The Brunel Shopping Centre opened its annual Santa’s grotto on Saturday November 14, with families invited to come on down and meet Santa free of charge.
The following night, on Sunday, November 15, Christmas light switch-ons are officially getting underway with the first switch-on event at Wharf Green.
You can find a full list of all Swindon’s 2026 Christmas events below.
Know of any we missed? Get in touch by emailing newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk
Swindon’s 2026 Christmas schedule
- November 14 – Brunel Centre Santa’s Grotto opens
The grotto opened on Saturday, November 14 and is open 11am-5pm every Saturday and 10am-4.30pm every Sunday.
It is free of charge, although you can prebook to avoid queues. You can find the grotto on the ground floor, near Boots.
- November 15 – Town centre light switch-on
Swindon’s town centre light switch-on event runs across Sunday afternoon at Wharf Green and the Brunel Centre.
You can expect live entertainment from local schools and choir and a festive market. It will run from 3pm to 7pm and is free of charge.
- November 18 – Christmas tree goes up
Decorations are being installed across the town centre, with a Christmas tree – paid for by South Swindon Parish council – set to be placed outside the former Debenhams unit on The Parade on Wednesday, November 18.
- November 22 – Old Town Christmas Festival and light switch-on
The Old Town Christmas Festival will take place on Wood Street and Victoria Road, with a market, funfair, live music and more.
The event will take place from 1pm to 6pm and will mark the official switch-on of Old Town’s Christmas lights.
- November 26 – Christmas market in The Parade opens
A Christmas market, dubbed The Swindon Festive Feast, will run from November 26 to December 1, bringing a variety of seasonal food stalls to The Parade.
- November 28 – Christmas Jumper Jam
A Christmas Jumper Jam will then take place on Saturday, November 28, to mark the Christmas tree lights switch-on event with choirs singing carols. The first 100 attendees, who are wearing Christmas jumpers on the day, will receive a free hot drink.
All attendees will also receive a free ticket for a prize raffle with one of the top prizes being a family ticket to this year’s pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre, Jack and the Beanstalk, courtesy of Trafalgar.
- November 28 – Magical Lantern Forest
The ‘Magical Lantern Forest: A Winter’s Tale’, hosted at the former Argos store on Canal Walk, will be open on November 28 and 29 and December 4, 5 and 6.
Visitors can wander beneath an illuminated willow canopy, admire handmade paper lanterns, and spot giant woodland creatures inspired by classic fables.
- November 28 – Light switch-ons in Highworth, Wroughton, Cricklade and Lydiard Park
- December 5 – Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime opens at the Wyvern Theatre
Starring Radio 2’s Richie Anderson, Jack and the Beanstalk will play at the Wyvern Theatre from December 5, 2026 until January 3, 2027. It promises to be the perfect panto to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit.
- December 5-6 – Christmas at STEAM
- December 10 – Stratton Christmas light trail and carol singing
The light trail and Christmas carol event will take place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Claridge’s Pool. Parking is available at Grange Leisure Centre, and families can expect mince pies, s’mores, mulled wine, a live choir, and a change to visit Santa.
- December 12 – Christmas in the Town Gardens opens
Christmas in the Town Gardens will open on December 12 and will also run on December 13, 19 and 20.
Parking is available at The Commonweal School. The Town Gardens will be brought to life with live music, free family activities, a stunning installation, stalls and performances.
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