Christmas in Cambridge

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Cambridge!

From enchanting light displays to festive events, there's no shortage of holiday spirit in Cambridge. Dive into the festivities and explore the exciting projects you could be a part of this season.

Join us in illuminating the city with dazzling light displays that capture the essence of Christmas. From sponsoring light installations to participating in community events, there are numerous ways to get involved and spread joy throughout the city.

Christmas Lights

Cambridge BID arranges for the installation of Christmas lights at key locations in the BID Area to ensure that Cambridge is a vibrant and welcoming City Centre for the public, businesses and organisations

What is the project:

Cambridge BID arranges for the installation of Christmas lights at key locations in the BID Area to ensure that Cambridge is a vibrant and welcoming City Centre for the public, businesses and organisations and their employees during the festive period.

In 2023, Cambridge BID went out to tender for a new contractor.  After meeting with several suppliers, it was decided to remain with Field & Lawn who offered the most comprehensive scheme at the best price.

The scheme stretches from the Train Station right through the historic core, up to the bottom of Castle Hill.  The scheme includes:

·         53 street crossings

·         135 motifs

·         800m of icicle lights

·         600m of festoon lighting

·         1 giant bauble 5m colour changing Christmas Tree

Who does it benefit:

Retail and leisure businesses primarily, creating a positive and vibrant buzz in the City Centre during the busy shopping period and encouraging shoppers to make Cambridge their destination of choice.

Project status:

Ongoing project, work commences in January where a review is conducted of the previous year’s event.

How do you get involved:

The BID Team have a limited budget in terms of the provision of Christmas Lights across the City Centre. We will look at adding new streets to the existing scheme, but these are very much subject to necessary permissions and budgetary constraints.

Info@cambridgebid.co.uk or 01223 903300.

The BIG Switch on

An event for members of the public to signify the start of Christmas shopping period in the City Centre and see the switching-on of our Christmas lights across the BID Area.

What is the project:

An event for members of the public to signify the start of Christmas shopping period in the City Centre and see the switching-on of our Christmas lights across the BID Area.

Who does it benefit:

Retail and leisure businesses primarily, creating a positive and vibrant buzz in the City Centre during the busy shopping period and encouraging shoppers to make Cambridge their destination of choice.

Project status:

This is an ongoing project, which the BID will deliver each year.

How do you get involved:

Email Jenny Granshaw jenny.granshaw@cambridgebid.co.uk 01223 903300.

Switch On 2026

The Big Switch On at Market Square

Proudly Sponsored by Costa Coffee in Cambridge

On Sunday 15th November, we head to Market Square to turn on the city centre lights!

The annual Big Switch On kicks off Christmas season in Cambridge, and we’ll have our sterling presenter Josh Lovatt commanding the stage, and promising to entertain the crowds from midday. There will be a lively line up from local performing musicians, dance groups, choirs and much much more!

Full schedule of performers:

12.00 – Coleridge Community College
12.20 – Colours of Dance
12.45 – Next Gen Noise
13.05 – On-Stage Performing Arts
13.40 – Razzamataz
14.00 – Vocal Remix
14.25 – Stagecoach
14.45 – Sing Choirs
15.05 – Cambridge BID’s ‘Mystery Shop’ winning retailers
15.25 – 4D Dance
15.50 – Safira Pinder
16.25 – Tom Korni
16.55 – Switch-On Team on stage for lights!
17.10 – ADC Theatre

Stay tuned by following Love Cambridge on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas Lights Switch On at Cambridge station

On Thursday 12th November we will officially turn on the lights at Cambridge Train Station.

Join Josh Lovatt to switch on the lights and officially kick off Christmas in the CB1 area. Starting at around 4.30pm, Josh will be bringing his decks and party tunes (and maybe the odd Christmas song) to the Station and asking you to help celebrate the start of Christmas.

Station Square schedule:

16.30 – Christmas songs, quizzes and giveaways  

17.15 – live music from The Los Amigos 

18.30 – Switch-on moment!

Festive Winter Window Competition

The Christmas Window Competition is a way to support, encourage and give a positive platform to Independent businesses who go all out with their Christmas window displays

What is the Project:

Never is there a better time to experience the delights that Cambridge has to offer than at Christmas.  The twinkling lights, carol singers and Christmas cheer make it an enjoyable experience for all.

Cambridge has a fantastic array of Independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that at Christmas time dress their windows to give shoppers an extra little treat whilst they are out choosing gifts for their loved ones.

Each year Cambridge BID encourage independent retailers to join in the Christmas Window Competition

Businesses are judged in the following areas:

• Originality - The creativeness and originality in the design concept.

• Workmanship - The craftsmanship in the creation. Detail in design and creation of objects with the effective use of colors and materials.

• General Presentation - The overall effective presentation in beauty and creativity.

The winning businesses receive additional coverage in Cambridge Independent, along with a £100 to be given to their chosen charity and a £100 Love Cambridge Gift Card for them and their team.

Timeline:

Sign up by 27th November (CLOSED)

Internal judging for top ten 1st - 7th December

Online voting of top ten (Love Cambridge Social Channels) on 10th - 14th December

Winner to be announced 17th December

How to Enter:

To enter, please fill out the form below

Entries are now OPEN