Frome’s Christmas Light Switch On and Lantern Parade returns on Friday 27 November 2026.
One of Frome’s favourite Christmas traditions is back this November – and this year there’s an extra reason to celebrate!
The Christmas Light Switch On and Lantern Parade takes place on Friday 27 November, from 6pm to 7pm. This year marks 10 years of this much-loved part of Frome’s festive celebrations. With delicious seasonal treats, fantastic musical entertainment, and the wonderful lantern parade of hand-made lanterns, there’s plenty of festive fun to be enjoyed all evening! The festive food court and family fun starts at 3pm outside Frome Library and the magical Alice in Wonderland themed lantern parade starts at 6pm, from North Parade, into the town centre.
People of all ages are invited to create their own lanterns and become part of the magical procession through the town centre. Inspired by the curious characters and imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland, workshops will guide participants in making themed lanterns including Cheshire Cat smiles, Mad Hatter hats, pocket watches, cakes, teacups and playing cards.
The upcoming workshops are:
Cheshire Cat Smile Lanterns
Friday 20 November, 4pm to 6pm
Suitable for adults and children aged 8+
Mad Hatter Hat Lanterns
Saturday 21 November, 10am to 12pm
Suitable for adults and children aged 8+
Jam Tart or Pocket Watch Lanterns
Saturday 21 November, 1pm to 3pm
Suitable for adults and children aged 8+
Cakes or Cups Lanterns
Sunday 22 November, 10am to 12pm
Suitable for adults and children aged 7+
Alice Playing Card Staffs
Sunday 22 November, 1pm to 2.30pm
Suitable for adults and children aged 5+
If you can’t make a workshop, the Frome Lanterns website is full of inspiration, including video tutorials and instructions for making your own plant-based glue. Lantern kits are available from Frome Town Hall and the Discover Frome Information Point at Frome Library, making it easy to create a lantern at home and take part in the parade.
Over the past 10 years, Frome Lanterns has helped thousands of local people, schools and community groups create lanterns for the event. It’s become a real Frome tradition, bringing people together to share skills, get creative and light up the town.
Mel and Aliss from Frome Lanterns said: “Ten years on, what still makes the parade special is seeing people of all ages take part and make it their own. Every lantern has its own story behind it, whether it’s made by a family, a school group or someone joining in for the very first time. We love seeing people’s ideas take shape through the workshops and can’t wait to see where the Alice in Wonderland theme takes us this year.”
There’s plenty happening before the light switch on, too. The Cattle Market Car Park will once again become a festive food court from 3pm to 7:30pm. This year, you can expect some fabulous entertainment and even more food and drink options.
We Hear You (WHY) will be hosting the wonderful Santa’s Grotto on the night, open for visits to see the big man himself from 4pm – 7:30pm. Please book a time slot for your little ones to meet Santa, share their wishes and enjoy a little Christmas magic. All information and booking details can be found on WHY’s website.
More information will be available closer to the time – keep an eye on this page for updates. Don’t forget to add the most festive event of the year on 27 November to your diaries!
