Which UK councils are cutting and boosting festive light display spending this Christmas?

New analysis of 73 UK Councils shows dramatic differences in how local authorities are budgeting for Christmas lights, decorations and festive switch-on events in 2025. Whilst some are cutting spending by more than 60%, like Fife, Dundee and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area: others are almost doubling their investment.

The research by Monster-Mesh, compares 2024 festive lights and switch-on event spending to councils’ budget forecasts and estimates for 2025, revealing the biggest year-on-year percentage increases and decreases across the UK. The data also compares safety spending relating to any events and installations, covering costs such as fencing, traffic control, security and stewards.

Fife Council is making the biggest Christmas spending cuts in 2025

The majority of authorities are reducing or freezing budgets this year, with 38% reducing them and only a fifth (22%) keeping budgets the same. This is unsurprising given squeezed budgets and pressures on councils. Interestingly, many Councils do not fund their city’s festive lights and events directly, and an increasing number are being funded by third parties such as BID organisations, Parish Councils, businesses and local charities - and so these councils were not included in this study. For example, FOI responses from councils, including Bristol and Milton Keynes, among others, noted that they aren’t responsible for such spending and events.

When comparing the biggest YoY spending decrease (as a percentage), Fife topped the list, followed by Dundee Council and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area. Fife Council noted that they will be reusing banners from previous events and a lower predicted spend on the lights and decorations themselves.

Top 5 biggest budget reductions, based on YoY percentage decrease:

1. Fife Council: -72%

Total council spend 2024: £100,039

Estimated spend 2025: £28,000

Estimated YoY change: -£72,039

2. Dundee Council: -66%

Total council spend 2024: £271,298

Estimated spend 2025: £91,298

Estimated YoY change: -£180,000

3. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council: -61%

Total council spend 2024: £220,000

Estimated spend 2025: £85,000

Estimated YoY change: -£135,000

4. City of Westminster Council: -57%

Total council spend 2024: £146,651

Estimated spend 2025: £62,998

Estimated YoY change: -£83,653

5. Bracknell Forest Borough Council: -54%

Total council spend 2024: £55,000

Estimated spend 2025: £25,339

Estimated YoY change: -£29,662

Councils increasing festive spending in 2025

While many areas are cutting back and freezing budgets, others have allocated sizeable increases. Lights and switch-ons help create a sense of community, and in some cases help to revive town-centres and drive footfall.

A significant number (40%), are still investing in their winter lights and events, with many of these councils noting that the additional spend is due to adding new or returning switch on events to the calendar, or replacing broken or outdated lights and decor.

Commenting on the findings, Mark McLennan, Founder at Monster-Mesh said,

“Christmas lights aren’t just decoration, for many towns they play a vital role in creating community spirit and drawing people back into high streets. So while we’re seeing some councils like Fife scaling back direct spending, it’s no surprise others are choosing to invest more heavily. A well-run switch-on event can transform a winter evening, boost footfall, and give local businesses a much-needed lift during the busiest retail period of the year.

“Our analysis also highlights a clear focus on organisation and safety behind the scenes. Around 62% of councils are increasing their safety and security budgets for 2025. We’re seeing strong demand for fence and barrier covers from cities staging switch-ons, as councils work to ensure that festive celebrations feel welcoming, well-managed and safe for all to enjoy.”

Top 5 biggest budget growth, based on YoY percentage increase:

1. RB Kingston Upon Thames Council (89%)

Total council spend 2024: £5,153

Estimated spend 2025: £9,757

YoY change: £4,604

2. LB Wandsworth Council (68%)

Total council spend 2024: £47,610

Estimated spend 2025: £80,000

YoY change: £32,390

3. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (39%)

Total council spend 2024: £95,000

Estimated spend 2025: £132,500