Organised by the Welwyn Garden City Business District (BID) team on behalf of the town centre’s businesses, this year’s event drew record-breaking crowds who came together to kick-start the festive season.
Crowds gathered at the Welwyn Garden City Christmas Lights Event 2025 (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
Throughout the afternoon, the stage was alive with talent, featuring show-stopping performances from Mimic Stage School, Waterside Primary School, Thalian Theatre, Stagecoach, The Cotter Academy of Irish Dance, DH Dance Academy, Warriorz, KT’s Academy, and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Immi Davies.
According to the BID, their energy and festive spirit set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
Plenty of smiling faces at the festive event (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
The excitement continued as this year’s headliners, X-Factor’s Rak-Su and Formz, took to the stage for an electrifying hour-long set in the lead-up to the official countdown.
The atmosphere reached its peak as the town centre’s Christmas lights were switched on, illuminating the area and marking the true start of the season.
The big switch on (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
Mariana Bitonte, WGC BID manager, said: “We were delighted to see so many people join us for our Christmas Lights Event on Saturday, November 15, helping make it our biggest and best celebration to date.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible, from our event staff, contractors, and performers to our event partners at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.
Thousands enjoyed the event (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
“The festive season has truly begun, and we encourage everyone to support our town centre by eating, drinking, and shopping locally.”
Father Christmas himself made a special appearance, sharing magical stories and meeting families throughout the day.
Rak-Su performed at the lights switch on (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
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He was joined by a new festive friend, Blizzard the 8ft Penguin, who quickly became a crowd favourite.
Visitors enjoyed a packed programme of festive attractions across the town centre, including a bustling arts and crafts market, a vibrant fun fair, walk-about entertainment, and face painting, creating a fun-filled atmosphere for all ages.
Stilt walkers entertain the crowds (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
The Christmas Lights Event is funded by the Welwyn Garden City businesses in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and organised by the Welwyn Garden City BID team , Nicky, Mariana and Lee.
The lights switch on was complemented by the annual lights trail (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
Crowds gathered at the Welwyn Garden City Christmas Lights Event 2025 (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
Welwyn Garden City BID organised the event which attracted thousands (Image: Zoe Cooper Photography)
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