Christmas Lights Switch-on and Lantern Parade

The Trowbridge Christmas Lights Switch On 2025 promises to be a truly festive and enjoyable evening for the whole family. This year the event will be held on Friday 28th November in the top field in Trowbridge Town Park.

The highlight of the event will be a spectacular lantern parade, which starts at 6pm at the War Memorial. With the theme of The Night Sky, a multitude of exquisite willow lanterns will be paraded through the top park in Trowbridge Park. This mesmerising display will be accompanied by the captivating beats of a colourful samba band, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle. 

A musical performance, DJ and the light switch-on will take place on the bandstand in the top park. 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.

The Sensory Garden will be lit up, food and beverage traders will be in the Avenue of Trees and the Christmas Market will be in the Civic as usual, so there will be plenty to get you in the festive spirit.

4:00pm – The Civic Christmas Market opens
5:30 – 6:00pm – Lantern Parade attendees collect battery tealights for their lanterns and line up for the parade
6:00pm – Lantern Parade around Trowbridge top park. (Please be aware lighting will be limited around the park until the light switch-on)
6:30pm – Trowbridge & District Youth Band on the bandstand in the top park
7:00pm – Lights Switch-On with The Mayor of Trowbridge on the bandstand in te top park, Church Bells at St James’ Church *more information to follow 
9:00pm – The Civic Christmas Market closes

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 24th and Wednesday 29th 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 15th 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 4 kits per person.

Free Materials for Local Schools

We are offering free willow and tissue paper to local schools 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 info@trowbridge.gov.uk.