Looking forward to holiday cheer in High Wycombe? Our guide has everything you need to know! From High Wycombe regulars to first-time tourists, our guide highlights the season's top events.
This holiday season, kick things off with the Christmas Lights Switch-On, where the town comes alive with festive illuminations. Experience the charm of the Christmas Artisan Market, featuring handmade crafts and unique gifts perfect for holiday shopping. And definitely don't forget Winter Wonderland, a magical event that transforms High Wycombe into a winter paradise. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in High Wycombe
- Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Christmas Artisan Market
- Winter Wonderland
- Christmas at Hughenden Manor
- Christmas Carol Concert
- Wycombe Swan Pantomime
- Santa’s Grotto
- Wreath Making Workshop
- Christmas Tree Festival
- Festive Afternoon Tea
High Wycombe Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch-On
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and switch-on ceremony
Description:
High Wycombe transforms into a twinkling spectacle as thousands gather for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. The event kicks off with a lively parade featuring local performers and festooned floats. You can join the community-wide countdown, a tradition dating back to the 1950s. As the lights illuminate, the town's historic buildings are bathed in a warm glow. The switch-on ceremony is accompanied by a fireworks display, painting the sky with bursts of color. Visitors can enjoy live music performances and sample seasonal treats from local vendors.
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Christmas Tree Festival
What to Expect:
Themed trees decorated by local community groups and businesses
Description:
The Christmas Tree Festival in High Wycombe showcases the creativity of the local community. Dozens of trees, each uniquely decorated by different groups and businesses, fill the town's central square. The festival highlights the diverse cultures and interests within High Wycombe, with trees representing various themes and causes. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. You can admire the intricate ornaments and innovative designs up close. The event revives a tradition started in the 1960s, celebrating community spirit and artistic expression.
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High Wycombe Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Artisan Market
What to Expect:
Showcasing unique, locally-crafted holiday gifts
Description:
The Christmas Artisan Market in High Wycombe celebrates local creativity and craftsmanship. Stalls line the historic High Street, offering a diverse array of handmade gifts, from intricate jewelry to artisanal foods. The market revives the town's centuries-old tradition of open-air trading. Artisans demonstrate their skills, allowing visitors to witness the creation of bespoke items. The air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. You can participate in craft workshops to create your own unique holiday keepsake.
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High Wycombe Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Carol Concert
What to Expect:
Performance combining traditional carols with contemporary arrangements
Description:
The Christmas Carol Concert in High Wycombe blends timeless traditions with modern flair. Held in the historic All Saints Parish Church, the concert features a mix of classic carols and contemporary arrangements. The church's impressive acoustics amplify the harmonious voices of local choirs and soloists. Audiences can experience a unique rendition of "Silent Night," performed in its original German. The concert pays tribute to High Wycombe's musical heritage, which dates back to the 18th century. You can join in singing well-known carols, creating a sense of community and shared joy.
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Wycombe Swan Pantomime
What to Expect:
Interactive pantomime with local references and audience participation
Description:
The Wycombe Swan Theatre presents its annual pantomime, a beloved British holiday tradition. This year's production incorporates local references and inside jokes, making it uniquely High Wycombe. The show encourages audience participation, with call-and-response segments and opportunities to join the cast on stage. Elaborate costumes and set designs transport viewers into a world of fantasy. You can experience the thrill of live theater as the story unfolds with unexpected twists. The pantomime continues a theatrical tradition in High Wycombe that dates back to the 18th century.
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Christmas Cinema
What to Expect:
Outdoor screenings of classic Christmas films in a historic setting
Description:
High Wycombe's Christmas Cinema brings beloved holiday films to life in a unique outdoor setting. Screenings take place in the courtyard of a Tudor-era building, with the historic architecture serving as a backdrop. Viewers can snuggle under blankets and enjoy hot beverages as they watch classic and contemporary Christmas movies. The event includes pre-show entertainment featuring local performers. You can participate in film-themed quizzes during intermissions. The cinema experience harkens back to the town's first outdoor film screenings in the early 20th century, blending nostalgia with modern comfort.
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High Wycombe Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink surrounded by alpine-style chalets
Description:
High Wycombe's Winter Wonderland transports visitors to a snow-dusted alpine village. The centerpiece is a spacious ice skating rink, surrounded by charming wooden chalets. These structures pay homage to the town's furniture-making heritage, showcasing intricate woodwork. Visitors can glide across the ice, then warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Live performances by local choirs fill the air with melodious carols. The event also features a traditional carousel, adding a touch of nostalgia to the festivities.
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Christmas at Hughenden Manor
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed Christmas celebrations in a historic manor
Description:
Hughenden Manor, once home to Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, opens its doors for a unique Christmas experience. The manor is adorned with authentic Victorian decorations, transporting visitors to a 19th-century yuletide celebration. Each room tells a different story of Christmas past, with period-accurate displays and costumed interpreters. You can participate in Victorian parlor games, a popular pastime of the era. The event also features a candlelit tour of the manor's cellars, revealing the secrets of a Victorian household during the festive season.
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Santa’s Grotto
What to Expect:
Santa's Grotto set in a recreated Chiltern forest
Description:
Santa's Grotto in High Wycombe offers a distinctive experience set in a recreated Chiltern forest. The grotto pays homage to the area's natural beauty, with realistic trees and woodland creatures. Children embark on a journey through the forest, solving riddles and completing tasks before meeting Santa. The experience includes a storytelling session featuring local folklore. You can capture the moment with a professional photo in Santa's cozy log cabin. The grotto's design draws inspiration from the ancient Chiltern forests that once covered the region.
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Wreath Making Workshop
What to Expect:
Using locally sourced, sustainable materials for wreath-making
Description:
The Wreath Making Workshop in High Wycombe emphasizes sustainability and local flora. Participants create unique wreaths using materials sourced from the Chiltern Hills, including pine cones, holly, and ivy. The workshop is led by local artisans who share techniques passed down through generations. You can learn about the symbolism behind different wreath elements, a tradition dating back to ancient times. The event takes place in a historic barn, adding to the rustic atmosphere. Participants leave with a handcrafted wreath and a deeper appreciation for local ecosystems.
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Festive Afternoon Tea
What to Expect:
Afternoon tea with a holiday twist, featuring local specialties
Description:
High Wycombe's Festive Afternoon Tea offers a unique spin on this British tradition. The menu incorporates local specialties and seasonal flavors, such as Buckinghamshire honey and Chiltern Hills lavender. Tiered stands present an array of savory and sweet treats, each with a holiday-inspired twist. The event takes place in a historic coaching inn, adding a touch of old-world charm. You can savor a specially blended Christmas tea, created exclusively for this event. The afternoon tea pays homage to High Wycombe's long-standing reputation for hospitality, dating back to its days as a coaching stop.
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Christmas Wreath Workshop
What to Expect:
Creating wreaths inspired by different historical periods
Description:
The Christmas Wreath Workshop in High Wycombe takes participants on a journey through time. Each session focuses on creating wreaths inspired by different historical periods, from Medieval to Victorian to Modern. Participants learn about the symbolism and materials used in each era, gaining insight into the evolution of holiday traditions. The workshop uses a mix of traditional and contemporary techniques. You can craft a wreath that reflects your favorite historical period or combines elements from multiple eras. The event is held in a restored 17th-century building, providing an atmospheric backdrop for this creative endeavor.
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Winter Craft Workshops
What to Expect:
Series of workshops teaching traditional winter crafts from different cultures
Description:
The Winter Craft Workshops in High Wycombe celebrate global holiday traditions. Each session focuses on a different culture's winter craft, from Scandinavian straw ornaments to Japanese origami decorations. Participants learn about the history and significance of each craft while creating their own pieces. The workshops are led by artisans from diverse backgrounds, sharing their expertise and personal stories. You can try your hand at intricate paper cutting or candle making techniques. The event promotes cultural exchange and understanding, reflecting High Wycombe's increasingly diverse community.