Illustration of a santa visit scene (Sandwich Community Christmas Lights Switch-On)
Christmas Lights

Sandwich Community Christmas Lights Switch-On

Visitors can gather to watch the town transform with festive light strings, stars, and nets during the switch-on countdown. A community parade travels through town featuring floats, local groups, and a fire engine. Guests can browse craft stalls for handmade gifts and decorations, warm up with mulled wine, and walk through a light tunnel situated in the gardens of St Peter's Church.

What to Expect

Festive town parade, craft stalls, and a walk-through church garden light tunnel.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Town Centre

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Sandwich Community Events Association

Food & Drink

Festive craft stalls offer seasonal treats, and mulled wine is available.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and local community christmas outings

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Sandwich, Kent

Tips & Advice

  • Choose a spot along the parade route before the procession starts so you can watch the floats, fire engine and local groups pass.
  • Dress warmly for the evening outdoors, as the switch-on, parade and town lights are enjoyed outside.
  • Allow time to browse the festive craft stalls for handmade decorations, unique gifts and seasonal treats.
  • Make time to visit the Christmas lights tunnel in St Peter’s Church gardens, a standout feature of the event.
  • Bring a camera or phone to capture the illuminated town, parade and Christmas lights tunnel.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens on the night?

There's a countdown to switch on the town's festive light strings, stars and nets. A parade with festive floats, a fire engine, local groups and businesses travels round the town, and there are festive craft stalls to browse.

Where is the Christmas lights tunnel?

In the gardens of St Peter's Church. It's the most Instagrammable spot in Sandwich.

Is there food and drink?

Yes. The craft stalls sell seasonal treats, and there's mulled wine to warm up with.

Who does the event support?

It's held with Martha Trust, which helps organise it and fundraises on the night for people with profound disabilities. The whole event is run by unpaid volunteers.

How can I get involved as a volunteer?

The Sandwich Community Events Association recruits volunteers through its Join the Team page.

Tags

Christmas marketcommunity celebrationparadestree lightingSanta visitsfestive foodmulled wineholiday traditionfamily friendlylight displays

More Christmas Events Near Sandwich

More Christmas Events near Deal

Open the map around Deal →

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

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team