Free local Christmas events for the whole family.
South Swindon Parish Council has announced the return of Christmas in South Swindon for 2026 following the success of 2025. The programme will provide a series of free, local events across the parish throughout November and December.
From Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th November, South Swindon Parish Council will hold its Christmas Tree Light Switch Ons across three different wards. The events will take place at:
- Broadgreen Community Centre | Tuesday 17th
- Cavendish Square | Wednesday 18th
- Badbury Park Community Centre | Thursday 19th
All three events will take place from 17:00 to 19:00, with the switch-on taking place at 18:15. These events welcome local residents to a festive evening of family activities, food and drink, and live music. Each event offers a variety of entertainment, with appearances from Rhythmix Goa, Sizzling Stars of Swindon, Emma Doupé and more, in addition to walkabout entertainers and visits from Santa. Entry, entertainment and activities will be free, and the Broadgreen Switch On will provide free samosas and hot drinks to community members.
At Badbury Park the beloved Santa Story Time has returned with three different slots throughout the evening at 17:10 (ages 0-3), 17:45 (ages 4-6) and 18:30 (ages 7+). The tickets cost £2 each and are available to buy via https://southswindonparishcouncil.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173695364.
Following the Christmas Tree Light Switch Ons, Christmas in the Town Gardens will take place over the weekends of:
- Saturday 12th to Sunday 13th December
- Saturday 19th to Sunday 20th December
Each day will run from 12:00 to 16:00 for two weekends of family entertainment, live music and food vendors. Across these two weekends, visitors will be able to take part in various craft activities, engage with walkabout entertainers including Santa Claus and two special interactive features: ‘Written in the Trees’ and ‘Mrs Claus’ Checklist’.
‘Written in the Trees’ is a brand-new immersive sculpture trail and storytelling experience for 2026 exploring the folklore, diversity and culture represented by the Town Gardens trees. Children will explore the history and identity of Swindon led by interactive actors with the chance to meet special characters. This installation has been made in collaboration with Swindon Culture Collective, children’s author Kate Claxton and Prime Theatre.
Mrs Claus’ Checklist is an interactive performance for children and will take place at the Bowl twice a day. Children will be able to decorate festive cookies and make reindeer food to take home. Tickets are £2 and will be available to purchase via https://southswindonparishcouncil.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows.
Furthermore, a range of live music performances will be held in the iconic Bandstand, with performances from local organisations, including Swindon Hindu Temple, Rhythmix Goa, Swindon Brass and Wroughton Silver Band. Other entertainment includes a bubble artist, fairground rides, stilt walkers and circus skills. Fandangos will be providing a fully stocked and licensed bar, as well as a variety of food stalls serving refreshments throughout the day. Entry and parking are free, with the Commonweal School making their car park available to visitors.
John Firmin, Chair of the Events Working Party at South Swindon Parish Council, said:
‘Christmas in South Swindon last year was well received, with community performances, crafting, and circus activities. The Christmas Tree Light Switch Ons had a marvellous turnout, with over 400 people attending the Badbury Park ceremony. Christmas in the Town Gardens also proved a major success, and this year we will be extending the experience and adding more immersive installations for the whole family to enjoy.
These local events are important for uniting our communities, with local involvement from entertainers to food vendors. We anticipate a strong turnout and positive feedback again from residents this year.’
For more details, visit the events page: https://southswindon-pc.gov.uk/events/ and search ‘Christmas.’
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