Fareham Borough Council will once again be welcoming guests to its annual Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday 21 November 2026.

Taking place in Fareham town centre from 10am-7pm, there will be something for all the family including fun fair rides, delicious festive food and drink, gift stalls and stage and walkabout performers to delight the crowds.

There will be plenty of free children’s activities, and we are delighted to confirm that Father Christmas himself will be making a special appearance at this year’s event!

There will also be a community stage, and the Council is currently looking for performers for timed slots throughout the day. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in performing, please contact leisure@fareham.gov.uk.

The Christmas market will once again be brought to you by Funyard Events and if you are interested in being a stallholder, please find more information at: www.funyardevents.com. The Courtyard unit in Fareham Shopping Centre will also host an indoor market featuring a range of stalls offering stocking fillers, crafts, food and gifts.

The countdown to the lights switch on will be at 5:30pm under the town centre band stand and the Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Tina Ellis, and her Mayor’s Consort, Cllr Robert Ellis, will do the honours this year, alongside Father Christmas and some of Fareham Live’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime cast.

Sponsorship options are still available for the event and to find out more visit: www.fareham.gov.uk/sponsorship.

Councillor Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community at Fareham Borough Council, said: “The Fareham Christmas Lights Switch On is our biggest event of the year, attracting thousands of visitors. It’s a real treat for everyone with so much to see and do, and I really encourage Fareham residents to come along. It’s a real honour to be at the Christmas Lights switch on alongside Father Christmas himself and Fareham Live’s pantomime cast, and I can’t wait”

Further details about this event and more can be found at www.fareham.gov.uk/events.