Banbury Christmas Lights Switch On

Banbury's Christmas lights go on at about 5pm on Sunday 29 November 2026, in front of the Town Hall on Bridge Street (OX16 5LJ). Entry is free. The day runs from 11am to 6pm, and the council says it holds the event on the last Sunday of November so that the lights are up for all of December. It has not yet given a date for 2027.

What happens

Banbury Music Mix Radio runs live music and dancing with local acts through the day, and there are funfair rides. Father Christmas opens the event, as he does every year. The lights come on at about 5pm with fireworks straight after, lasting about five minutes, and a headline act plays to the finish at 6pm. The council had not named the special guest or the person doing the switch-on when we checked on 5 November 2026.

Banbury BID's separate Winter Market, with crafters, street food and live entertainment, fills the town centre around the Market Place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November. The BID had not published its opening times when we checked. Its final day runs alongside the switch-on, and the council says there are no barriers between the two.

It suits families with children most, and the last hour is the one to come for. The council warns it gets busy, so come early for a view of the Town Hall. If you or your child dislikes bangs, stay further back or leave before 5pm.

What to plan for

There are no food stalls or toilets at the council's event. Eat at the cafés and pubs nearby or at the Winter Market. Toilets are in Castle Quay, which the council says are open until at least 4pm, so plan ahead for the evening. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead, but the council advises leaving anxious ones at home because of the crowds, and fireworks are a further reason to.

Getting there and parking

The council has not published road closures for 2026, so allow for them. Banbury station is about five minutes on foot, and it is the simplest way in. On Sundays council car parks charge £1.60 for up to an hour and £2.20 for longer between 8am and 6pm, and since 28 September 2026 a £1.60 overnight charge applies from 6pm to 8am: see our parking page. Market Place car park is on the event's doorstep, so expect it to be affected. The council's page gives no access details, so ring 01295 250340 to ask about a good place to watch.

If the weather turns

The event can be called off at short notice. Storm Bert cancelled the 2024 switch-on, set for Sunday 24 November, though the lights came on as planned and none were damaged. Check the council's event page (opens in a new tab) that morning.