Brand-new starry night Christmas lights to illuminate Watford Town Centre at this year’s festive switch-on...
Watford Town Centre BID is inviting families, friends and visitors to “Watch Watford Sparkle” as the Christmas Lights Switch-On returns on Saturday 21 November 2026, from 4pm to 6pm.
Taking place at Pondside, The Parade, the celebration will launch the festive season with a traditional Christmas parade, live entertainment and the unveiling of brand-new Christmas installations inspired by a starry night.
The festivities begin at 4pm, with a Christmas parade travelling along the High Street from outside McDonald’s on Watford High Street all the way up to Pondside. From 4:30pm, visitors can enjoy live on-stage entertainment and Christmas performances suitable for the whole family.
We are delighted to announce that the incredible Electric Umbrella will be performing at Pondside on stage from roughly 4:30pm – 5:00pm, bringing an uplifting celebration of music, inclusion and togetherness to our switch-on. The charity empowers learning disabled and neurodivergent people through music, creativity and connection, challenging perceptions and celebrating difference.
Their performance promises to bring plenty of feel-good energy as the crowd gathers for the big switch-on moment.
At 5pm, all eyes will turn to the Christmas tree for the big switch-on moment, as Watford’s new starry night installations light up and bring a little extra magic to the town centre. Expect Santa Claus and some surprises along the way!
After the lights have switched on, the festivities will continue with a number of wonderful Christmas-themed acts. As well as Electric Umbrella, performers for the day will include: St John’s Church of England Primary School, Tiger Jazz, SEC Drum Corps, Palace Theatre Pantomime Characters, Cassio Productions and Stagecoach Performing Arts.
Kara Mesiano, CEO of Watford BID: “We cannot wait for another Christmas Lights Switch-On and we have an incredible line-up of acts ready to begin the festive season in Watford Town Centre. We encourage visitors to make an afternoon of the celebrations: browse the shops for Christmas gifts, meet friends for a warming drink or enjoy a meal together before gathering for the switch-on!
Huge credit must go to Watford Town Centre businesses, both large national chains and smaller independents, for jointly funding the brand-new installations. We are very fortunate to have such an engaged business community, and their investment in our town centre speaks volumes about their aspirations for our wonderful town.
Bring your loved ones, wrap up warm and help welcome Christmas to Watford with an afternoon of festive cheer.”
For further information, visit watfordtowncentre.com/event/christmas-lights-switch-on-2026/ and follow @WatfordTownCentre on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
