Wisbech, March, Chatteris - the Christmas lights switch on times and dates you really mustn’t miss
March will be lit up for Christmas on Friday, November 28. - Credit: Archant
Fenland starts lighting up for Christmas next week with three towns turning on their festive street decorations in three days.
The Chatteris Christmas lights switch-on is on Saturday, November 29. - Credit: Archant
March is the first town to hold its Christmas lights switch-on event on Friday evening (November 28).
As always, the switch-on will be accompanied by a fun fair along Broad Street and a colourful display on narrowboats along the Old River Nene by members of the Middle Level Watermen’s Club.
Musical entertainment will be on the main stage, on the market square, but the main attraction will be the arrival of Santa.
He will leave the Oliver Cromwell Hotel, in High Street, and arrive in the market square shortly before 7pm on his sleigh, accompanied by his elves.
Children can meet Santa at the Christmas lights extravaganza in Wisbech, on November 30. - Credit: Archant
After switching on the lights, Santa will once again go to his grotto which was a huge success with children last year.
The following day (November 29), the Christmas lights are switched on in Chatteris. The town’s lights are considered by many as among the best in Cambridgeshire.
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The town centre is always packed as traders entertain their customers with seasonal cheer. Street entertainment and fairground rides also keep the crowds happy.
Stalls with a festive feel will represent local organisations and small businesses in the Market Hill area.
The Salvation Army also holds a Christmas Fayre, the Variante Ensemble plays seasonal music in Market Hill Gardens and Santa’s grotto will be set up at the Old Bakery.
A Christmas tree festival is held in St Peter & St Paul’s Parish Church, while hot soup is available from the Emmanuel Church.
On Sunday, November 30, the illuminations will be switched on in Wisbech at the town’s Christmas lights extravaganza, in the market place, from 3-6pm.
Among the special guests at this year’s event are the princesses from last year’s Disney hit film, Frozen.
Christmas stalls will be set up around the market place, alongside fairground rides. Vivien the vintage fire engine will also go on display.
Mulled wine and free mince pies will be on offer, while a snow machine will add a wintry feel to the occasion.
Entertainment comes in the form of Panto pandemonium and live music from Sound Station.
The lights will be switched on at about 5pm, after Santa arrives in his sleigh. Children will also be able to meet Santa.
