Christmas Parade and light switch-on

Guernsey’s Christmas parade and light switch-on will take place on Saturday 30 November, when children will have the opportunity to hand their Christmas wish lists to Father Christmas and his elves.

This year, Father Christmas will arrive at the Model Yacht Pond at 3:40pm, courtesy of the Fire and Rescue Service. Boatworks+ will also be offering free hot chocolate and treats to the waiting public from outside of their store.

The parade will start from the Model Yacht Pond, along Castle Emplacement and the bus terminus and onto Fountain Street, before finishing at the Market Square at 4:45pm.

Dan Taylor, Managing Director of Rihoy & Son, headline sponsor of the event said: “We’re proud to be part of the build up to Christmas as we celebrate our 100 year anniversary. The parade and switch-on is such an important community event and it is always wonderful to see the people of Guernsey turn out in such large numbers to start the festive season.”

For members of the public who prefer to wait in Market Square, entertainment will start at 4pm hosted by IslandFM with music from The Hope Choir.

Jax Robin, acting Chair of St Peter Port Christmas Lights, said: “The light switch-on marks the beginning of the Christmas for us and is the result of a great deal of work behind the scenes. It’s always a joy to see the lights switched on and watch St Peter Port come alive with festive cheer.”

After the light switch on, Father Christmas and his elves will carry on their parade through the Arcade, onto the High Street, and down the Pollet to allow as many people as possible to meet them.

Jax added: “Santa’s letterbox will be set up at the Guille-AlleÌs Library from 20 November so children can post their letters to Santa. The Friends of Santa at the Young Business Group will make sure each child gets a personalised reply— so remember to include your address!”

The switch on of the Christmas lights marks the start of the late-night shopping nights which will take place on three Thursdays in December on the 5th, 12thand 19th and there will also be the opportunity to do your Christmas shopping on Sunday 22 December.