Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Lights Switch-On
One day only — 47 days to go
A full day of markets, street food and stilt walkers in Shakespeare's town, ending with the lights at 5.30pm.
- Dates
- Sat 14 Nov 2026
- Opening hours
- Festivities 10am–7pm; lights switched on at 5.30pm
- Address
- Bridge Street, High Street, Wood Street and Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Dates last checked 26 September 2026 · source · Always confirm with the organiser before travelling.
Stratford-upon-Avon turns its switch-on into a whole day. On Saturday 14 November 2026 the town centre hosts Christmas markets, street food, mulled wine, street theatre and stilt walkers from 10am to 7pm, across Bridge Street, High Street, Wood Street and Henley Street — and at 5.30pm Father Christmas and the Mayor of Stratford switch the lights on.
A day, not an evening
Most switch-ons are an hour or two of entertainment before a countdown. Stratford’s runs from the morning, which makes it a genuine day out rather than a quick evening event, and a good excuse to see the town at its most festive before the December crowds. The markets and street performers are spread across the four main streets, so there is room to move for most of the day; it is the half hour before the switch-on that gets tight.
Getting there
Road closures are in place in the town centre during the event, and the local paper advises allowing extra travel time. Stratford station is about ten minutes’ walk from Henley Street, with trains from Birmingham and, less frequently, direct from London Marylebone. The park and ride is the easier option by car.
Make a day of it
Henley Street is where you will find Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the half-timbered house where he was born. Holy Trinity Church, where he is buried, is a pleasant walk along the river, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stands on the Avon at the end of Bridge Street — worth checking for a Christmas production if you are staying on into the evening.
Switch-on crowds build well before the countdown, so arrive early if you want to see the stage, and dress for standing still outdoors after dark — see our guide to what to wear.
Worth knowing
Stratford is small and gets genuinely full on switch-on Saturday. If you are driving, the park and ride is by far the less stressful option; if you are staying, book early, because the town is a popular Christmas weekend destination in its own right.
