Christmas planis unveiled byBattle Chamber

The town has a well deserved reputation for its Christmas lights which attract admirers from miles around.

Installed and maintained by volunteers from the Battle Chamber of Commerce, they are traditionally switched on by Santa Claus himself on the last Saturday in November. This year Santa has 29th November in his diary and at 5pm he will come onto the Abbey Green to flick the switch that will make Battle sparkle again for the festive season.

As usual, Santa will spend the afternoon of that day greeting children in his grotto in the Memorial Hall on Battle High Street. With his trusty band of helpers, he will ensure that his young visitors have lots of fun. Parents and other adults are not forgotten and can enjoy the tea, coffee and cakes provided by the ladies of the Saxonwood WI and browse the gifts and wares on sale in the popular Charity Market.

On the Thursday 12th December, Battle welcomes visitors to its annual Gala Night, when shops stay open ‘til late, there is entertainment throughout the town and Santa Claus is back again and holding court in the Abbey Gatehouse. It is always a special evening and this year the organisers are proud to announce their association with Optix Events, a local company which will help to make Battle’s Christmas celebrations a little more special each year. This Gala Night they are providing igloos on the Abbey Green in which mulled wine and mince pies will be served.

On the following evening (13th December), there will be a Christmas mini-version of Battle’s ELF initiative: musicians will play in one of the igloos while refreshments will be served in the other.

Details of all Battle’s Christmas events can be found in the Chamber of Commerce leaflet which is free and available in most High Street venues from early November. It also gives information to children about the four reindeer that are hiding in the shop windows. Visit https://www.facebook.com/christmasfestivities?fref=ts to find out what they have been up to.

Battle is a great place to visit over the Christmas period. The shops offer a wide range of produce and gifts, both traditional and novel, and there are cafes, restaurants and hostelries to suit every taste. The traders are welcoming, the organised events are full of festive fun and the traditional Christmas lights have a charm that is all their own.”