The 2025 search for Winchester’s local heroes to help switch on the city’s Christmas lights has begun – nominations are now open!
The annual Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday 13 November 2025 in The Broadway outside the Guildhall from 4.30pm.
As part of the community-focused event, Winchester BID is launching our search for ‘local heroes’ campaign to find Winchester stars to help switch on the festive lights. On the night, the countdown will begin just before 6.30pm, when the local heroes will help press the giant red ‘ON’ button that will light up our heritage city. Being a local hero recognises an individual’s or organisation’s contribution to the city and the community. Could this be you or someone you know?
Last year we had an overwhelming number of votes for George Hatt, who sadly passed away earlier this year from brain cancer. One of George’s dying wishes was to bring joy to others and put a smile on everyone’s face, whilst switching the Christmas lights on. Whilst George is no longer with us, his family continue to raise funds for charities close to their hearts as “a reminder that George’s life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with love, laughter, and impact” said his sister Jess on their Hatts off to George social media page. On behalf of the city, we thank George for being our 2024 hero.
This year’s event will be hosted by Jonny Meah from Heart Radio who has fallen in love with Winchester. The night will be packed full of festive fun! Visit the Giant Inflatable Snow Globe and Winchester Round Table’s Santa’s Sleigh in the new location of Middle Brook Street and watch the wonderful live performances on stage in The Broadway from The Pilgrims’ School Chamber Choir, Harestock Primary School Choir, Osborne School’s Rubik’s Cube, Winchester Rock Choir, Theatre Royal Winchester, Winchester A Capella, Integr8 Dance, Love Soul Choir, Diva Academy and Weeke Primary School Choir to help kick start the festive season celebrations. This year’s kind sponsor of the Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On is Dutton Gregory Solicitors.
Click here to nominate a local hero to help switch on the Winchester Christmas lights.
Nominations close on Friday 31 October 2025.
Back by popular demand, we are delighted that the Snow Globe and Santa’s Sleigh will be installed in a NEW location for 2025 in Middle Brook Street outside The Brooks Shopping Centre from 12 noon. The Giant Inflatable Snow Globe is part of a fundraising initiative for Spare Change For Lasting Change and donations will go directly to two local charities working together to support people experiencing homelessness in Winchester. The charities are The Winchester Beacon and Trinity Winchester. Winchester Round Table’s Santa Sleigh is part of a community initiative to spread Christmas magic across the city and raise money for local charities and good causes. Please visit their website to find out about this year’s charities: winchestersantasleigh.co.uk.
Other activities to look out for this festive season organised by Winchester BID will include the Winchester Independents Chalet at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. More details will be announced soon!
Sarah Davis, Winchester BID Manager, said: “Once again, we are excited to be coordinating the Christmas Lights Switch On event. A big thank you to the event sponsor Dutton Gregory Solicitors. This year we will be remembering George Hatt, our amazing local hero from 2024, who made such an impact before tragically losing his life earlier this year. George showed us how to have a fun-filled, community event that brings together the people of Winchester. This year is the perfect time to shine the spotlight on other heroes, which is why we will be searching for well-deserving local people to help switch on this year’s lights. On the night, we will be encouraging the public to get involved with the celebrations on social media too. Tag photos and posts with @WinchesterBID so we can repost and share the fun.”
To find out more and to keep up to date with further details, follow #WinchLights, #FestiveWinch and @WinchesterBID on Facebook, Instagram and X .
The 2025 Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On is kindly sponsored by:
