Woodbridge Christmas lights event features boatload of Santas

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 17:40 · Archive

Woodbridge's Christmas lights switch-on returns November 26 and 27, 2026, with an eco-lantern parade and Santas on the River Deben.

Woodbridge's Christmas lights switch-on returns for the fourth consecutive year on November 26 and 27, 2026, organised by the Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music in partnership with the Woodbridge Town Council. The event will feature an eco-lantern parade, a boatload of Santas landing on the River Deben, live music, children's rides and a street food festival—described as the largest the event has offered to date.

Thursday's festivities begin at 4pm on Market Hill, with the lights switched on at 6pm before the parade moves to the Thoroughfare. Street food runs until 8pm, followed by an after-party at the Red Lion. Friday's celebrations continue at Whisstock's Place with Christmas projections on the Tide Mill, a samba band, more street food, and Santa Clauses rowing ashore on a half-size replica of the Sutton Hoo Ship.

The Christmas lights will be switched on by local MP Jenny Riddell Carpenter, Woodbridge Town Mayor Nigel Phipps, and Woodbridge Sea Scout leader Barry Hayter, with additional guests yet to be announced. Entertainment includes samba bands, DJ Ben Osborne, live bands, fire eaters and jugglers. The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company is offering young people the chance to create wooden Christmas decorations during the weekend.

How it is being reported

• Town's Christmas lights event to feature boatload of SantasWoodbridge Christmas lights switch-on returns November 26 and 27, 2026, with an eco-lantern parade, Santas on the River Deben and street food.Ipswich Star · 29 Oct, 17:00
• Town's Christmas lights event to feature boatload of SantasWoodbridge Christmas lights switch-on returns November 26 and 27, 2026, with an eco-lantern parade, Santas on the River Deben and street food.East Anglian Daily Times · 29 Oct, 17:00

In this story: Woodbridge · River Deben · Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music · Jenny Riddell Carpenter · Nigel Phipps · Barry Hayter · Sutton Hoo Ship's Company · Suffolk

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