Illustration of a crowd in scarves watching a tall lit Christmas tree in a snowy town square (The Tree of Light Switch On)

The Tree of Light Switch On

Visitors gather to experience live music and entertainment leading up to the official switch-on of the Christmas lights and Tree of Light. The stage programme is hosted by BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Jon Smith and features performances including The Salvation Army Band.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Free festive programme of music and entertainment plus the Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Hours

The programme starts at 16:00. The light switch-on is at 5:45pm, with music and entertainment continuing until 6:30pm.

Parking

There are multiple car parks in the city; Blue Badge holders can park free for up to three hours in council car parks.

Accessibility

Kings Square features step-free access across the pedestrianised city centre.

Going?

Location

Kings Square · Kings Square, Gloucester GL1 1RP, UK Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and anyone who enjoys a community christmas celebration

Vibe

Festive and communal

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Dress warmly and check the weather before travelling, as this outdoor winter event takes place in the city centre.
  • Arrive in time for the programme beginning at 4pm if you want to hear the entertainment before the 5:45pm switch-on.
  • Blue Badge holders can park free for up to three hours in Gloucester City Council car parks.
  • Use the pedestrianised city centre's step-free routes, and take advantage of benches across the centre if you need a rest.
  • Accessible public toilets are available at Kings Walk and Eastgate Shopping Centre; Kings Walk also has a Changing Places facility.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free festive programme and Christmas Lights Switch-On on November 14.
  • The November 14 programme is hosted by BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Jon Smith and includes The Salvation Army Band.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What entertainment is included in the programme?

The free programme features music and entertainment, hosted by BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Jon Smith, including The Salvation Army Band.

Does the programme continue after the lights are switched on?

Yes. Music and entertainment continue after the Christmas lights switch-on.

What are the options for getting to Gloucester city centre?

Stagecoach runs local services to and from Gloucester. There are also multiple car parks in the city.

Is the city centre step-free around Kings Square?

The pedestrianised city centre can be crossed step-free following the renovation of Kings Square.

Where can visitors find accessible toilets nearby?

Public toilets with accessible facilities are available at Eastgate Shopping Centre, Kings Walk and Gloucester Quays. Kings Walk has a Changing Places toilet.

Browse Christmas in Gloucester

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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