All of us at Christchurch Town Council would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year!
We are very much looking forward to turning on the Christmas lights to mark the beginning of the Christmas festivities in Christchurch. At the end of November and into December many other voluntary and community groups are putting on a variety of Christmas activities so please also support them.
Details of The Priory Christmas events are showcased in later pages, but a special mention for their Christmas Fair and Craft Market taking place on Saturday 23 November alongside the town’s light switch on event and the Christchurch Community Carols on Saturday 21 December.
I hope you are able to join me and support our local businesses for the Carols in the Square on Saturday 14 December, a new highlight for 2024!
The Rotary Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) ‘surprise performances’ occur nightly at 6pm throughout December in the countdown to Christmas. The festive events are held at different locations each night and help support our great local charities so make sure to follow along.
We have something for everyone on 23 November in Christchurch to celebrate this special time of year, so please join me in the High Street and Saxon Square to welcome Christmas to Christchurch!
All the best Christmas wishes
Mayor of Christchurch
Paul Hilliard
Christchurch Christmas Lights and Switch On are brought to you by Christchurch Town Council
We are so pleased to be able to bring you another festive display for 2024, from the deer in the roundabout to the magical Convent and Riverside Walk that takes you to the bandstand – with further light displays on the Old Town Hall and throughout the Highstreet and Bargates.
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity named as Charity Partner for Christmas Lights Switch On 2024
Christchurch Town Council is excited to announce the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity (UHD Charity) as the official charity partner for the Christmas Lights Switch On 2024.
This beloved event is returning after strong public demand, and all funds raised during the festivities will support UHD Charity, with a special focus on the children’s ward, including the invaluable work being done at the Quay School within the new hospital and enhancing the children’s emergency department.
Fundraising will help to ensure local children staying in hospital won’t miss out on their childhood with access to education and memory-making facilities enhancing their stay.
Highcliffe School Choir
Funky Little Choir
Highcliffe Charity Players
Christchurch High Street 11am to 7pm Light Switch On at 5pm
Christchurch and District Band
Batala Portsmouth
A samba-reggae percussion band playing authentic afro Brazilian samba-reggae music.
Nia
Nicholls
Singer/songwriter who’s been writing and performing since she was 11 years old. Nia has garnered support from many country icons, including the "My Girl" singer, Dylan Scott, who cited she was "one to watch".
Acoustix
Upbeat acoustic vibes delivering infectious rhythms and harmonies to a range of classics.
Join the dramatic countdown as the Mayor and *special guests* turn on the Christmas Lights!
We are Robot Headline act
We are super excited to welcome WE ARE ROBOT to headline this year’s Christmas lights switch on event. This local band have wowed audiences across the UK and are coming home just in time for Christmas! With a blend of two acoustic guitars and great vocal harmonies they will be playing some of the most popular tunes from the past few decades and some Christmas Classics.
Around town
Also in the Town Centre we will have the wonderful Hush Club disco throughout the day, Urban Bike Displays will be back in Saxon Square with high octane stunts and get a head start on your Christmas shopping at the festive market inside the Priory!
Keep the children entertained with a jam-packed day of fun including:
Face painting, Fairground rides, Magical and Fantastical entertainers.
Meet your favourites: Father Christmas, Olaf from Frozen, Stuart the Minion, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and the beloved Bournemouth’s Baby Goats!
The Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) returns to the town in the count-down to Christmas 2024, bringing festive cheer while raising substantial sums for local charities.
This is an exciting free-to-attend event which has taken place throughout December for the past three years, and has raised over £63,000 for local charities. CLAC is organised by Christchurch Rotary Club with other volunteers, and is fully supported by Christchurch Town and BCP Councils.
CLAC runs from 1st to 24th December, with a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ being opened every evening to a performance by a local artiste or group. Performances may include choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes, or theatre. Each event lasts for one hour, from 6 pm to 7pm (2pm – 3pm on Christmas Eve).
There is a different venue and a different supported charity every evening. Collections are taken, and raffle tickets sold. All funding is provided by sponsorship from local businesses and the Primrose Trust, and the entertainment and venues are freely provided, bringing the spirit of Christmas to Christchurch in a big way!
The Big Christmas
When: From 23rd November until the 20th December
Where: Bargates and Christchurch Town Centre
What: Join us in Christchurch this Christmas for the Big Christmas Elf Hunt taking place from the 23rd November until the 20th December. Lots of very naughty elves are ready and waiting to cause mischief across the town! Can you find an Elf with a golden flag hiding in one of the local businesses? If so, ask for a golden ticket from the business where you spot an Elf, fill in the details on the ticket and post it in Santa’s Postbox at The Regent Centre on the High Street. You will then be entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning up to £100 worth of amazing gifts in time for Christmas!
Carols in the Square
When: Saturday 14th December from 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Where: Saxon Square
What: New for 2024! Join us on the 14th December from 4.30pm for a festive singalong in Saxon Square. Accompanied and led by the brilliant Christchurch Baptist Church Band (famed for their Beers and Carols nights!), this is the perfect opportunity to come together with family and friends, have fun, sing your heart out to all your favourite Christmas Carols and truly embrace the community spirit of Christmas!
Advent & Christmas 2024
Christmas Fayre & Craft Market - Sat 23rd Nov 10.30am - 4.30pm
From Darkness to Light - Sun 1st Dec 6.30pm
Living Advent Calendar - Mon 2nd Dec 6pm
Salvation Army Band - Thurs 5th Dec 7pm
Handel’s Messiah - Sat 7th Dec 7pm
Music Centre Concert - Sat 14th Dec 7pm
Christingle Service - Sun 15th Dec 3pm
Carols in the Car Park - Thurs 19th Dec 5pm
Nine Lessons & Carols - Fri 20th Dec 6.30pm
Carols for Kids - Sat 21st Dec 10.30am
Christchurch Community Carols - Sat 21st Dec 7.30pm
Nine Lessons & Carols - Sun 22nd Dec 6.30pm
The Snowman - Mon 23rd Dec 1.30, 3, 5 & 6.30pm
Crib Service - Tues 24th Dec 11am & 3pm
Midnight Mass - Tues 24th Dec 11.15pm
Holy Communion - Christmas Day 8am
Sung Eucharist - Christmas Day 10am
Tickets must be purchased for these events. For more details please scan the code or visit www.christchurchpriory.org
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas!
Red House
Yuletide Living History Event | Saturday 7 December, 10am - 3pm
Step into our ancient yuletide past, with Anglo-Saxon living history group, Herigeas Hundus. Anglo-Saxon’s are invading the museum this festive season to bring ancient yuletide customs to life. This will be a unique event for the whole family, with an exploration of warrior combat and domestic life in the Anglo-Saxon period, through demonstrations, talks, storytelling, crafts, music and more.
£4 per person, under 5s are free.
Tickets: Yuletide Living History Event | Hampshire Cultural Trust (hampshireculture.org.uk)
This Christmas, at the Regent Christchurch experience live music, family-friendly shows, and special screenings of classic holiday films. Don’t miss our Christmas Spectacular running from the 14th- 24th of December. Five Star Swing are back at the Regent December 1st with a Big Band Christmas. Also not to be missed is the return of Andre Rieu’s Christmas concert and the RB&O: The Nutcracker. The Regent New Year’s celebrations are led by, Mr. Tom Cruise in TOP GUN, please be our wing man to see in the New Year. Aviators optional but encouraged. There is something for everyone this festive season at the Regent.
Christmas Extravaganza at The Oaks, Highcliffe!
Join us for a magical Christmas celebration on 14 December at The Oaks, Highcliffe, supported by Stir Events CIC. Free entry for all!
Christmas Market (10am - 4pm):
Explore a festive wonderland filled with local artisan traders offering unique, handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and more. Perfect for finding that special Christmas gift!
Uke Box Glory (12:15pm - 1pm):
Enjoy the cheerful sounds of Uke Box Glory, playing your favourite festive tunes with a ukulele twist.
Santa Claus (1pm - 5pm):
Bring the little ones to meet Santa! Don’t miss the chance for magical moments and festive photos.
Elvis Christmas Special (2pm - 3pm):
Get ready to rock and roll with Andy Kennett as Elvis, performing your favourite Christmas hits in an unforgettable show.
Winter Ball Themed Evening:
Cap off the day with Christmas fun, dancing, and entertainment by the Highcliffe Charity Players at our winter ball-themed evening.
Mark your calendars and enjoy festive cheer—no entry charge!
