Where To See Christmas Lights Switch Ons In Bucks 2026
2026-11-03T18:13:39Z
There’s something rather lovely about the moment Buckinghamshire switches into Christmas mode. One minute you’re scraping frost off the car, the next you’re clutching a mulled wine, listening to a brass band and watching a town centre burst into twinkling lights.
And thankfully, we have plenty of that to look forward to this year.
From the big festive celebrations in High Wycombe and Aylesbury to smaller village gatherings, Christmas lights switch-ons are one of the best excuses to get out, support local businesses and embrace a little seasonal magic.
We’ve rounded up the Buckinghamshire Christmas lights switch-ons and festive lighting events happening in 2026, including dates, timings and what to expect. So dig out the scarf, find the Christmas playlist and start making plans.
14 November – High Wycombe
High Wycombe gets the festive celebrations underway with a full day of Christmas entertainment in the town centre.
Running from 12 noon until 7pm, the event takes place around the High Street, with live music, street entertainment, children’s rides, food trucks and, naturally, a visit from Father Christmas.
A good one to make an afternoon of, particularly if you fancy getting some Christmas shopping done while you’re there.
When: Saturday 14 November, 12pm–7pm.
Where: High Wycombe town centre.
19 November – Marlow
Marlow always knows how to do Christmas rather well, and this year’s switch-on has a particularly tasty addition.
Taking place on Thursday 19 November, festivities begin at 6pm, with the official switch-on at 6.30pm. Celebrity chef Atul Kochhar will be doing the honours, while snow machines and festive entertainment help transform the High Street into a rather magical little winter scene.
Do bear in mind that the High Street will be closed and parking suspended between 3.30pm and 8pm, so plan your journey accordingly.
When: Thursday 19 November, from 6pm. Switch-on at 6.30pm.
Where: Marlow High Street.
20 November – Chesham
Chesham’s Christmas celebrations arrive on Friday 20 November, with an evening of festive entertainment in the High Street and Market Square.
Running from 6pm until 9pm, the event includes a Christmas market, food stalls, fairground rides and live music. There’s also a Santa’s grotto at Chapter Two, which should keep the little ones suitably occupied.
The official lights switch-on is scheduled for 6.25pm.
When: Friday 20 November, 5pm–9pm. Switch-on at 6.25pm.
Where: Chesham High Street and Market Square.
22 November – Aylesbury
Aylesbury’s Christmas on the Cobbles is one of the bigger festive dates in the Buckinghamshire calendar, and there’s plenty packed into this year’s event.
Taking place on Sunday 22 November, the celebrations run from midday until 6pm, with market stalls, fairground rides, workshops, family entertainment and a visit from Santa.
The highlight is the illuminated parade, which takes place between 5pm and 6pm, followed by the Christmas lights switch-on and fireworks.
An excellent excuse to spend a Sunday afternoon in town – just expect it to be busy.
When: Sunday 22 November, 12pm–6pm. Parade from 5pm.
Where: Aylesbury town centre, including Market Square and Kingsbury.
26 November – Buckingham
Buckingham’s Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Thursday 26 November, with festivities centred around The Old Gaol and the town centre.
Running from approximately 4pm until 7pm, the evening includes choir performances, food and drink, market and charity stalls, a fairground ride and plenty of festive entertainment.
The Mayor and winners of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition will be doing the honours when it comes to switching on the lights.
A lovely community-focused way to kick off the Christmas season.
When: Thursday 26 November, approximately 4pm–7pm.
Where: The Old Gaol and Buckingham town centre.
26 November – Winslow
Also taking place on Thursday 26 November is Winslow’s Christmas Fair.
The Market Square will be the centre of the festivities, with Christmas stalls, food, drinks and children’s fairground rides. Winslow Fire Station will also be opening its doors, with a fire engine display and activities for budding firefighters.
It’s a slightly different take on the traditional Christmas switch-on, with plenty of community spirit thrown in.
When: Thursday 26 November, 5pm–9pm.
Where: Winslow Market Square.
28 November – Amersham-on-the-Hill
Amersham-on-the-Hill’s Christmas Festival takes place on Saturday 28 November, bringing a day of festive fun to Sycamore Road.
The celebrations run from 10am until 5pm, with the Christmas tree lights being switched on at 4.30pm.
Expect live music, children’s fairground rides, indoor and outdoor markets, and a free Santa’s grotto running from midday until 4pm. There will also be carols around the Christmas tree.
A good one for families, particularly if you want to get into the Christmas spirit before December arrives.
When: Saturday 28 November, 10am–5pm. Switch-on at 4.30pm.
Where: Sycamore Road, Amersham-on-the-Hill.
28 November Flackwell Heath – Christmas On The Heath
Flackwell Heath Residents’ Association organises the village’s annual Christmas celebrations, including the traditional Christmas tree lights switch-on.
It’s a proper community affair, with local involvement at the heart of it. The village’s children have traditionally played a part in the tree-lighting ceremony.
The 2026 date and timings are still to be confirmed.
28 November – Princes Risborough
Princes Risborough is also getting into the festive spirit on Saturday 28 November.
The town’s Christmas lights switch-on is organised by Princes Risborough Town Council, with festivities taking place on the High Street.
A lovely opportunity to support the town’s local businesses and enjoy a traditional community Christmas celebration.
When: Saturday 28 November, 3pm–6pm.
Where: Princes Risborough High Street.
28 November – Wendover
Wendover’s Christmas celebrations also fall on Saturday 28 November, with an evening event planned around Manor Waste and the High Street.
Running from 5pm until 8pm, the festivities include a Christmas market with gifts, crafts, food and drink, alongside the all-important Christmas lights switch-on.
A lovely excuse to visit Wendover, browse the stalls and enjoy a festive evening in the village.
When: Saturday 28 November, 5pm–8pm.
Where: Manor Waste and High Street, Wendover.
2 December – Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield’s Festival of Lights is a little different from your standard Christmas lights switch-on.
Taking place on Wednesday 2 December, the New Town will be filled with festive activity, including a lantern procession from Davenies School, a marching band, Santa and lanterns carried by local schoolchildren.
There will also be live entertainment, Christmas market stalls, food and drink.
It’s a lovely community event, and the lantern procession should make for a particularly atmospheric evening.
When: Wednesday 2 December. Full timings to be confirmed.
Where: Beaconsfield New Town, including Council Green and Gregories Road.
5 December Bourne End – Christmas Fun Night
Bourne End’s annual Fun Night is another one to watch.
Organised by the local community, the event traditionally includes Christmas festivities and a children’s Christmas light competition, alongside the switch-on.
The 2026 date hasn’t yet been confirmed, so keep an eye on the organisers’ Facebook page for an announcement.
