Exeter's Christmas lights switch-on schedule

Christmas lights across Exeter will be switched on this Thursday with a host of celebrities taking part in this years celebrations.

The lights in the High Street will be switched on along with those in Princesshay and the Guildhall Shopping centre at 18:30 on Thursday night.

The celebrations also mark the start of the city's late-night shopping, with most shops opening until 9pm for the run up to Christmas.

Television and radio presenter Toby Anstis will be presenting the Princesshay event and there will be performances by the Military Wives Choir and Adam Isaac, who rose to fame in BBC1's The Voice.

Exeter's own celebrity chef Michael Caines will switch on the lights, accompanied by two members of the Military Wives Choir, who will be escorted by the Lord Mayor Rob Newby and, of course, Santa Claus who will be making a special appearance.

This year’s Christmas entertainment schedule:

16:30 Start 


16.30 Exeter University Jazz Orchestra


16:53 Exeter University Soul Choir


17:13 Interview with winners of the Face of Exeter’s Princesshay


17:15 St Lukes Science & Sports College


17:22 St Michaels Church of England Primary School


17:30 Exeter Cathedral School


17:37 Exeter Little Theatre Company - Sleeping Beauty 


17:46 Soundwaves Musical Group


17:53 Dick Whittington


18:00 Interview with members of the Military Wives Choir & Adam Isaac


18:05 Military Wives Choir


18:30 Countdown to light switch on


18:30 Adam Isaac Band 


19:15 Just For Funk Dance Group 


19:30 Morning Rush


20:15 Finish

Timings may be subject to slight alterations on the day due to unforeseen circumstances.

See below for a video of last year’s Christmas light switch-on in Princesshay.

Since the summer it had looked increasingly likely that Exeter's High Street would remain dark in the festive period however The Echo stepped in and is now providing funding for the lights, while Marsh Barton-based SunGift Solar donating its time and expertise to putting them up.

The festivities continue on Friday with the opening of the very first Christmas market at Exeter's Cathedral Green.

Performing the opening will be the Lord Mayor of Exeter Cllr Rob Newby and the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Rev Dr Jonathan Draper.

There will be a lantern parade, carols by the cathedral and the organisers are promising surprise guests.

More info can be found on the Christmas market here:

Exeter Christmas market 'will boost trade'