Christmas Lights and Illuminations in Windsor and Maidenhead

Discover the Royal Borough at its most majestic and magical this festive season. From sparkling streets to dazzling light trails, Windsor, Maidenhead and Eton offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors seeking festive cheer.  Whether you’re planning a day trip or a short Christmas break, immerse yourself in the glow of lights, enjoy seasonal menus in our restaurants and explore unique shopping opportunities.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated, image Giles Smith

Windsor Great Park Illuminated

Dates: 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Location: Windsor Great Park (access via The Savill Garden & Adventure Play car park)
Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns from Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 with a spectacular trail through the enchanting woodland. Experience dazzling lights, breathtaking projections, and magical fountain displays that bring the forest to life.
This year’s trail sparkles with exciting new installations alongside returning favourites, making it more magical than ever. Wander through a wonderland of music and light, where woodland creatures dance, fairies celebrate, and festive moments await around every corner.
Pause to enjoy delicious food, mulled wine, hot chocolate, or toast marshmallows at one of our cosy rest stops. Dogs are welcome too—it's a festive night out the whole family (paws included) will love.
Accessibility has been carefully considered, and a Low Sensory Evening (24 November 2026) is available for visitors who prefer a calmer experience.
This is more than a light trail; it’s an opportunity to create lasting festive memories. Combine your visit with a stay in Windsor or Maidenhead and enjoy Christmas shopping, dining and local attractions.

Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-On

Christmas Lights Switch-On Events

Celebrate the start of the festive season with free Christmas lights switch-on events. These community celebrations combine twinkling lights with entertainment, food stalls and family fun.

Eton Christmas Lights Switch-On

Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Location: Eton High Street
Celebrate the start of the festive season at Eton’s annual Christmas lights switch-on. Combining music, seasonal entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas, this much-loved event brings the community together in the heart of historic Eton.
Begin the evening with Eton College’s Carol Concert, before following Father Christmas and his reindeer along Eton High Street to Jubilee Square for the official lights switch-on, hosted by panto star Kevin Cruise. As the countdown begins and festive music fills the air, watch as Eton’s Christmas lights illuminate the town centre.
After the switch-on, take time to explore Eton’s shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, as well as the seasonal street stalls offering festive food, drinks and gifts. Enjoy a warming mulled wine, sample locally brewed beers from Windsor & Eton Brewery, or pick up a bag of roasted chestnuts as you soak up the atmosphere.
There will also be family-friendly attractions, children's rides and opportunities for young visitors to meet Father Christmas and share their Christmas wish lists.

Windsor Christmas Lights Switch-On

Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
Location: Castle Hill
Join the Windsor community as the town comes together to celebrate the start of the festive season at Windsor’s much-loved Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Windsor Castle, this special event showcases performances from local schools, choirs and community groups, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the town. Families can enjoy children’s rides, seasonal food and drink and a variety of Christmas market stalls from local traders and makers throughout the town centre.
The evening will culminate in a magical countdown led by the cast of Theatre Royal Windsor’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, as they switch on the Christmas lights and illuminate Windsor’s largest Christmas tree. 

Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-On & Market

Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
Location: St Ives Road, Maidenhead
Maidenhead’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is the town’s big festive kick off! Enjoy a full day of festivities from 11am, including a bustling Christmas market, live music and entertainment and children’s funfair rides!  The switch-on countdown begins just before 6pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display on the Town Hall roof (weather permitting).  Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and seasonal treats as the lights transform the town centre.

View of Windsor Castle Salisbury Tower Christmas Illuminations, image VisitWindsor

Windsor Castle Salisbury Tower Christmas Illuminations

Date: until early January 2027
Location: Thames Street, Windsor
This festive season, the world’s most recognisable castle once again provides the backdrop for Windsor’s spectacular and creative Christmas illuminations, projected each night onto Windsor Castle’s Salisbury Tower.  Standing over 50ft tall, Salisbury Tower will be illuminated with Christmas images created by local schoolchildren as well as stunning images of St George’s Chapel’s stained glass windows, architectural details and motifs.

Further reading

Christmas in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
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