Norwich city centre will kick off the festive season in sparkling style on Thursday 19 November with the annual Lights Switch-On.
Thousands of people are expected to gather outside city hall for the celebration, with live performances and festive entertainment before the big moment at 7pm.
This year the switch will be flicked by Jack Dean, aka YouTuber and podcaster JaackMaate, and his Happy Hour podcast co-hosts Stevie White and Robbie Knox.
The Norwich-based trio revealed on the podcast that one of their dreams was to switch on the city’s festive lights so Lord Mayor Cllr Karen Davies made their wish come true when she surprised them in their studio with a formal invitation to do the honours.
Cllr Davies said:
“The annual Lights Switch-On is a cherished Norwich tradition that showcases the warmth, community spirit and togetherness that make our city so special.
"When the Happy Hour team put themselves forward for the job, they did so with real affection for Norwich and the people who live here. We loved their enthusiasm and we want Norwich to be a city that listens and embraces opportunities, especially when they help unite our communities.
"We're delighted that they will help bring the city together to mark the start of the festive season."
Entertainment leading up to the Switch-On will include music, comedy and dancing as well as the annual snowball throw. Dr DJ’s Dad Dancing Dispensary will take to the stage along with Not Your Average Choir and many other acts to be announced
Jack Dean said:
"Wow. What a privilege it is to have been asked to switch on this year’s Christmas lights, in our very own home city of Norwich. We couldn’t think of a higher honour than helping to kick off 2026’s festive season outside of the City Hall. Every year since we were kids, we’ve attended this event, with a hot chocolate in hand from the market. So to be the ones pressing the button this year is truly a pinch yourself moment. As a trio we have been lucky enough to have done some mad stuff in our careers… but this is right up there. I think my lovely Nan finally thinks I’ve “made it” now. Viva la Norwich!"
You can listen to Cllr Davies surprising the trio to formally invite them to switch the lights on when the special episode of The Happy Hour is released on Monday 19 October.
Following the Switch-On, the first Norwich Winter Sessions organised by Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) will bring music, performance and seasonal cheer to Hay Hill and Gentleman’s Walk.
And this festive season the twinkling array of lights, will decorate busy shopping streets across the city right up until the end of January. The move comes following feedback from residents, businesses and visitors keen to see some winter sparkle during one of the most challenging months of the year.
The lights are provided and managed by Norwich BID and powered almost entirely by renewable energy, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainable events and being a climate-responsive place to live.
Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich BID, said:
“Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and celebrate everything that makes Norwich such a special place.
“From our city-wide festive lights and the new Norwich Winter Sessions, bringing music and performance to our streets, to the Festive Love Letters Trail encouraging families to explore and discover hidden corners of the city.
“We are proud to create memorable experiences that give people more reasons to visit, shop, eat and spend time here. And by keeping our lights shining until the end of January, we hope to carry some of that festive magic into the new year, brightening the darker winter days and supporting our city centre businesses to get 2027 off to a strong start.”
VisitNorwich will launch the new Love Letters trail on the same day as the Switch-On in conjunction with the Sainsbury Centre. It will run until 10 January with opportunities to win festive prizes.
Norwich City Council’s commitment to making sure events can be enjoyed by everyone has been recognised by bronze accessibility accreditation.
This year’s lights switch-on arrangements include an accessible viewing area, bookable in advance, and calm and quiet spaces available close to the event. Full details can be found here.
Event details
Date: Thursday 19 November
Time: Entertainment from 5.30pm, switch-on at 7pm
Location: City Hall, Hay Hill, Norwich Market, with lights across the city centre.
