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We can't wait to welcome you to Fareham for the annual Christmas lights switch on!
Here is a list of frequently asked questions that may help you with your visit.
If you have any further questions please email leisure@fareham.gov.uk
The Christmas lights switch on will take place on Saturday 23rd November 2024 from 10am-7pm.
Due to the predicted bad weather some elements of the switch on have been moved inside. Please see the event timetable for more information.
Please note Fareham Shopping centre will close at 7pm and the lifts to the multi-storey car park will be switched off at 7:30pm.
The lights will be switched on at 5:30pm underneath the performance podium in West Street (near Slug and Lettuce).
The lights will be switched on by the deputy Mayor of Fareham and panto characters.
Please note the weather will be monitored throughout the day.
Outside on West Street, there will be:
Inside, Funyard Events will host the Christmas gift market. This will be located within an empty shop unit (used to be Clarks) inside Fareham Shopping Centre, near Costa and Next. Cash and card accepted. Dogs welcome.
Crafty Makery will be running arts and crafts in their shop, also inside Fareham Shopping Centre (near Card Factory).
Don't forget to visit one of the many wonderful shops, businesses, cafes, pubs or restaurants within Fareham in High Street, West Street and the shopping centre.
Pop into Howden between 2pm-6pm for mulled wine, mince pies, children's colouring competition, pin the tail on rudolph and guess the amount of sweets in the jar. Adults will have the opportunity to win a Christmas hamper worth £100!
Howden is located at 90 West Street, Fareham, PO16 0EP – Just past Westbury Manor Museum.
A Christmas Fayre taking place at The Mandaleigh Studios between 3-5pm. Free entry! Local businesses will be attending with homemade items and children can visit Father Christmas for £3 including a gift. There will be drinks and refreshments, tombolas, raffle, lucky dip and craft activities too.
Located at 142-144 West Street, Fareham, PO16 0EL – Next to Holy Trinity Church
art-K Fareham
Open day taking place between 3:30-5:30pm. Activities include Christmas themed colouring activities, watercolour Christmas card decoration demo and mini exhibition of existing student work. art-K will also be creating a Christmas themed window display at Coffee No1.
8 West Street, Fareham, PO16 0BH (Near Kumo Japanese restaurant)
Edwards Coffee Lounge
Mulled wine and homemade mince pies served all day. Options for sit in & takeaway.
177 West Street, Fareham, PO16 0EF (Near Gateway Church)
Travelling to Fareham
It is expected to be very busy in Fareham on this day. We would encourage car sharing or using public transport where possible.
By Bus:
Fareham Bus Station is situated by Market Quay car park.
From Gosport: Use First Bus service E1, E2, X5, 9, 9A or 11
From Portsmouth: Use First Bus service 3 or X4
From Whiteley: Use First Bus service 28 or 28A
From Southampton: Use First Bus service X4 or X5
By Train:
Fareham train station is a 10 minute walk to the event location.
By Bike:
Fareham Town Centre is surrounded by the National Cycle Network. Bike racks are available in the pedestrianised area and by Fareham Bus Station.
By Car:
Car parks are expected to be very busy.
Fareham Town Centre has a number of car parks. Please see our parking in Fareham Town Centre webpage for more details.
Shopmobility
The Fareham Shopmobility service provides mobility scooters, electric and manual wheelchairs to people with limited mobility. Shopmobility is located inside Fareham Shopping Centre, opposite Millets.
Shopmobility will be open for the Christmas Lights Switch On event, but mobility aids must be booked in advance. For more information about using the Shopmobility service please visit their website.
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