Guernsey’s Christmas Parade and light switch-on

Guernsey’s annual Christmas parade and light switch-on will return on Saturday 25 November.

Children in the Bailiwick will have the chance to meet Father Christmas and his team of elves as well as handing over Christmas wish lists.

This year, Father Christmas will arrive, courtesy of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, at 3:40pm. There will be free hot chocolate and mince pies available to the public thanks to Boatworks+.

The Parade begins at the Model Yacht Pond before continuing through Castle Emplacement and along the bus terminus into Fountain Street before finishing at the Market Buildings at 4.45pm.

Julia Hands, Founder and CEO of Hand Picked Hotels – owners of St Pierre Park and Fermain Valley hotels on the island – and headline sponsor, commented: “We are very proud to be involved in bringing the magic of Christmas to Guernsey this year. The Christmas Parade and light switch-on is a wonderful way to welcome the festive season. We love to see the streets lined with excited faces and hope the Guernsey public comes out in the masses again this year.”

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 is a magical start to the Christmas period and the culmination of a huge amount of work behind the scenes. I never tire of seeing the lights being switched on and seeing St Peter Port burst into festivities.”

Following the light switch on, to enable as many people as possible to see Father Christmas and his elves, he will continue through the Arcade, onto the High Street and down the Pollet.

Jax Robin added: “Santa’s letterbox will be arriving at the Guille-Allès Library on 20 November,  allowing children to post their letters to Santa. The Friends of Santa at YBG will ensure that each child will receive a personalised response, so don’t forget to put an address on your letter!”