Ipswich town centre is set to sparkle as Ipswich Borough Council invites residents and visitors to gather on the Cornhill on Sunday 15 November for the much-loved Christmas Lights Switch-on evening.
This free, family-friendly event will take place from 4pm to 7.30pm and transform the heart of Ipswich with live music, seasonal entertainment and special guest appearances as the town officially welcomes the start of the Christmas season.
Thousands of people are expected to join the festivities once again, to enjoy an occasion packed with Christmas cheer for all ages. Leading the celebrations will be Suffolk Sound, the event's official media partner, providing festive entertainment and helping to count down to the big moment.
A highlight of the programme will be a special appearance from the cast of the Ipswich Regent Theatre's 2026 pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, who will bring a touch of starry stage magic to the Cornhill ahead of their festive run at the Regent Theatre.
The Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 6.45pm by the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne, illuminating the town centre and marking the beginning of the festive season in Ipswich.
Following the switch-on, the lights will remain on display throughout the town centre until early January, creating a festive backdrop for Christmas shopping, seasonal events and family visits over the holiday period.
The celebrations do not end there. The popular Blue Badge Christmas Lights Drive-Through event will return on Sunday 29 November from 6pm to 9pm, providing an opportunity for residents with mobility needs to enjoy the festive displays from the comfort of their vehicles. This is also a free event, but tickets are limited and must be booked online in advance for a timed slot.
Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said:
"The Christmas Lights Switch-on is one of the most anticipated events in Ipswich's calendar. It is a fantastic way to bring our community together and begin the countdown to Christmas.
"We're delighted to welcome our panto performers from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to the Cornhill and grateful to Suffolk Sound for helping us create a fun-filled programme of music and entertainment for residents and visitors.
"The switch-on marks the start of our festive activities across the town centre, from the Christmas Fayre and Santa's Grotto to our Blue Badge Drive-Through event. We look forward to welcoming families, shoppers and visitors into Ipswich to celebrate and enjoy everything our town has to offer during this special time of year."
Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date and join the town's festive celebrations as Ipswich officially welcomes Christmas on Sunday 15 November.
The festive fun continues the following weekend with the return of the Ipswich Town Hall Christmas Fayre on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November. On each day from 10am to 5pm, visitors will be able to browse a wide range of seasonal stalls, discover unique Christmas gifts from local traders and enjoy a festive atmosphere inside one of Ipswich's most iconic buildings.
Families can also enjoy a magical visit to Santa's Grotto, where children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves as part of a memorable festive experience.
For more information about the 2026 Christmas Lights Switch-on event, visit: www.ipswichentertains.co.uk/christmas-lights-switch-on
Book tickets in advance for the drive-through experience at: https://ipswichtheatres.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173668875 Further information is available through Ipswich Borough Council's event channels.
For details about this year’s Ipswich Town Hall Christmas Fayre: www.ipswichentertains.co.uk/ipswich-christmas-fayre/