How Welsh Council Budgets For Festive Light Displays Are Changing This Winter

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council takes the top spot for festive cheer in Wales, with the Borough seeing the biggest year-on-year spending increase for festive light displays.  It also came eight across the UK, the only Welsh council inside the top ten.

A new report by Monster-Mesh which compared FOI data across 73 UK council areas, has revealed where festive budgets are being cut and boosted. Across Wales Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Council is expected to have increased their festive light display budget by the highest percentage year-on-year (29%). In 2024, it spent £35,000, however, this is expected to increase by around £10,000 this year, reaching a forecast £45,000.  

City and County of Swansea Council also saw budget growth this year, with a 14% increase. Spend is estimated to increase from £154,653 to £176,500, a jump of £21,847.

Whilst on the other side of the scale, Wrexham and Carmarthenshire County Councils are both making savings. Wrexham County Council have forecast a 27% saving, totalling £21,847, and Carmarthenshire County Council estimates a 2025 budget reduction of 38%. This is £12,121 lower than spending in 2024. 

How four Welsh councils are changing festive light display budgets this year

1. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (29%)

• Total spending: £35,000
  
• Total budget forecast: £45,000
  
• Estimated YoY spending change: £10,000
  

2. City and County of Swansea Council (14%)

• Total spending: £154,653
  
• Total budget forecast: £176,500
  
• Estimated YoY spending change: £21,847
  

3. Wrexham County Borough Council (-27%)

• Total spending: £16,475
  
• Total budget forecast: £12,000
  
• Estimated YoY spending change: -£4,475
  

4. Carmarthenshire County Council (-38%)

• Total spending: £31,950
  
• Total budget forecast: £19,829
  
• Estimated YoY spending change: -£12,121
  

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 in Wales 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.”

Council spending across the UK

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.