Christmas Lights Switch-Ons in & Around West Berkshire 2026
Updated: 49 minutes ago
Your guide to the most magical Christmas light switch-ons in Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford and beyond!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
There's nothing quite like the excitement of watching the Christmas lights being switched on, wrapping up warm, enjoying a hot chocolate and soaking up that festive atmosphere with the family.
From twinkling Christmas trees and visits from Father Christmas to festive markets, carol singing and even guaranteed snow, there are some wonderful Christmas celebrations taking place across West Berkshire this November and December.
Thursday 12th November 2026
📍 Yattendon, Berkshire
🕕 Lights switch-on: 6pm
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to the beautiful village of Yattendon as it celebrates the start of the Christmas season.
A lovely opportunity to enjoy some Christmas cheer in a picturesque Berkshire village.
Saturday 14th November 2026
📍 Newbury Town Centre
🕘 Festivities from 9am
💡 Lights switch-on: 6:30pm
Newbury is kicking off Christmas in style with a full day of festive entertainment in the town centre!
Head into town to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, soak up the entertainment and celebrate the start of the festive season.
The highlight of the day will be the Christmas lights switch-on at 6:30pm, when Newbury's magnificent Christmas tree and town centre lights will illuminate the evening.
With festivities running throughout the day, it's a great excuse to make a day of it, explore the shops, grab something delicious to eat and enjoy the Christmas magic.
Saturday 28th November 2026
📍 Thatcham Town Centre
💡 Lights switch-on: 6pm
Thatcham is pulling out all the stops for its Christmas lights switch-on this year, with a fantastic selection of festive activities and entertainment for the whole family.
There's plenty to look forward to, including:
Local choirs and live music
Santa and his sleigh
Guaranteed snow!
Street entertainment
Festive food and drink
Community and gift stalls
Children's crafts
Activities at the library
Christmas Tree Festival at the United Reformed Church
Best Dressed Window competition
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm, bringing some festive sparkle to Thatcham.
With so much happening, this is definitely one to pop in the family calendar!
5th December 2026
📍 Chieveley Village Hall, Chieveley
💡 Lights switch-on: 4:45pm-7:00pm
Chieveley will be celebrating the festive season with its Christmas Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Expect a lovely village atmosphere, with local craft and food stalls and the chance to enjoy a little Christmas shopping before the tree lighting ceremony.
A wonderful way to support local makers and businesses while enjoying some festive fun.
Keep an eye out for the confirmed date and further details.
Sunday 29th November 2026
📍 Hungerford Town Hall Steps, High Street
🕓 Entertainment from 4pm
💡 Lights switch-on: 5pm
Hungerford always looks particularly lovely at Christmas, and its annual lights switch-on is a wonderful way to welcome the festive season.
Head to the Town Hall Steps for an afternoon of Christmas cheer, with performances from the Hungerford Town Band and Hungerford Primary School Choir.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm, illuminating the town and creating a lovely festive atmosphere.
Why not make an afternoon of it and explore Hungerford's independent shops and cafés while you are there?
A Little Further Afield
Fancy venturing slightly further for some Christmas magic? Here are a couple more festive events worth adding to your calendar.
Saturday 14th November 2026
📍 Reading Town Centre
💡 Lights switch-on: 5pm
Reading will be celebrating the start of the festive season with its Christmas lights switch-on.
A great option if you're planning a little Christmas shopping alongside some festive family fun.
Friday 4th December 2026
📍 Wantage Market Place
🕓 4pm–9pm
Step back in time and enjoy a wonderfully traditional Christmas celebration at Wantage's Dickensian Evening.
With festive market stalls, carols, music and entertainment, this popular annual event is a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit.
The town's Christmas lights add to the magical atmosphere.
Friday 11th December 2026
📍 Hungerford High Street
🕔 Festivities from 5pm
🎉 Parade at 7:30pm
Although Hungerford's Christmas lights will already be shining, the Victorian Extravaganza is another festive event you won't want to miss!
This much-loved Christmas celebration transforms Hungerford into a wonderfully festive Victorian scene.
Look forward to traditional entertainment, market stalls, fairground rides, a visit from Santa and the spectacular evening parade.
It's a fantastic event for families and a lovely way to experience the magic of Christmas in one of West Berkshire's prettiest towns.
Please note: Dates and times may be subject to change. We recommend checking with organisers before travelling, particularly for events with details still to be confirmed.
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