Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights Switch-on and Lantern Parade

The Trowbridge Christmas Lights Switch On 2026 promises to be a truly festive and enjoyable evening for the whole family. This year the event will be held on Friday 27th November in Trowbridge Town Park. 

The highlight of the event will be a spectacular lantern parade. With the theme of The Natural World, a multitude of exquisite willow lanterns will be paraded through Trowbridge Park. 

The lights will be switched on by the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card competition. Lights will be up around the town as in previous years and the switch-on will turn lights on in the town and Trowbridge Park simultaneously. Alongside the switch-on this year there will be a Christmassy DJ set and snow machine! 

Food and beverage traders will be in the Avenue of Trees and the Christmas Market will be in the Civic, so there will be plenty to get you in the festive spirit. 

Schedule to follow!

Free Lantern Workshops

Want to join in with the lantern parade? Join one of our workshops to make your own lantern! Workshops will be held in the Trowbridge Museum on the following dates: 10:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-3:30pm on Friday 23rd and Wednesday 28th October. 

Workshops are free to attend and suitable for adults and children aged 8 years and above. Workshops can be booked here.

Please Note: Lanterns cannot be held at the museum and will need to be taken home with you at the end of your session. Groups and organisations will need to transport lanterns to the parade themselves.

Free Lantern Kits

If you can’t attend a workshop, you can collect a lantern making kit from the Information Centre, The Civic Centre, St Stephen’s Place BA14 8AH, Monday – Friday 9:00-4:30pm. Follow the instruction guide and handy video below so you can make your lantern at home! Kits will include willow and tissue paper only, PVA glue and tape will not be provided.

Lantern kits will be available to collect from Wednesday 14th October.

There are no bookings or reservations available for kits, there will be a limited number of kits available, and these will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Kits are free, but a donation to the mayor’s charity is encouraged. Kits are for individuals only with a maximum of 5 kits per person.

Free Materials for Local Schools and organisations that work with children

We are offering free willow and tissue paper to local schools and organisations that work with children to make lanterns which children can display at the parade! Schools will receive approximately 15 lengths of 6-foot willow and a pack of wet-strength tissue paper to be used to create a lantern or multiple lanterns to join in with our Lantern Parade.

If you would like to book free materials, please contact events@trowbridge.gov.uk