Light up Chichester 2025
Organised by : Chichester Business Improvement District (BID)
Light Up Chichester 2025 celebrating the city's Christmas Lights Switch On
One of the most magical days of the year in Chichesters festive calendar returns on Saturday 22 November, as Light Up Chichester brings the city to life with twinkling lights, live performances, delicious food, and seasonal cheer. From 10am to 6pm, the streets will be brimming with Christmas spirit culminating in the grand Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm, followed by a fabulous After Party taking place at various venues across the city!
A full day of festive fun
East Street, North Street and The Cross will set the scene for a city-wide celebration packed with entertainment, family fun and irresistible festive treats. The Pop-Up Food and Drink Market on East Street (10am6pm) will feature 18 stalls serving everything from warming mulled cider and rich hot chocolate to sizzling street food and indulgent sweet treats.
City centre favourites including George & Dragon, The Chantry, Hoxton Bakehouse, The Escapist, Crafty Bishop, The Ivy, Robins Nest Coffee Shop, Flapjackery and The Sweet Jar will be joined by other artisans offering fresh samosas, baklava, Turkish delight, fudge, crepes, chestnuts, and more a true feast for the senses.
Throughout the day, V2 Radio will be broadcasting live from East Street, capturing all the excitement and festive buzz as the city counts down to the big moment.
Sparkling entertainment for all ages
North Street will be the heart of the festive entertainment, with a packed schedule of live performances outside the Assembly Rooms from 12.00pm to 5:30pm, alongside snow flutter effects and visual projections to set the scene.
From local choirs and dance schools to steel pan music and community groups, theres something for everyone to enjoy:
- 12:00 - 1:00pm Big Noise (also performing on East Street)
- 1:00 - 1:30pm Arabesque Dance School
- 1:30 - 2:00pm RG Steel Pan Band
- 2:00 - 2:30pm Dance and Beyond
- 2:30 - 3:00pm Steel Pan Band
- 3:00 - 3:30pm Rock Choir
- 3:30 - 4:00pm Stagecoach
- 4:00 - 4:30pm Prebendal School Choir
- 4:30 - 4:55pm Festive tunes from Showmen Events leading up to the switch-on
You might also spot the LED stilt walkers bringing a little extra sparkle to the streets with performances at 3:15pm and 5:00pm as they roam North and East Street.
The magical moment
As dusk falls, families are invited to gather outside the Assembly Rooms for the highlight of the day the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5:00pm. The countdown begins just before 5pm, when elves from Chichester Festival Theatres grotto and two local heroes will take centre stage to light up the city and officially mark the start of the festive season.
As the lights twinkle across Chichester and the streets glow with warmth and laughter, its a moment that captures the true magic of Christmas in our city.
The celebrations continue Light Up Chichester: The After Party
The fun doesnt end when the lights come on! Once again, venues across Chichester will be keeping the celebrations going into the evening with Light Up Chichester: The After Party.
Expect live music, mulled wine, mince pies and festive entertainment hosted by some of the citys favourite hospitality spots. Its the perfect way to round off a day of community spirit and Christmas cheer and a wonderful reminder of why Chichester shines so brightly at this time of year.
Click here for full details of the Light Up Chichester After Party venues.
