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The Portsmouth Christmas Lights Switch-On Parties will return in 2025. Watch this space for further information as dates and details will be published shortly.

The countdown for a glittering Christmas begins with three days of sparkling events happening across Portsmouth's high streets from 21 - 23 November. These include Christmas Lights Switch On Parties, carols, and the We Shine Portsmouth art and light festival, where key locations will be transformed into a night-time gallery.

Southsea Christmas Lights Switch On Party
Palmerston Road
Thursday 21 November
5pm to 7pm
(Including the launch of We Shine Portsmouth 2024)
Hosted by Greatest Hits' Mark Collins, the line-up for Southsea features Portsmouth FC manager John Mousinho, stars from the New Theatre Royal’s Beauty and the Beast, a cast of local performers, and a special visit from Father Christmas. As the excitement builds on stage, do a little Christmas shopping at the Love Southsea market and get ready for the spectacular finale of lights.

Cosham Carols and Christmas Lights Switch On
High Street
Friday 22 November
5.30pm to 7pm
Cosham's event will also be hosted by Greatest Hits' Mark Collins, and features Portsmouth FC heroes, community choirs and a special visit from Father Christmas.
Download lyrics to sing along here (PDF, 97KB).

Portsmouth Christmas Lights Switch On Party
Cascades Shopping Centre
Saturday 23 November
4pm to 6pm
(The opening day of Portsmouth On Ice)
The line-up for Portsmouth city centre's lights switch on features stars of panto, Portsmouth FC heroes, a cast of local performers and a special visit from Father Christmas. Celebrations are again hosted by Greatest Hits' Mark Collins. Why not use your time at Commercial Road to do a little Christmas shopping at the Portsmouth Christmas Market and We Create Market as you await the spectacular finale.

Update:
Due to forecasted strong winds, the city centre Christmas Lights Switch On Party has been moved indoors to Cascades Shopping Centre. It will still take place on Saturday 23 November 4-6pm, as originally planned.
This change is being made to ensure the safety of all attendees and participants. While the weather may not be ideal for an outdoor event, the festive show will go on at Cascades outside the former Dorothy Perkins shop.

For the full programme and local shopping ideas visit rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk.