Gloucester Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights Switch On 2024

The Lantern Parade & Christmas Light Switch-On is back this year! Enchanted Winter Forest lanterns will light the streets of Gloucester to mark the start of the Festive season! 

Kicking off the celebrations you can join the Gloucester Cathedral carol service at 4pm, which will be followed by the lantern parade at 4:45pm which will wind through the city centre culminating in the magical Tree of Light switch on in Kings Square.

FREE Lantern making Workshops

If you would like to take part in the parade, there are free lantern making workshops at Folk of Gloucester Saturday 9th November 11am – 3pm & Eastgate Shopping Centre Saturday 16th November 2pm – 4pm. Workshops are free and open to all ages.

Father Christmas and the rousing Gloster Gladiators Scout Band will lead the parade, bringing musical cheer and greeting families as they pass. As the parade arrives, the Tree of Light in Kings Square will have ceremonial switch on as part of the annual Rotary club fundraiser. For the grand finale at Kings Square, Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra will perform a medley of festive and popular tunes to fill the night’s sky,

The event is free to attend, and many Gloucester businesses will be keeping their doors open late for the thousands of visitors expected in the city.  

Schedule:
Gloucester Cathedral Carol service: 4:00 – 4:30pm
Lantern Parade start: 4:45pm (Gloucester Cathedral Grounds)
Tree of Light switch on Ceremony: 5:15pm Kings Square
Lantern Parade Finish: approx 5:45pm

Parade route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2777076?units=km

Bright Nights is supported by Gloucester BID and Gloucester City Council