When are the Christmas lights switch-ons near Waterlooville in 2026?
Waterlooville switches on its lights on Saturday 28 November, alongside its Christmas market. Petersfield, Fareham and Gosport also have 2026 dates; Havant, Emsworth and Hayling are still to be announced.
The Waterlooville Christmas lights switch-on is on Saturday 28 November 2026, on the same day as the town's Christmas market, with the lights going on in the early evening. Petersfield switches on on Friday 20 November, Fareham on Saturday 21 November at 5.30pm and Gosport on Saturday 28 November. Havant, Emsworth and Hayling had not announced 2026 dates when we checked on 3 November.
The switch-ons at a glance
Every date below comes from a page we opened and read on 3 November 2026. Towns that have not yet announced a 2026 date are listed separately with last year's date, which is only a guide. Switch-on times can change, so confirm with the organiser.
Friday 20 November: Petersfield
Petersfield, Friday 20 November, from 5pm: Visit Hampshire's 2026 switch-on guide says there will be live music, stalls, performances by local schools and choirs, carol singing and music from the Salvation Army, followed by the lights switch-on.
Saturday 21 November: Fareham
Fareham, Saturday 21 November, lights on at 5.30pm: Fareham Borough Council says the switch-on is at the bandstand in the West Street pedestrianised area. The finale runs from 5.15pm to 5.40pm with appearances planned from panto stars, Santa and the Mayor; the council says there will be no fireworks. Fun fair rides, market stalls and food and drink stay open until 7pm, and there is a free Meet Santa in West Street between about 1.30pm and 5pm.
Saturday 28 November: Waterlooville
Waterlooville, Saturday 28 November, early evening: the Waterlooville Community Events page says this year the Christmas market and the lights switch-on are on the same day. It says the day "will merge into the early evening with the big light switch-on", with school and community choirs, a brass band, singers and a special visit from Santa, and a countdown to the lights. The page does not give a start time, venue or ticket price. Last year's switch-on, on Thursday 27 November 2025, started at 5pm in the town centre, according to Havant Borough Council.
Saturday 28 November: Gosport
Gosport, Saturday 28 November, evening: Visit Hampshire's guide lists the High Street Christmas Lights Switch On with a Christmas market during the day and the lights switch-on in the evening. No exact time is given.
Still to be announced for 2026
Visit Hampshire's guide lists Portsmouth (Commercial Road) and Southsea (Palmerston Road) as "date to be confirmed". It does not list Waterlooville, Havant, Emsworth, Chichester, Horndean or Denmead.
Havant: 2026 date not announced yet. Last year it was Friday 5 December from 4.30pm, with Santa and a sing-along organised by St Faith's Church, per Havant Borough Council's 2025 page.
Emsworth: 2026 date not announced yet. Last year it was Friday 28 November from 5.30pm, a festive sing-along organised by Emsworth Business Association, per the same council page.
Leigh Park: 2026 date not announced yet. Last year it was Friday 28 November from 5pm, organised by Leigh Park Traders.
Hayling Island (Mengham): 2026 date not announced yet. Last year a Christmas market was held there on Saturday 6 December, organised by Mengham traders.
Chichester: we could not find a 2026 date on a page we opened. Last year's Light Up Chichester was on Saturday 22 November 2025 with the lights on at 5pm, according to a V2 Radio listing.
Horndean, Cowplain, Purbrook, Denmead: we found no 2026 switch-on announced. Horndean Parish Council's website lists no Christmas event at the time of checking.
Before you go
Check the organiser's page on the day for any change of time or weather cancellation. For the Waterlooville event, the organiser's page is the first place to look for the final running order.
Share this article