Cheltenham Christmas Light Switch-On inspired by 'A Christmas Carol'. Everything you need to know

With a week to go until Cheltenham’s Christmas light switch-on, taking place on Saturday 23 November, we are gearing up for another spectacular event! 

Read on for everything you need to know including parade map.

Last year the Giant White Witch led the parade through Cheltenham. This year three friendly ghost puppets, inspired by ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, will weave through town to join Scrooge and Father Christmas to tell this famous Christmas tale of redemption and hope.

Now is the time to choose which ghost to follow folks!

Will it be the ghost of Christmas Past? Setting off from John Lewis is Lady G, join her for poems of hope.

Or the Ghost of Christmas Present? Setting off from the Brewery is Mr P, watch him unwrap gifts of wisdom.

Or perhaps the ghost of Christmas Future? Setting off from Montpellier is Spectre C - the coolest ghost you ever did see! He is here to show what fun and delight Mr Scrooge will have if he changes his life.

All three ghosts will start their parades at 4.30pm and make their way to find Scrooge, Father Christmas and choir outside the Queens Hotel at 5.30pm. If, (with the help of the audience of course!)  they can convince Scrooge to change his ways the Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm and Cheltenham will glow with lots of twinkly lights. 

No matter what your age, this is a festive event you do not want to miss!

 

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Everything you need to know - Cheltenham Christmas Light Switch-On

The three parades will start at 4.30pm. Each parade will follow its set route eventually all coming together for a grand finale outside The Queens Hotel opposite Imperial Garden. The parade route map can be found below.

Have a festive filled day in Cheltenham

Why not make a day of it and pop into town early to enjoy Cheltenham Christmas Market?  Treat yourself to some mulled wine, bratwurst sausages and make a head start on your Christmas shopping by browsing the many unique stalls.  

Regent’s Arcade and The Brewery Quarter will also be hosting their own Christmas light switch-on events, including entertainment and special guests on Saturday 23 November. 

The Brewery Quarter will be celebrating Frozen 2 with a ‘Let it Snow’ themed event from 3pm - 7pm.  The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6.30pm. 

The Regent Arcade will have live music, festive entertainers and Santa from 3.30pm - 4.15pm.  The lights will be switched on at 4.15pm.

Plan your journey to the Cheltenham Christmas Light Switch-On

To plan your journey by bus with Stagecoach, visit: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables

Park and ride visit: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/transport/park-ride-gloucester-and-cheltenham/

For car parking and locations visit the council’s website: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/parking

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Our Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Cheltenham

Christmas is an exciting time in Cheltenham with many festive events taking place in and around town.  Click here to read our Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Cheltenham featuring the 30+ of the 30+ unmissable Christmas events in Cheltenham including best places to see Santa, festive local performances, Christmas parties, panto and much more.

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Cheltenham Christmas Light Switch-On supporters

This event is sponsored by Cheltenham BID and Marketing Cheltenham. 

Cheltenham BID is a business-led and business-funded body set up to improve our town in five key areas: marketing and promotion, town centre events, parking and accessibility, business support and public realm improvements.

Marketing Cheltenham is the Destination Marketing Organisation for Cheltenham, operating as a division of Cheltenham Borough Council.  The organisation is responsible for growing Cheltenham’s visitor economy, encouraging visitors to the town, to get them to stay longer and support the local tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses. This, in turn, will support economic growth – new jobs, business creation – and culture for the continued benefit of local people.

The creative agency responsible for bringing to life the tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’ are Cheltenham based Evenlode Productions.  A unique one-stop production house who make inspirational films and produce ground-breaking events.