Thanks to the community members who formed a steering group and thanks to the sponsors who have pledged their support, we’re able to confirm that the Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza will be going ahead on 26 November 2022.
The Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza kicks off the festive season in Abingdon. It’s a family-focused festive event in the heart of the town where the community comes together as one.
In 2021 there was no Christmas Lights Switch On event in Abingdon. But in previous years, there has been Santa’s sleigh and lots of activities in Bath Street, Bury Street, Market Place and town shops, as well as activities for kids at St Nicolas Church.
Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council provides the Christmas Lights display in the town centre, and a large Christmas tree is put up by staff with contributions from loyal Monday Charter Market traders.
An outline of the planned events for the day is as follows:
9.00am – Bath Street Market opens with craftworkers, charity stalls, artisan food vendors and Christmas Gifts for you to browse. The Donkeys from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary will be at the end of Bath Street for families to say hello to.
11.30am – Parade Muster on the corner of Queen Street, opposite the multi-storey entrance.
Noon – The parade starts its tour of the town centre, taking in Stert Street, East St Helen Street, Lombard Street, West St Helen’s Street, and High Street, arriving back at the Market Place at around 12.20pm.
12.20pm onwards – Music and other entertainment from the stage on the Market Place and also from the performance area on Bath Street. (Both performance areas are covered in case of rain.) Bands, choirs, dance troupes and actors are welcome to apply.
4.30pm – Bath Street Market closes
5.30pm – The start of the Lights-Switch-On Ceremony on the stage in the Market Place
6.00pm – Christmas Lights provided by Abingdon Town Council will be switched on, followed by a short firework display (under review/dependent on facilities and permissions).
6.30pm – Market Place stalls close
Please note some items are subject to budget and council permissions
Following a re-evaluation of the role of the Abingdon-on-Thames Chamber of Commerce, a steering group supported by the Abingdon Events Partnership will put together the Christmas Extravaganza to celebrate the switching on of the lights this year.