We’re back for our second year of sparkle! 

Bring friends, family, and little ones for a warm and joyful community celebration filled with sparkle, music, and festive cheer.

Join us for our Christmas Lights Switch-On and drop in anytime from 5pm–8pm for festive treats, cheerful drinks, late-night shopping, and all the merry magic that makes this evening so special.

This year, an extra festive treat awaits visitors to The Sherborne. Alongside the celebrations, we are unveiling a dedicated display of Quentin Blake’s original illustration series for Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol — in the very location where Dickens himself famously performed the work.

Bringing to life beloved characters like Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and his family, the four ghosts, and the story’s redemptive magic, Blake’s distinctive line and spirited colour will delight visitors of all ages.

Adding an unforgettable touch, the exhibition can only be seen by candlelight. Guests will be given battery-powered candles to explore the galleries, enjoying a uniquely intimate, atmospheric way to experience these enchanting illustrations.

To preserve this special experience, gallery access will be closely managed, with limited numbers allowed inside at one time. We kindly ask visitors to be patient if short waits occur — it will be well worth it. And if you’d prefer a quieter visit, the exhibition continues daily until 4 January, giving plenty of time to enjoy it at your own pace.

A magical evening from start to finish — festive lights, community cheer, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see A Christmas Carol glow in a whole new way.