23/10/2026
Santa Claus is coming to town.
PRESS RELEASE
Thetford set to sparkle at Christmas Lights Switch-On
Festive entertainment, family activities and Father Christmas come to the Market Place on Friday, 27th November.
Thetford Town Council is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the start of the festive season as the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the Market Place on Friday, 27th November, from 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
The Market Place will be transformed into a lively festive hub, with a packed programme of entertainment for all ages. The stage and surrounding area will showcase talented local singers and a children’s disco, with a brass band and local school choirs also performing in and around the Carnegie.
Surprises will appear around every corner, with magicians, puppeteers and a juggler mingling with the crowds, alongside appearances from well-loved children's characters. Families can make reindeer food, enjoy the fairground rides and explore a fire engine on display throughout the event. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal food and drink, including mulled w**e, while browsing gifts and festive treats from local businesses, charities and traders.
The Carnegie will host a dedicated craft and makers fair, giving shoppers another opportunity to discover unique handmade gifts.
The Charles Burrell Museum will support the event by bringing Father Christmas to the town by steam engine. His arrival promises to be a memorable highlight before the evening's main event: the switch-on of Thetford’s Christmas lights.
Thetford Town Council encourages everyone to come along, enjoy the entertainment and celebrate the start of Christmas together. Follow Thetford Town Council on Facebook for the latest event updates.
The Mayor of Thetford, Cllr Vic Peters, said:
“The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a wonderful occasion when our town comes together to welcome the festive season. It is a chance for families, friends, neighbours, local businesses and community groups to share in the celebrations and enjoy everything Thetford has to offer. Events like this reflect the strong community spirit that makes our town so special and create lasting memories for people of all ages. We are looking forward to a fantastic evening and hope that many residents and visitors will join us.”
Event highlights
• 4.30 pm: Festivities begin in the Market Place
• 5.30 pm: Father Christmas arrives by steam engine at the roundabout
• 6.30 pm: Thetford’s Christmas lights are switched on
• 7.30 pm: Event closes
For more information, please visit www.thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/Christmas or follow Thetford Town Council on social media for the latest announcements.
