No Christmas lights switch on event in Winchester due to restrictions

The Winchester Christmas Lights switch on which usually attracts thousands of people will not go ahead this year, due to Covid-19.

Winchester Business Improvement District (BID), which coordinates the Christmas lights and Switch On in Winchester, has announced the change due to the ongoing pandemic.

The year the Christmas lights will be switched on during November and Winchester BID will film and share festive video content online.

New to this year’s festive season is the Nutcracker Christmas Trail from November 14 to January 4.

People will have a chance to find the names of the 14 Nutcracker kings to enter a draw to win a prize.

The Nutcracker kings will be at different locations across the City Centre.

Sarah Davis, Project and Operations Manager at Winchester BID said: “While we are sad not to be able to organise our usual Christmas Lights Switch On event this year which is such a wonderful community event to kick start the festive season, we are excited to be exploring new ways to celebrate Christmas in Winchester.

“As well as festive lights and the Nutcracker Christmas Trail there will be lots of different activities taking place both online and in the city centre. We are working closely with Visit Winchester, Winchester City Council, Winchester Cathedral, the local business community and local people on alternative plans this year to help raise spirits and celebrate the festive season.”