As we hurtle towards December, thoughts turn to the festivities; carol services, Christmas fairs and of course, the annual lights switch ons! Our guide has all you need to know to plan a Christmas season that's full of festive fun!
Halesworth - Saturday 22 November
Get ready to kick off the festive season in style at the Halesworth Christmas Lights Switch On on Saturday 22 November 2025 in the heart of Halesworth town centre and Market Place.
From 2:30 pm you’ll find a warm and joyous atmosphere with festive stalls, independent shopping, and seasonal treats. At 4:45 pm, join the enchanting parade—led by Father Christmas, his reindeers and the Royal British Legion Band—as it makes its way through the Thoroughfare.
The lights will be switched on at 5 pm, transforming the town into a sparkling wonderland filled with live music, mulled wine, and family-friendly cheer. With music continuing until 9 pm, it’s set to be an unforgettable evening of community celebration, perfect for all ages.
Find out more at https://halesworthtown.co.uk/event/christmas-lights-switch-on/
Aldeburgh - Saturday 22 November
Christmas in Aldeburgh kicks off on Saturday 22nd November! Celebrate the season with a festive day full of sparkle, shopping, and seaside cheer.
Start at the annual Craft Fair in Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall from 10am–2pm, where you can browse beautiful handmade gifts and treats from local stallholders — free entry! New this year, Santa’s Grotto runs from 10.30am–1.30pm, offering a magical experience for little ones.
Then head outside the Moot Hall from 12 noon for fairground rides, mulled wine, music, and mince pies from 4pm, leading up to the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm, when Aldeburgh will sparkle in festive style.
For more information visit https://aldeburghsuffolk.com/event/christmas-craft-fair/
Woodbridge - Thursday 27 & Friday 28 November
Each year the charming riverside town of Woodbridge comes alive at the start of the festive season during the much-anticipated “Lights On” event. Organised by Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music in partnership with Woodbridge Town Council and Choose Woodbridge, this year’s festivities take place over two magical evenings: Thursday 27 November and Friday 28 November 2025, each kicking off at 4 pm with the official light-switch-on at 6 pm.
Visitors can wander through streets filled with live music (including the return of the East Angles Brass Band and a carol-sing choir), street performers, a lantern procession, community art projections, and creative workshops for all ages.
A rich variety of street food adds to the festive cheer—think German sausages, Korean dishes, mac ’n’ cheese and doughnuts, plus mulled wine for grown-ups. On the Thursday evening the lights are switched on by legend Geno Washington, who then performs live from 7.45pm outside Shire Hall.
The event also marks the first late-night shopping evening, making for a perfect opportunity to pick up unique gifts from Woodbridge’s independent shops while soaking up the seasonal vibes.
For more information visit https://woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk/news/woodbridge-lights-on-27th-and-28th-november-2025/
Beccles - Friday 28 November
Beccles is gearing up to welcome the festive season in style with its much-anticipated Christmas Light Switch-On on Friday 28th November. Festivities begin at 5pm and continue throughout the evening across the town, with the main event—the official illumination of the Christmas lights—taking place at 6pm in Beccles Town Centre, accompanied by festive music, live performances, food and drink stalls, and family-friendly fairground rides.
Visitors can explore a variety of seasonal activities, including festive stalls inside St Michael’s Church offering unique gifts, crafts, and treats, as well as a magical Santa’s Grotto raising funds for local initiatives.
Beccles Public Hall will host a bustling Christmas Fayre filled with artisan goods and refreshments, while Hungate Church presents its annual Christmas Tree Festival across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, showcasing a stunning display of creatively decorated trees by local groups and organisations.
For more information visit https://visitbeccles.co.uk/event/beccles-christmas-light-switch-on-2/
Bungay - Saturday 29 November
Get into the festive spirit in the charming market town of Bungay with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 29 November 2025, from 2pm to 6pm, with the lights officially going live at 5.15pm.
The celebration takes place around the historic Butter Cross, where families can enjoy Christmas-themed music, performances by young actors from the Fisher Theatre, and a chance to meet Santa, Mrs Claus and his elves.
The town centre will sparkle with festive decorations—including a stunning “curtain of lights” and a dazzling new light-net display at the Butter Cross—while food and drink stalls, live entertainment and a wet-weather plan ensure the fun goes on come rain or shine.
Southwold - Saturday 29 November
Get ready for festive flair in the picturesque seaside town of Southwold as the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On returns on Saturday 29 November 2025, from 2pm to 6pm.
The celebration begins with a vibrant village market along the High Street from 2pm, followed by live entertainment in the Market Place from 2.30pm. At 5pm, the Town Hall balcony will host the official switch-on of Southwold’s spectacular festive lights — including a dazzling curtain-of-lights display.
After the lights are lit, families can head to the free Santa’s Grotto at the Adnams Tour Centre from 5.30pm. With street food, festive stalls and an atmosphere of seaside sparkle, it’s a joyous way to kick off the holiday season by the coast.
For more information visit https://visitsouthwold.org/events/southwold-christmas-lights-switch-on-2/
Lowestoft - Saturday 29 November
Get ready for a festive feast of lights and seasonal joy at the Lowestoft Christmas Light Switch-On, taking place on Saturday 29 November 2025 from 2 pm to 6 pm outside Starbucks on London Road North.
The event kicks off with live performances by local talent from 2 pm, there will be panto frolics and live music from Uptown Nights, and a special visit from Father Christmas, who will help the Mayor illuminate the town at 5pm. For the grown ups, book tickets for LOW FREQ - a night of live DJ's and VJ's at The Battery on London Road North.
For more information visit https://discoverlowestoft.co.uk/event/christmas-light-switch-on-2025/
Felixstowe - Saturday 29 November
On Saturday 29 November 2025, the riverside town of Felixstowe will be transformed by the annual festive sparkle during the Felixstowe Lions Club’s “Christmas Lights Turn On” event. The free public celebration runs from 12 noon to 6 pm, with the grand light-switch-on at 5 pm, set on the town’s landmark “The Triangle” on Hamilton Road.
Visitors can enjoy festive music, stalls, a BBQ, and even a visit to Santa’s Grotto as the town lights up into the evening.
For more information visit https://felixstowelions.org.uk/event/christmas-lights-turn-on-2025/
Framlingham - 5 & 6 December
Framlingham will be brimming with festive magic this December as the town gears up for a joyful two-day Christmas celebration on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December 2025.
The festivities begin on Friday evening with the big Christmas tree and light switch-on, a lantern parade from Framlingham Castle, Santa’s Grotto at Ruby Tyger in The Old Mews, plus live entertainment and street food around Market Hill. The celebrations continue on Saturday with a Christmas Market on the Hill, a Christmas Tree Festival at St Michael’s Church, and a Christmas Fair at the Castle Community Rooms, with seasonal entertainment throughout the day.
The town will also be hosting its Christmas Music Trail from 29 November to 24 December – with trail maps available from Framlingham Library – creating the perfect build-up to a magical festive season in the heart of this historic Suffolk market town.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560652149193
Saxmundham - Saturday 6 December
Get into the festive spirit at the annual Saxmundham Christmas Fayre 2025 on Saturday 6 December, from 3pm to 7pm, right in the heart of Saxmundham town centre. The event features an extensive street market, an indoor craft fair, and the much-anticipated lights switch-on, plus free activities including the Bubble Fairy, an LED hula-hoop disco, a mini fun-fair, and a free glitter bar.
Families can also enjoy the circus skills workshop, performances by the Royal British Legion Band, and the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto (booking essential). Plus there will be hot food, children’s entertainment, and festive shopping in the town’s independent shops.
For more information visit https://www.saxmundham.org/event/saxmundham-christmas-fayre/
Leiston - 13 December
Celebrate the season with 'Christmas at The Long Shop' in Leiston on Saturday 13 December — a festive day brimming with tradition and family fun.
Join the countdown to the town’s Christmas tree lighting alongside the Leiston Film Theatre Mother Goose pantomime team. Enjoy the magical sounds of a vintage fairground organ, watch a steam-powered showman’s engine in action, and sing along with local performers as the tree lights go on.
There will be free craft activities, fairground rides and the chance to visit Santa in his sitting room (booking required) add to the joy.
For more information visit https://www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/leistons-christmas-lights/