Published: Thursday, 16th September 2021

Christmas is officially returning to Warwick district, with all four towns set to welcome people back into the town centres to switch on the lights and usher in the start of the festive season.

Taking place over the course of four evenings from 7 November to 5 December, Kenilworth, Leamington, Warwick and Whitnash will each host their switch-on events with a fantastic selection of entertainment, music, food and seasonal stalls.

Leamington will be the first to host its 'Big Light Switch On' on Sunday 7 November, celebrating Diwali, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab and starting the countdown to Christmas. The Myton Hospice Tree of Light will be switched on outside the Town Hall at 4.30pm, followed by the main lights at 5.15pm. The Yuletide market will be in the town from 1pm.

Warwick’s popular Victorian Evening returns on Thursday 25 November. Starting from 12pm with a Victorian market, the rides and entertainment will begin at 5pm with the lights being switched on at 7pm.

Kenilworth will be spreading its festivities across the town on Friday 26 November with both the High Street and Warwick Road lights illuminating both parts of the town on the same evening. Starting at 5pm, both sets of lights will be switched on at 6pm with the events wrapping up at 8pm.

Residents of Whitnash will be celebrating the return of the Christmas festivities on Sunday 5 December. The event is held outside The Plough & Harrow pub in the town and starts at 4pm with stalls, food, entertainment and an appearance by Father Christmas. The lights being switched on at 6pm.

There was a brief hiatus in 2020 as the light switch-on events went virtual with ‘Light Up the District’, which saw over 1,600 residents tune in from home to see the lights switched on, with performances from popular characters that are a regular feature at local business Enchanted Tea Rooms.

Councillor John Cooke, Portfolio Holder for Place and Economy, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming residents back to our town centre switch-on events. These are a staple part of the festive season, where friends and families come together to mark the start of Christmas.

“Not only do these events provide a sense of community, but they are also a great support for our local businesses so get the dates in your diaries now and get ready to light up the district.”

The Council will continue to implement the current public health guidance in place at the time.

You can keep up to date with all of the events on the Council’s website: www.warwickdc.gov.uk/events

Leamington Christmas lights

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