St Dennis Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch On 2026

The festive season is set to begin in style in St Dennis as the community prepares to come together for its annual Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 28th November.

Starting at 5.30pm, the evening promises a wonderful mix of festive entertainment, music and community spirit, with activities planned for residents and visitors of all ages.

The celebrations will get underway at St Dennis Working Men’s Club, where families can enjoy a Christmas party, Santa’s Grotto, refreshments and live entertainment from the Ukulele Club Band. Father Christmas has also promised to make a welcome return, bringing festive treats for the children.

Following the celebrations at the club, everyone will be invited to join the much-loved Lantern Parade, travelling along the pavement on Robartes Road towards Trelavour Prazey.

One of this year's special highlights will be the magnificent Bal Maiden, a giant lantern making a memorable appearance as part of the parade. Inspired by St Dennis’s previous lantern parade, the Bal Maiden also celebrates the area's proud clay mining heritage, bringing a little local history and tradition into the festive celebrations.

On arrival at Trelavour Prazey, the parade will be welcomed by St Dennis Band and children from St Dennis Primary School, who will join together for community carol singing.

The evening will reach its festive finale with the eagerly anticipated switch-on of the community Christmas tree lights, bringing everyone together to celebrate the start of Christmas in St Dennis.

The annual event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy the festivities and celebrate the traditions that make Christmas in St Dennis so special. Residents and visitors are warmly encouraged to bring their lanterns, join the parade and be part of this free community event.

Please be aware that a road closure and diversion will be in place between 7pm and 9pm to accommodate the event. The closure will affect only the bottom of Wellington Road, and residents will still have full access to Wellington Road car park. Children attending the event must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For further information, visit www.stdennisparishcouncil.gov.uk/events follow St Dennis Parish Council on Facebook or check local noticeboards.

With festive entertainment, a visit from Father Christmas, a colourful lantern parade, traditional carols and the magical Christmas lights switch-on, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your family and friends, bring your lanterns, come along and join in the celebrations, and help make the night sparkle as St Dennis welcomes the Christmas season in true community spirit!