Festive Cheer Comes to Welwyn Hatfield: Christmas Light Switch-On Events Announced

Hatfield Christmas Light Switch-On

In Hatfield town centre the big Christmas lights switch-on will be on Saturday 23 November from 2pm – 6pm and with new Christmas lights, this year promises to be better than ever!

This year, the honour of lighting the square at 5.45pm will be shared by Hatfield Swimming Club's Louise Fiddes, the Paralympic champion who won gold at Paris 2024, and Welwyn Hatfield’s Mayor, Councillor Frank Marsh.

Rising star Daisy Pringle, will be performing throughout the day and also performing the headline slot at 4:45pm singing pop tunes and holiday hits!

But there’s a whole afternoon of entertainment first! Starting from 2pm, the big stage will host other talented local acts offering something for everyone, including Electric Umbrella, FK Dance Academy and a children’s entertainer.

Elsewhere, Santa and his elves will be welcoming little ones into their grotto – but make sure you see him before he flies back to the North Pole at 5pm!

Adding to the festive atmosphere, roaming street performers will entertain attendees throughout the day. Visitors can also enjoy browsing stalls with Christmas-themed gifts and activities, indulging in delicious treats from food trucks, sipping on mulled wine from the bar, and participating in craft workshops. The popular giant snow globe returns this year, providing the perfect backdrop for festive photos to share with loved ones.

Find all the information at https://one.welhat.gov.uk/heartofchristmas

– which will be continually updated as more event acts are confirmed.

Welwyn Garden City

Organised by the Welwyn Garden City Business Improvement District (BID), the highly anticipated WGC Lights Event is set to illuminate Howardsgate on Saturday, 16 November, from 12pm to 6pm.

The festivities will feature an exciting performance by Welwyn Hatfield’s very own singing superstar, Immi Davis, who will entertain the crowd before the incredible, rapper, songwriter and singer FORMZ will perform an awesome finale.

In addition to the main stage, attendees can enjoy a festive Christmas market, a fun fair, face painting, dance performances, street entertainment, free photo opportunities, story time with Santa, and much more! The BID will also be distributing Love Local £5 gift cards, which can be spent at 30 small, independent businesses across Welwyn Garden City.

The Lights Event will also mark the start of their famous Christmas Light Trail! Visitors can grab a warm drink and follow the path of impressive light installations, including the giant teddy bear, polar bear, and enchanting light tunnel, perfect for capturing festive photos. It’s an ideal holiday activity for kids and families to enjoy together.

Cllr Max Holloway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member, Climate Change, said: “It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The light switch-ons have always felt special to me and are a great way to mark the start of the festive period, and I know that many residents feel the same. This year will be no different with so much happening in both town centres. I want to also thank the local businesses, the Welwyn Garden City BID and local groups for their amazing contributions to these much-anticipated events. See you there!”

Cllr Jane Quinton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said: “The Christmas light switch-on events are a great start to the Christmas season that bring people of all ages and communities together. With music, fun and festive cheer we can look forward to celebrating in Welwyn Hatfield. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to get these events organised”.