The festive season is upon us, and Herefordshire is set to dazzle with sparkling illuminations as Christmas lights switch-ons light up the county. Many of these events feature live shows, bustling markets, and plenty of holiday cheer. We’ve compiled all the details for you in one convenient list below and included some light trails and Illuminations to visit over the festive period.
Bromyard Christmas Lights
Saturday 16 November
Festive Market and Entertainment from 12:30noon. Lights switch-on at 5:30pm
Bromyard is always a charming place, but it truly comes alive at Christmas. The main streets are adorned with dazzling lights, making the town’s Christmas illuminations a must-see, often considered the best in Herefordshire.
Enjoy a fun-filled day including Santa’s Parade, Santa’s Grotto, Lantern Parade, Christmas Market, Live Music, Video Screen, decorated pram, bicycle, wheelchair and scooter competition, and Christmas Lantern making workshops.
Hereford Christmas Lights
Sunday 17 November
Entertainment in High Town starts from 3.15pm. Lights switch-on around 5:00pm
Hereford will host a spectacular Christmas lights switch-on display to mark the start of the city’s 2024 festive celebrations. This FREE event will take place in High Town from 3:15 PM until 5:30 PM on Sunday, 17 November.
Special guests include the legendary girl group ETERNAL and local acts such as the Hereford Rock Choir, Lilac Loonies, and One Vision School of Arts will also perform. Plus, kids’ favourites Olaf, The Grinch, and Elf on the Shelf will make special appearances.
The Big Switch-On is at 5pm, followed by an amazing after-party featuring the UK’s #1 Paloma Faith tribute, PURE PALOMA, and her band.
Don’t forget, in December, enjoy FREE parking in the city on Wednesdays (4th, 11th, and 18th) from 4pm for late-night shopping.
Tenbury Wells Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 17 November
4:30pm
The pretty market town of Tenbury Wells transforms into a festive wonderland, with the town’s streets adorned with a beautiful display of festive lights.
Illuminate Croft Castle and Gardens
Friday 22 November and various evenings until Saturday 7 December
6pm to 9pm
Discover the magic of the illuminated outdoors at Croft Castle and Gardens, where the Gothic Arch, Church, and ancient trees will be aglow in a special Winter light show.
Step inside to see the castle adorned for Christmas and enjoy a diverse lineup of activities, including fire performers, musicians, storytellers, and carol singers.
After exploring the castle and gardens, be sure to grab a bite to eat. External caterers will be available each evening, along with the tea-rooms offering festive snacks and warming mulled wine.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Adults £6.00, Children £3 Under 5s Free
Malvern Winter Glow
From Friday 22 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024
Experience the magic of the season and create unforgettable memories for you and your family.
Open from 22 November – 31 December with a wide array of festive activities to enjoy including Personalised Santa’s Grotto Experience, Expanded Light Trail, New UV Glow Crazy Golf, Ice Skating, Fairground and Santa Paws! The only festive event in the West Midlands that welcomes dogs to its light trail, with furry friends invited to join on opening weekend and any weekday booking.
Ludlow Winter Festival and Christmas Lights Switch-on
22 – 24 November
Ludlow Winter Festival will be a showcase a wide range of free and ticketed events for residents and visitors.
The much-anticipated Christmas Light Switch-on will be hosted by Sunshine Radio with local performances including panto stars from Ludwig Theatre Company, Paul Berick, Macy O and X Factor star Russell Jones.
Ludlow Castle will host a Christmas Tree Trail, which will run throughout the festival and continue into the winter season, alongside their meet Father Christmas grotto.
Great Malvern Christmas Lights switch-on
Saturday 23 November
10am-6pm
This year’s circus themed Great Malvern Lights Switch on will be in town on the 23 November from 10am – 6pm (lights switch on is 5:30).
Enjoy an Immersive day of festive fun as Great Malvern lights up. Local stalls, workshops, live performances and Santa will be in his grotto.
Hay-on-Wye Christmas Lights Switch on
Friday 29 November 2024
5pm – 7pm
There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by attending the Hay-on-Wye Christmas lights switch-on. Attendees can enjoy an evening of carol singing, warming mulled wine, delicious food, and the festivities that kick off the Christmas season in this charming book town. The lights will be switched on at 6:30 PM by Luke Evans, star of the West End and Hollywood.
The free switch-on event takes place in Memorial Square. In addition to food and drink stalls, visitors can enjoy the Hay School Christmas fete, a steam engine Santa drive-by, Hay Fire Brigade, Santa’s Post Box, a Window Spotting competition, and more.
Kington Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 30 November 6pm
There will be carol singing, Santa, mince pies, hot chocolate and hot gin & tonic as the Christmas lights are turned on in this pretty market town. The festivities will take place at the Market Hall, Place
De Marines and Coach House.
More information
Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre and Lights Switch-on
Sunday 1 December
11am – 5pm
Watch the beautiful town Christmas lights switch on as part of Ross-on-Wye’s Christmas Fayre, held in the town centre from 11am to 5pm.
Street food and drink available throughout the town with live music at the Market House to add to the festive cheer, with the lights being turned on around 4:30pm.
See many more festive events, workshops, experiences and destinations to make your Christmas and New Year special in Herefordshire here