Christmas in Cambridge

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Cambridge!

From enchanting light displays to festive events, there's no shortage of holiday spirit in Cambridge. Dive into the festivities and explore the exciting projects you could be a part of this season.

Join us in illuminating the city with dazzling light displays that capture the essence of Christmas. From sponsoring light installations to participating in community events, there are numerous ways to get involved and spread joy throughout the city.

Christmas Lights

Cambridge BID arranges for the installation of Christmas lights at key locations in the BID Area to ensure that Cambridge is a vibrant and welcoming City Centre for the public, businesses and organisations

What is the project:

Cambridge BID arranges for the installation of Christmas lights at key locations in the BID Area to ensure that Cambridge is a vibrant and welcoming City Centre for the public, businesses and organisations and their employees during the festive period.

In 2023, Cambridge BID went out to tender for a new contractor.  After meeting with several suppliers, it was decided to remain with Field & Lawn who offered the most comprehensive scheme at the best price.

The scheme stretches from the Train Station right through the historic core, up to the bottom of Castle Hill.  The scheme includes:

·         53 street crossings

·         135 motifs

·         800m of icicle lights

·         600m of festoon lighting

·         1 giant bauble 5m colour changing Christmas Tree

Who does it benefit:

Retail and leisure businesses primarily, creating a positive and vibrant buzz in the City Centre during the busy shopping period and encouraging shoppers to make Cambridge their destination of choice.

Project status:

Ongoing project, work commences in January where a review is conducted of the previous year’s event.

How do you get involved:

The BID Team have a limited budget in terms of the provision of Christmas Lights across the City Centre. We will look at adding new streets to the existing scheme, but these are very much subject to necessary permissions and budgetary constraints.

Becky Burrell on becky.burrell@cambridgebid.co.uk or 01223 903300.

The BIG Switch on

An event for members of the public to signify the start of Christmas shopping period in the City Centre and see the switching-on of our Christmas lights across the BID Area.

What is the project:

An event for members of the public to signify the start of Christmas shopping period in the City Centre and see the switching-on of our Christmas lights across the BID Area.

Who does it benefit:

Retail and leisure businesses primarily, creating a positive and vibrant buzz in the City Centre during the busy shopping period and encouraging shoppers to make Cambridge their destination of choice.

Project status:

This is an ongoing project, which the BID will deliver each year.

How do you get involved:

Becky Burrell becky.burrell@cambridgebid.co.uk 01223 903300.

Switch On 2024

The Big Switch On with Star Radio at Market Square - Sponsored by Bright Horizons

On Sunday 17th November, we head to Market Square to turn on the city centre lights.

The annual Big Switch On kicks off Christmas season this year with Star Radio taking control of stage, promising to entertain the crowds from midday. There will be a lively line up from local performing arts clubs, choirs and much much more.

We are working with Bright Horizons this year to deliver The Big Switch On.  Bright Horizons is a market leader in early years education, providing care and education to children aged between 3 months to 5 years, across almost 300 nurseries in the UK. With 2 new nursery openings in Cambridge based on the Biomedical Campus and Milton Road, growing their Cambridgeshire portfolio to 10 beautiful settings, with teams they are hugely proud of.

Leah Dunne-Kealy Talent Acquisition Manager at Horizon says “We wanted to sponsor this year’s Christmas lights switch on, as we are always looking for ways to connect with our local community and promote the early years sector as a rewarding and important careers path – for anyone who wants to make a difference to the next generation. During a time of celebration, where connection and family is really evident, this felt like a great partnership opportunity.”

For up-to-date information on both events and the schedule of performers, please follow Love Cambridge on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas Lights Switch On at the station with Star Radio - Sponsored by Fora

On Thursday 14th November we will officially turn on the lights at Cambridge Train Station in partnership with Star Radio. This year’s event has been kindly sponsored by Fora. Located on Station Road, Fora offers beautiful, flexible workspace just a couple of minutes’ walk from Cambridge station. With signature hospitality, a like-minded community of members and re-energising wellness experience, they take the grind out of daily work-life, so you can focus on what’s important – working productively, healthily, and happily.

Join Star Radio Drivetime Presenter Josh Lovatt to switch on the lights and officially kick off Christmas in the CB1 area. Starting at around 4.30pm, Josh will be bringing his decks and party tunes (and maybe the odd Christmas song) to the Station and asking you to help celebrate the start of Christmas.

Festive Winter Window Competition

The Christmas Window Competition is a way to support, encourage and give a positive platform to Independent businesses who go all out with their Christmas window displays

What is the Project:

Never is there a better time to experience the delights that Cambridge has to offer than at Christmas.  The twinkling lights, carol singers and Christmas cheer make it an enjoyable experience for all.

Cambridge has a fantastic array of Independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that at Christmas time dress their windows to give shoppers an extra little treat whilst they are out choosing gifts for their loved ones.

Each year Cambridge BID encourage independent retailers to join in the Christmas Window Competition

Businesses are judged in the following areas:

• Originality - The creativeness and originality in the design concept.

• Workmanship - The craftsmanship in the creation. Detail in design and creation of objects with the effective use of colors and materials.

• General Presentation - The overall effective presentation in beauty and creativity.

The winning businesses receive additional coverage in Cambridge Independent, along with a £100 to be given to their chosen charity and a £100 Love Cambridge Gift Card for them and their team.

Timeline:

Sign up by 18th November (CLOSED)

Internal judging for top ten 20th – 27th November

Online voting of top ten (Love Cambridge Social Channels) on 4th Dec – 11th Dec

Winner to be announced 18th December

How to Enter:

To enter, please fill out the form below

Entries are now CLOSED