Andover Christmas Festival returns to light up the town centre
Andover town centre will host a festive celebration on Friday 21 November from 4pm to 7pm, as the Christmas Festival returns with an evening of free, family-friendly entertainment, organised by Test Valley Borough Council, Andover BID and Andover Town Council.
Sponsored by Collecteebles and David Mellor Family Jewellers and proudly supported by Andover Radio & Love Andover, the event marks the official start of the festive season in Andover.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Live performances on two stages - one on the High Street and one in the Pocket Park
- Festive market stalls along Bridge Street
- Fairground rides and street food in Town Mills car park
- Santa’s post office, facepainting, magician and brass bands in the Chantry Centre
- Walkabout performers, community acts and children’s entertainment across the town centre
The Christmas lights switch-on will take place at 6pm in the High Street, but if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, head over to the Town Mills stage for a magical snow party disco designed especially for children and families. A new addition this year, the snow party offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with music, dancing and snow machine effects. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the moment in a more relaxed and joyful setting, whilst still being part of the festive magic.
Councillor Heather Neate, Town Mayor, Andover Town Council added: “The Christmas Festival is a highlight in our calendar and we’re proud to support it and to provide the Christmas tree and lights every year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our town, bring people together and create lasting memories for local families.”
Jon Deacon, Executive Director at Andover BID, said: “The Christmas Festival is a brilliant way to bring our community together and showcase the best of Andover. We’re proud to support an event that brings joy to families, boosts local businesses and celebrates the heart of our town.”
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “This event reflects the spirit of Andover - welcoming, creative and community-led. We’re grateful to our sponsors and partners for helping us make it happen.”
The organisers recommend walking, cycling or using public transport to get to the event if possible, as the town centre will be busy and some roads will be closed. The High Street and Bridge Street will be closed to vehicles from 10am to 9pm and Waterloo Court from 4pm to 7pm.
Town Mills car park will be closed all day to make space for the fairground and food stalls. All other town centre car parks will be open as usual, with accessible parking available in George Yard and the Chantry Centre.
Toilets will be available at the Chantry Centre multi-storey (until 8pm), Town Mills car park (portable toilets including accessible units), ACE, and via the community toilet scheme (Costa Coffee, The John Russell Fox and The Redbridge).
The Christmas Festival is a popular event in the town’s festive calendar and can get especially busy between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. For some people, large crowds can feel overwhelming, so Koala Community Hub will be open to those who are in need of a calm space in which to regulate during the evening’s entertainment.
For full details, visit www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk/christmas-festival-2025