The countdown to Christmas starts when the town lights go on. From lantern parades and festive markets to visits from Father Christmas, towns across the RH postcode are getting ready for their 2026 switch-on celebrations.
Here’s where and when to see the Christmas lights switched on near you, plus what else is happening on the day.
Horsham
Date: Friday 20th November
Time: 4–8pm
Where: Horsham town centre
Horsham’s Christmas Launch Party marks the start of the festive season with an evening of free, fun and festive entertainment across the town centre. It’s run by Your Horsham, the town’s Business Improvement District, with support from Horsham District Council.
There’ll be live acts and music, face painting and a silent disco, though some activities may have a small charge. Food Rocks will run a market at the Forum from 4pm to 9pm, with art, craft and local produce. The Carfax market moves to the Forum for the evening.
The switch-on time, the running order and who will switch on the lights are still to be announced. In previous years, a lantern parade led by local choirs has made its way from St Mary’s Church to Market Square, where the Christmas tree lights are switched on in the early evening.
Road closures: the Carfax (from Blackhorse Way to the Copnall Way junction, including Swan Yard) and Park Place will be closed from 3:30 to 8.30pm. Access is via Blackhorse Way and the Causeway only.
Parking: Swan Walk and Piries Place car parks are open 24 hours, with a £2.80 overnight tariff from 8pm. BT Exchange car park is free after 5pm on weekdays, but it’s small and likely to fill up quickly.
Crawley
Date: Saturday 21st November
Time: 1–5:30pm
Where: Queens Square, Crawley
Crawley’s switch-on is an afternoon of carols, family entertainment and workshops in Queens Square, leading up to the moment the Christmas tree lights are switched on. Father Christmas will also be making a special appearance, so bring the children along.
East Grinstead
Date: Saturday 21 November
Time: From 4:30pm, lights on at 5:15pm
Where: High Street and London Road, East Grinstead
East Grinstead’s switch-on is held alongside the Big Reveal, when 64 local shops, businesses and charities unveil their festive window displays at the same moment.
Timings on the evening:
- 4:30pm: East Grinstead Concert Band plays near the Christmas tree.
- 5pm: a Christmas message from the Reverend Luke Whiteman and the Mayor.
- 5:15pm: the town lights switch-on, with a countdown led by the Mayor at the lighting ceremony on the High Street.
- 5:20pm: the Big Reveal. Find a spot to watch the windows light up, then take a wander to see them all.
There’s plenty more to enjoy on the night. Santa’s Grotto, presented by the Lions Club, is in Queens Walk, there’s a disco on the High Street, and many shops will stay open late. You can also vote for your favourite window at the voting station on the High Street.
Food and drink stalls line the route, from churros, donuts and paella to burgers, pizza and a German sausage truck, plus a mobile bar. The organisers say cash is preferred on the stalls because phone signal can be patchy. If you’re planning to eat in one of East Grinstead’s restaurants instead, book ahead.
All timings are approximate.
Burgess Hill
Date: Thursday 26th November
Time: Festival from 11am, lights on at 5pm
Where: Church Walk, Burgess Hill town centre
Burgess Hill switches on its lights on the opening day of its four-day Christmas Festival, which runs from 26th to 29th November. The free, family-friendly event includes festive chalets selling food, drink and handmade gifts, live music on stage from 4pm, walkabout acts, a free teacup ride and Santa’s Grotto. Kids’ craft sessions are also available but need to be booked in advance.
Haywards Heath
Date: Saturday 28th November
Time: 12pm–5pm, lantern parade from 4.30pm, lights on at 5pm
Where: Haywards Heath Baptist Church, Centenary Hall and The Orchards Shopping Centre
The Haywards Heath Christmas Festival is free to attend, with stalls from local businesses, charities and community groups selling gifts. Children can follow the Christmas trail, meet the elves and their ‘good-o-meter’ at the Baptist Church, and enjoy balloon modelling and face painting for a suggested £2 donation to Kangaroos, the Mayor’s chosen charity. Don’t forget to vote in the Best Dressed Window competition.
As the afternoon draws in, join the lantern parade, which gathers at The Orchards Shopping Centre from 4:30pm, before the Christmas lights are switched on there at 5pm.
Reigate
Date: Saturday 28th November
Time: From 11:30am, lights on at 4:30pm
Where: Church Street and Tunnel Road, Reigate
The Reigate Business Guild Christmas Fayre is one of the busiest days of the year in town. Church Street closes to traffic from 6am to 7pm, and stalls selling food, drink and gifts open from 11am to 5pm. Local schools, clubs and colleges perform on the stage at the western end of Church Street throughout the day.
The fayre’s tombola and chocolate tombola raise money for the town’s Christmas lights, which are switched on at 4:30pm. Keep an eye on the Old Town Hall roof after the switch-on.
Horley
Date: 10th December at 5pm (Christmas Fair on Saturday 12th December)
Where: Horley town centre
Horley’s switch-on is organised by the Horley Association of Town Supporters (HATS).
The Horley Christmas Fair returns to the High Street on Saturday 12th December, with festive stalls, food, music, kids’ activities and Santa’s Grotto.
