Get ready for marching bands, magical floats, festive film characters, Christmas inflatables, fireworks and of course Santa and his sleigh, as they will all be making an appearance at this year’s Swansea Christmas Parade and Lights Switch On!
This year’s parade starts at 5.00pm with an anticipated finish time of approximately 6.30pm
Please be aware that the city centre is expected to be very busy during the afternoon and throughout the event – make sure to plan your travel accordingly and allow plenty of time to arrive and make your way to the parade route!
This year’s new route offers a number of new viewing opportunities:
- Why not park at the Recreation Ground and watch the start of the parade at the Guildhall, where Santa will light up the building with a short fireworks display
- St Helens Road is likely to be a little quieter for those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
- Alternatively - Avoid the road closures completely and park at the Civic Centre.
Parking
You can find a full list of all city centre car parks including locations and postcodes at swansea.gov.uk/carparks.
- 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
If you’re parking in the city centre for the parade, please be aware there may be some delays when leaving the car parks as we wait for the parade to pass by safely. We thank you for your patience.
Road Closures
In order to stage the parade safely, a number of road closures will be in place on the evening of the event. Where possible, closures will be implemented on a rolling basis. Access for emergency will be maintained at all times.
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
Diversion signs will be set up to assist traffic flow in the area however it is expected to be very busy, particularly at the times when the parade passes through the city.
Access to all areas will be maintained for the emergency services at all times.
Getting here by bus
FIRST CYMRU – POSSIBLE STRIKE ACTION
First Cymru has announced potential industrial action from Thursday, 20 November through Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Visitors are advised to check the company’s website for up-to-date information on which services will be operating in their area
South & West Wales | First Bus
For alternative bus timetables to help plan your trip please visit:
www.adventuretravel.cymru/bus-services
www.southwalestransport.com/bus-routes-and-timetables
www.dansa.org.uk/route-timetables/ to help plan your trip.
Please note: Bus stops along the parade route between 4.00pm and 6.30pm will not be operational, please use the Quadrant Bus Station.
Car Sharing
If you are travelling by car please car share if possible. Car sharing will help you save money by sharing the costs and reduce the amount of traffic on the roads, helping the environment.
