Gloucester Christmas Lights & Lantern Parade 2026
Saturday 14 November 2026
Glowing lanterns, Christmas carols and a sparkling lights switch-on will bring Gloucester city centre to life on Saturday 14 November 2026. This year’s free Gloucester Lantern Parade takes its inspiration from the city’s maritime heritage as Gloucester Docks looks ahead to its 200th anniversary in 2027.
The festivities begin at 4pm with a carol service at Gloucester Cathedral, featuring the St Benedict’s Singers. At 4.50pm, the lanterns made by local schoolchildren, artists and community groups will set off from College Green, lighting up the city’s gate streets as the procession passes around Kings Square and finishes at the Museum of Gloucester.
Spectators are welcome to line the route with their own homemade lanterns. The Tree of Light switch-on follows at 5.45pm in Kings Square, adding a final burst of Christmas sparkle to the evening.
The carol service is likely to be busy with participating schools, so there may be standing room only or the cathedral may reach capacity. Families can head straight to the parade route to watch the lanterns go by.
View the Gloucester Lantern Parade route map
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