The much-loved Ellesborough Silver Band will make a welcome return to this year’s festive event, performing along the High Street throughout the afternoon. They will be joined by local church choirs, adding to the seasonal atmosphere. The band’s appearance has been generously sponsored by Carousel Buses, who are proud to support local community events that bring people together and help make it easy for families and visitors to travel safely throughout the festive season.
Santa is making a special visit to Princes Risborough! Santa’s Grotto will be open from 3:00PM to 5:30PM, giving families the perfect opportunity to meet Santa in person and receive a special gift. Children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa, with a dedicated letterbox conveniently located outside the Grotto to ensure every wish is delivered. The Grotto experience has been kindly sponsored by Lewis Turf & Fencing, an established and well-respected supplier of quality fencing & turf, covering Princes Risborough and the surrounding areas.
The iconic ice rink returns open from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Skating slots can be booked on the day at the Town Council Gazebo, located beside the rink. This beloved festive attraction, enjoyed by families and visitors of all ages, has been generously sponsored by a range of local businesses, including Ben E Morgan Building LTD, Caloo LTD, Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Dukes Wine Bar, Hazlemere Windows, Risborough Springs and Leisure Centre, PA Spittles Landscapes, The Daisy Chain, and The Mortgage Store.
Entry to Santa’s Grotto is £2 per child, with under-3s going free. Skating sessions are £3 per skater. Both of these attractions will be cash only.
Festive face painting will be provided by the wonderful Sunday’s Faces, adding a splash of sparkle and seasonal magic to the day. You’ll find them outside Oxfam from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, ready to transform little faces with seasonal designs.
Keep your eyes peeled for Mrs Claus at the event, spreading Christmas magic with giant sparkling bubbles that will float like twinkling stars through the festive sky! She will be delighting us throughout the afternoon with three 30-minute sets, kicking off at 3:15 PM.
Food and refreshments from local vendors will have a vast array to keep you well-fed, including gourmet burgers from Really Good Sausages, Burgers, & BBQ Bites, delicious crepes from local retailer La Crepe Escape, Afro-Caribbean food from Divine Meals, and authentic Greek street souvlaki from Go Greek Food.
The festive afternoon is the perfect opportunity for High Street retailers and hospitality, local businesses, organisations, and charities to build their own profiles and raise much-needed funds for their own projects.
In the final hour of the event, Pantomime star Joe Sleight, who stars as Jack in Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk, will switch on the Princes Risborough Christmas lights.
The main sponsor of the 2025 Risborough Christmas Lights Switch On is Lightfoots Solicitors, a long-established firm proudly based on Princes Risborough High Street. Renowned for its award-winning legal services and strong support of community initiatives, Lightfoots is dedicated to serving clients at every stage of life. Joe Middleton, Managing Partner at Lightfoots Solicitors said: “Lightfoots Solicitors is thrilled to be the headline sponsor of the Princes Risborough Christmas Lights Switch On 2025. We love being part of the town’s festivities and are confident that everyone will have a fantastic time on the big day! Founded in 1853, we opened our Princes Risborough office in 2018 and today have six offices providing expert legal services to clients across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and beyond.”
Councillor Alan Frost, Chair of the Events and Public Relations Committee at Princes Risborough Town Council, commented: “As Chairman of the Events and Public Relations Committee, it gives me great pleasure to invite one and all to the most magical event of the year - our Christmas Lights Switch-On! Join us on Saturday, 29th November in the High Street as we light up Princes Risborough with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and joyful celebration. This cherished tradition brings our community together to kick off the holiday season in style. Expect music, merriment, and of course a visit from Santa himself! Bring your family, friends, and festive spirit. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
Councillor Matthew Walsh, Town Mayor and Chair of Princes Risborough Town Council, added: “One of the most magical moments of the year is our Christmas Lights Switch-On, a cherished tradition proudly organised by the Town Council. As Town Mayor, I’m delighted to welcome you all to this festive celebration, bringing our community together to share the joy and warmth of the season.”