Countdown Begins to Christmas in Thame

It’s time to dust off the Christmas jumpers! Thame’s Christmas Lights Switch On event is only two weeks away, so put the date in the calendar – Friday 29 November.

Join us in the centre of town for a magical evening from 4-7pm. There will be a delightful array of stalls selling unique hand crafted products, jewellery, toys, baked goods, even gifts for your four-legged friends.

There will be plenty of food stalls to tempt your tastebuds, festive drinks, hot chocolate, donuts, mince pies, plus free rides for the kids.

This year, we’re encouraging everyone to come in Christmas fancy dress – wear your favourite Christmas jumper or come dressed as a snowman or Christmas tree! We want to make it the Christmassiest Christmas party of all!

From around 5.30pm, the Thame Concert Band will provide the Christmas tunes, while everyone’s favourite hosts Paddy and Anthony will be back to keep the evening flowing smoothly. You can expect a fun performance from the Thame Players, and local singer Philippa Mummery will lead the Christmas sing-a-long.

Who Will Be Turning on the Lights?

At 6.30pm, the Christmas tree and town centre lights will be switched on. Doing the honours this year will be local “sweets” man, Chris Hurdman. Chris was recently presented with the Community Award at the English Veterans Award. For nearly 40 years, he has been a cornerstone of Thame’s Tuesday Charter Market and Community Day. Chris will also be joined on stage by a very special guest dressed in red.

The Businesses Who Make it Happen

We must thank our sponsors who have made the Christmas event possible. The big stage you see on the night; the sound, lighting, and operations are all provided by Lightfoots Solicitors. Our Christmas tree, its delivery and installation is kindly donated by ASM Auto Recycling, Thame Cars have covered the cost of the rides, so we can offer them to children for free, while Your Dentist in Thame have provided us with a fun selfie station, which will be available for selfies throughout December.

Charities Fair & Santa’s Grotto

Sixteen charities are taking part in this year’s Christmas Charities Fair. It’s happening on Saturday 30 November in the Upper Chamber of the Town Hall from 10am-2pm. The charities will be selling a vast range of goodies, the Girl Guides will provide tea and coffee, and there’ll be raffles and tombolas for you to try your luck.

It’s going to be a day for all ages, with Santa’s Grotto located downstairs in the Information Centre. Lucy Electric have sponsored the Grotto this year, ensuring Santa has a little gift for every child he meets. Santa’s Grotto will be open from 10am-4pm.

A Christmas Guide outlining more of this year’s activities will be landing in letterboxes from Monday.