Greenwich Market Christmas light switch-on date with carol-singing and live music announced

Stewart Carr

4 November 2024 at 10:57 am·2-min read

Scores of families will pile into Greenwich for the Christmas lights switch on — -Credit: (Image: Visit Greenwich)

It's one of the most festive dates in London's calendar, with sparkling lights, carol-singing, live music and a guaranteed good time for all who come along. Now, the date of Greenwich Market Christmas lights switch-on has today been announced for November 20.

The local authority's tourist company, Visit Greenwich, described the festival as the "traditional start to the Christmas season in the borough", adding: "Greenwich Market’s beloved annual Lantern Parade and Light Switch-On will take place on Wednesday 20th November.

"The event sees children from local primary schools parade handmade lanterns around the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, through the Cutty Sark Gardens and to the heritage listed Georgian Market. There, Greenwich Market’s iconic Christmas lights will be switched on while traders sell their unique arts, crafts, clothing and food until 6pm."

The children's lantern parade will travel from the Old Naval College to the market — Greenwich Market commences its Christmas trade with a lantern parade and light switch-on at 4pm on November 20 -Credit:Daniela White / Getty Images

The lights switch on festival typically sees the market open from 11am to 6pm, with "incredible stalls and shops", as well as a food court where visitors can indulge in "culinary delights from around the world". From 2pm to 3.45pm, revellers can enjoy Christmas carols with a performance by The Sing Space's Honor Oak Musical Theatre Choir.

Following this, the children's lantern parade will run from 4pm to 4.50pm. The event sees children from local primary schools parade handmade lanterns beginning at the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College. Guided by the Mayor of Greenwich and brass band Danger Goat, the children will journey through Greenwich town centre to Cutty Sark Gardens to watch the stunning Cutty Sark Christmas lights get switched on. Then on to Greenwich Market for the grand finale!

Those gathered in Greenwich Market awaiting the Lantern Parade's arrival will be treated to entertainment from David from Channel 5's Milkshake and the chance to switch on the Greenwich Market Christmas lights in a competition.

One the Lantern Parade arrives at the market, the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown will be held for the official lights switch on at 5pm, performed by the competition winner, the Mayor and David from Channel 5's Milkshake.

Partygoers can then enjoy Greenwich Market’s iconic Christmas lights switch on for the remaining hour while traders sell their unique arts, crafts, clothing and food until 6pm. Find out more HERE.

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