It's that special time of year when Lyme really starts to twinkle. Spirits are expected to be high on Saturday 23rd November 2024 as Lyme Regis begins its countdown to Christmas with the big switch on of the town’s Christmas lights. The lighting up of Lyme never fails to draw crowds and gasps of wonder from onlookers soaking up the magical seasonal atmosphere. This year Santa will again be arriving on his sleigh to switch on the lights.

The afternoon celebrations commence with the Christmas lantern making workshop at Pine Hall, Lyme Regis Baptist Church at 2pm. This is a free event with all materials provided and is great fun for kids and all the family. Prizes will be awarded for the best lanterns in each age category with judging taking place at 4pm. Lanterns made at home are welcome to enter the competition.

Following the judging, the lantern parade will make its way down Broad Street from around 5pm. Lyme Regis Majorettes will be adding a bit of extra sparkle to the proceedings with an energetic routine along with Fitsteps and Lyme Morris who will perform before the lights are switched on.

The lights will continue to sparkle until the first week of January, taking the town into a bright New Year. More information about the Christmas Lights Committee can be found on their website lymechristmaslights.co.uk.

Summary of the afternoon's events:

2pm: Christmas lantern workshop in the Pine Hall, Lyme Regis Baptist Church. Children and adults are invited to join in the fun and make a lantern. A free event with all materials provided.

4pm: Judging of the lanterns in Lyme Regis Baptist Church Pine Hall with prizes for each of the age categories (0-4, 5-7, 8-11, 12+ and Adults). Lanterns made at home are welcome to enter.

5pm: Lyme Regis Majorettes, Lyme Morris and Fitsteps will perform in Broad Street and there will be a parade of lanterns before Santa arrives on his sleigh to start the countdown to the big switch on.