Swansea Christmas Parade and Lights Switch On

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Start Date: 23 November 2025

Start Time: 4:00 pm

Location: Swansea Guildhall

12 Guildhall Road North

Swansea

SA1 4PE

Ticket Price: ££

If you’re after something festive and free to do with the kids this November, the Swansea Christmas Parade is worth a look. Taking place on Sunday 23rd November 2025, this much-loved event brings music, magic and a city-wide glow as the Swansea Christmas Lights Switch On marks the start of the season.

A Festive Spectacle for All Ages

The parade kicks off at 5pm, starting from the Guildhall and winding its way through St Helen’s Road, Kingsway, College Street, Castle Street, Caer Street, and finishing on Princess Way. With fresh vantage points along the new route, families across the city can enjoy the show from different spots.

Expect a colourful mix of floats, bands, choirs, light-up costumes, and characters from much-loved films. Princesses, superheroes, inflatable reindeers and tractors will all be part of the fun, alongside hundreds of young people from local community groups. Santa himself will make a grand entrance and switch on the Swansea Christmas Lights across the city centre.

A New Christmas Parade Route is Here for 2025

The parade will begin at the Guildhall, before travelling down St Helen’s Road through the Kingsway, across College Street, down Castle Street and Caer Street, and finishing on Princess Way, offering fresh vantage points and festive experiences for families across the city.

Accessibility and Travel Info

There will be loud music, flashing lights and special effects throughout the parade. For those needing a quieter spot, the area halfway along St Helen’s Road is recommended. Accessible viewing areas will be available on the lower part of Kingsway and Princess Way, with toilets and limited seating provided. No booking needed.

Parking in the city centre will be busy, with some car parks affected by road closures between 4pm and 6.30pm. A Park and Ride service will run from Fabian Way to the Quadrant Bus Station, with buses every 15 minutes from 2pm and continuous service after the parade until 8pm. Parking costs £1 per vehicle.

Parking

There’s quite a few City Centre council car parks local to this parade and you can find a full list of them here

Other car parks that although open will be affected by the road closures for the event between 4pm and approximately 6.30pm include:

Park Street East car park (SA1 3DJ)
Park Street West car park (SA1 3DF)
Pell Street car park (SA1 3ES)
Oxford Street car park (SA1 3AZ)
Worcester Place car park (SA1 1HY)
Quadrant (SA1 3QR)
Bae Copr Bay South (Arena) (SA1 3BX)
Northampton Lane (SA1 4EW)
Paxton Street (SA1 3SA)

NEW FOR 2025

East Burrows Road (SA1 1RR)
Recreation Ground (SA2 0AT) £5.00 on the day
Civic Centre (East) (SA1 3SN)
Civic Centre (West) (SA1 3SN) £5.00 on the day

Getting here by bus

You can travel on the bus for free with the Free Ride Swansea free bus offer – extended until 9pm for the parade only! Find out more here.

Road Closures

To help the parade run smoothly and safely, some roads will be closed on the evening of the event. Wherever we can, closures will be done on a rolling basis to keep disruption to a minimum. Emergency vehicles will always have access.

8am – 10pm

Guildhall Road North: for its whole length

12pm – 9pm

Bellevue Way: for its whole length
Francis Street: for its whole length

4pm – 8pm

Guildhall Road South: for its whole length
St Helen’s Crescent: for its whole length
St Helens Road: for its whole length
The Kingsway: for its whole length
Christina Street: From its junction with Mansel Street and The Kingsway
Dillwyn Street: From its junction with Oxford St and The Kingsway
Orchard Street: From its junction with The Kingsway and 10 Orchard St
College Street: For its whole length
Castle Street: For its whole length
Castle Bailey Street: For its whole length
Caer Street: For its whole length
Princess Way: For its whole length
Victoria Road / Oystermouth Road: From it’s junction with Westway to its junction with Somerset Place

Diversion routes

Vehicles will be able to access Mumbles by taking an alternative route via Dyfatty, Camarthen Road, Cockett, Sketty and return

Parking Restrictions

8am – 10pm

Guildhall Road North, Francis Street, Guildhall Rotunda, Baths Car Park

2pm – 8pm

St Helens Road, St Helens Crescent, The Kingsway, College Street, Castle Street, Princess Way

A Brilliant Way to Kick Off Christmas

The Swansea Christmas Parade is a great way to get into the festive spirit, especially for families looking for something fun and easy to get to. With music, snow machines, and Santa’s sleigh lighting up the city, it’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday evening together.

For more festive ideas and family-friendly events across the season, head to our What’s On in West Wales page.