One of the most magical moments in Chichester’s festive calendar returns on Saturday 21 November, as Light Up Chichester brings the city together for an afternoon of live entertainment, Christmas cheer and the official switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights.
Join us at the Market Cross from 3pm for an afternoon of festive entertainment hosted by the fabulous Dawn Gracie, who will guide audiences through a lively programme of music, dance and performances as excitement builds towards the big moment at 5pm, when Chichester’s Christmas Local Heroes take to the stage to illuminate the city.
And the celebrations don’t stop there! The Light Up Chichester After Party will keep the festive spirit going into the evening, with venues across the city hosting live music, food, drinks and entertainment.
An afternoon of festive entertainment
With Dawn Gracie as our host, the Market Cross will be the setting for an afternoon of performances from local entertainers, choirs and dance schools, bringing music, energy and Christmas spirit to the city centre.
3.00pm – Dawn Gracie
Opening the celebrations and welcoming everyone to Light Up Chichester.
3.15pm – Dance and Beyond
A lively performance from Dance and Beyond’s Mini Movers.
3.30pm – Steel Pan
Bringing the distinctive sounds and rhythms of steel pan to the Market Cross.
4.00pm – Arabesque
A festive performance from pupils of Arabesque School of Performing Arts.
4.15pm – Rock Choir
Get into the Christmas spirit with uplifting live singing from Chichester’s Rock Choir.
4.30pm – Prebendal School Choir
Christmas favourites performed by the pupils of Prebendal School.
4.45pm – Dawn Gracie
Returning to centre stage to lead the final countdown to the switch-on.
The magical moment – Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm
As dusk falls, the excitement builds towards the highlight of the afternoon – the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm.
Chichester’s Christmas Local Heroes will take to the stage at the Market Cross, where Dawn Gracie will lead the official countdown before the city’s Christmas lights are switched on, marking the beginning of the festive season.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for families, friends and the wider community to come together and share in the magic of Christmas.
The celebrations continue – Light Up Chichester: The After Party
Don’t head home when the lights come on!
The Light Up Chichester After Party returns for 2026, with venues across the city centre joining the celebrations with live music, festive entertainment, food, drinks and seasonal offers.
Whether you’re meeting friends for drinks, enjoying an evening of live music or planning a festive meal, there’s every reason to stay in Chichester and make a night of it.
Click here for the full list of Light Up Chichester After Party events and participating venues.
Make a day of it in Chichester
Why not arrive early and enjoy everything the city has to offer before the entertainment begins?
Explore Chichester’s independent shops and familiar high street favourites, browse for Christmas gifts, stop for coffee or lunch, and soak up the atmosphere as the city prepares for the festive season.
Light Up Chichester also marks the launch of Tinker Bell’s Never Land Christmas Treasure Hunt, inviting families to explore the city and discover clues hidden in participating shop windows.
With Christmas shopping, festive entertainment and celebrations continuing into the evening, Saturday 21 November is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day out in Chichester.
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