Andover town centre is gearing up for a sparkling start to the festive season, as the Andover Christmas Festival returns on Friday 21 November 2025, from 4pm to 7pm. The free, family-friendly celebration is being delivered by Test Valley Borough Council, Andover BID, and Andover Town Council, and promises an evening packed with entertainment, music, food, and festive cheer.
This year’s event will feature two live performance stages, a festive market, street food village, children’s entertainment, and a host of seasonal attractions dotted throughout the town. Thousands of visitors are expected to join the celebrations, building to the all-important moment when the Christmas lights are switched on at 6pm.
Andover Radio’s very own Ben Tuffin will be hosting the main stage at the Guildhall alongside Alun Grace, guiding the crowd through an evening of performances and festive fun.
What’s On Across the Town
The Guildhall Stage (High Street)
Hosted by Andover Radio’s Ben Tuffin and Alun Grace, the main stage will feature an evening of festive performances, local talent and community spirit:
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 4.00pm | WICKED Witches |
| 4.20pm | Georgie Amelia |
| 4.40pm | Jamie |
| 5.00pm | Andover Youth Dance Co |
| 5.20pm | Burdock Valley Players – Panto Songs |
| 5.40pm | BPCI Harmonious Choir |
| 5.50pm | David Mellor Big Star & Little Star Poetry Competition Winners |
| 6.00pm | Christmas Lights Switch-On |
| 6.10pm | Torn Off Strips |
| 6.40pm | Swan Samba Glo Drummers |
Town Mills Stage
The second stage offers family fun, storytelling and captivating children’s entertainment throughout the evening:
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 4.00pm | Jiggy Wrigglers Bubble Stories |
| 4.25pm | Merry Go Round Storytelling |
| 4.50pm | Lovely Bubbly Show |
| 5.30pm | Mad Melodies Children’s Choir |
| 5.50pm | Disco Dion’s Snow Party |
| 6.30pm | Sideplot |
Chantry Centre Festivities
Plenty of festive activities can be found indoors:
- Face Painting – Old O2 Shop, 4.00pm–7.00pm
- David Major – Magician – 5.30pm–7.00pm
- Santa’s Post Office – Upper Mall, 4.00pm–7.00pm
- Indoor Garden Performances:
- Little Big Band – 5.00pm–5.40pm
- Test Valley Brass – 6.00pm–6.40pm
Market, Food & Festive Treats
Bridge Street will transform into a Craft and Gift Market, offering handmade gifts, crafts, local traders and festive goodies, including:
Amerleys Coffee, Honey & Harmony, The Crafty Wildflower, Sweet Ideas, The Toy Man and Teddy Lady, WishCraft, Tropic Skincare, Candle Delites and more.
In Town Mills Car Park, visitors will find the Street Food Zone, serving everything from wood-fired pizzas and crêpes to vegan options, Jamaican cuisine and artisan coffee. Stalls include:
Tap on Tour, Crêpe Britain, Vegan Street Diner, Jamaican Kitchen, Nidge’s Artisan Pizza Kitchen and others.
Pocket Park will host family-friendly snacks and treats, including Whitelegg Amusements, GS Hampshire Samosas and Bluebell Bakery, while Riverside Park provides festive beverages and bakes, from Jonah’s Mead to Swedish Baking Studio and The Homemade Brownie Company.
Meeting Santa & Children’s Entertainment
- Santa Meet and Greet will take place in the Outer Riverside Activity Zone at 4pm–5.30pm and 6.30pm–7pm
- Glow jugglers, walkabout performers and children’s entertainment will bring extra sparkle throughout the evening
Accessibility, Safety & Visitor Information
To ensure the event is welcoming to all, accessible toilets will be available in the Chantry Centre multi-storey car park and at Town Mills. The Koala Community Hub will be open for anyone needing a quiet, calm space during the festivities.
Road closures will be in place to keep visitors safe:
- High Street and Bridge Street: closed 10am–9pm
- Waterloo Court: closed 4pm–7pm
- Town Mills Car Park: closed all day
Extra toilets, first aid support, lost child services and information points will be clearly marked around the town, with staff offering free children’s wristbands in case families become separated in the crowd.
A Night to Bring the Community Together
With live entertainment, festive stalls, community groups, music and magic, the 2025 Andover Christmas Festival promises an unforgettable evening to launch the Christmas season in style.
The organisers encourage visitors to walk or use public transport where possible, as the town is expected to be particularly busy between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.