate at 18:00 with the lights coming on.
Get more details here.
Swaffham
When: 3 December
Swaffham will have a Christmas market with a variety of craft and food stalls, a funfair, and live entertainment from Fakenham Town Band. Santa will be there to meet children and their families in the Grotto in the Assembly Rooms, but you will need to book a time slot.
Get more information here.
Poringland
When: 3 December
More details for the Poringland Christmas Light Switch On coming soon here.
More Ideas for Christmas in Norfolk
You might also want to read:
Best Christmas Markets in Norfolk
