The 2026 Christmas Lights Switch On is taking place on Tuesday 24th November from 3pm.
The annual switch on is a much-loved community event organised and funded by Totnes Town Council. It gathers hundreds of local people, businesses, and visitors to the Civic Hall and Market Square for the official countdown to Christmas.
The lights adorning the Christmas Tree and around the Market Square will be switched on at 5:30pm by the Mayor of Totnes, Cllr Tim Bennett. The lights on The East Gate Arch will also be lit as well as the trees at The Rotherfold, Shady Garden, and The Plains.
For the first time, festive light projections will be cast onto buildings in Fore Street including the front of The Mansion, the side of Halls Butchers, and the former Lloyds bank building, creating visual entertainment for people exploring the town, adding to the seasonal magic.
Cllr Bennett, Mayor of Totnes said: “This event brings together our whole community for a fantastic, festive evening celebrating the switching on of our wonderful town’s Christmas lights. It’s a great way to give back to the people of Totnes by providing lots of fun and entertainment for all the family to enjoy, supported by much loved pillars of our community including the Totnes Brass Band, and talented pupils from our local schools.
“We hope that as many people can join us in celebrating this special event to kick off the festive season in Totnes.”
Children from The Grove School and Totnes St John’s School will be singing seasonal songs, and the Civic Hall will be open for families to meet Father Christmas and enjoy the inflatable snow globe.
There will be complimentary juice and biscuits for children, and plenty of entertainment including craft tables, Elfic the Jester, Bubbles the Pixie, and stilt walkers.
All entertainment is provided by Totnes Town Council, who are also subsidising the cost of hot food for families to enjoy in the evening. The Council has also funded the services of local community transport – Bob The Bus – to provide free transport to and from the town between 4pm – 7pm.
Bob The Bus will be running from:
- Bridgetown Spar: 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm
- Market Square: 4:15pm, 4:45pm, 5:15pm, 5:45pm, 6:15pm, and 6:45pm
- Follaton Stores: 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm.
This event is free for all residents and visitors to attend, although donations to the Mayor’s Charities of the Year – Bob The Bus and Food for Children – would be welcomed. Donations can be made at the drinks stall in the Civic Hall.
Residents of Totnes and beyond can also look forward to the Christmas Markets and late night shopping returning every Tuesday in the run up to Christmas, starting on 8th December 2026, from 3pm – 9pm.
Please note: there will be a photographer present at this event taking photos for use on Totnes Town Council’s website and social media platforms.