Kendal's town centre has for years been illuminated for around six weeks from mid November to early January by a display of Christmas lights that brightens up the town for local families and retail visitors/tourists alike. The switch on ceremony provides charities, school choirs, street performers and retailers with an opportunity to appeal to our Sunday shoppers.

The 2012 Kendal 'Christmas Lights Switch On' took place on Sunday 18 November.  Father Christmas and his Reindeers arrived at K Village and were met by a large crowd of excited children (and parents).  Lottie who has designed this years Christmas Card for the Mayor of Kendal joined Father Christmas on his sleigh which then made its way through Kendal with a stop at Abbot Hall where dance troup Dance Attik gave a wonderful performance.   The procession then continued through Highgate where the Mayor Councillor John Willshaw joined the procession and then headed towards the Market Place.  Lakeland Radio kept the crowds entertained, playing festive songs.

Christmas Carols were performed at the Birdcage during the afternoon by the Salvation Army Band and Heron Hill Primary School. Stagecoach Kendal Choir also sang Christmas songs from the top of a double decker bus before the procession arrived for the big switch on of the Chirstmas Lights.

 At 4:45pm Heron Hill Primary School pupils Kian and Lucie who were chosen for their good work at school and involvement with the Kendal in Bloom competition, were welcomed to the stage to help Lottie and the Mayor to switch on the lights. 

Following the switch on, crowds were entertained by Star Search under 18 winner Asha Barrett and over 18 winner Sean Moore.