Christmas light switch-ons are returning across south-east London, with town-centre celebrations, lantern parades and carol singing marking the start of the festive season.
From big town-centre events with live music, markets and funfair rides to smaller community carol services and lantern parades, there is plenty on across the area in the coming weeks. Events have so far been confirmed across Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich, although some organisers are still finalising their programmes and exact switch-on times.
Here are the south-east London Christmas light switch-ons confirmed for 2026 so far.
Dartford Big Christmas Switch On — Saturday, November 14
When: Saturday, November 14, from 10am to 8pm. The lights are expected to be switched on at around 5pm.
Where: Brewery Square, Market Street, Dartford, DA1 1EY, with entertainment also taking place on the high street.
What to expect: Main stage performances from 2pm, with Joe Pasquale and Abbie Budden appearing alongside pantomime performers. There will also be Michael Bublé, Freddie Mercury and Taylor Swift tribute acts, Bhangra Santas, choirs, a signing choir, giveaways and a Christmas market until 8pm. Dartford sits just over the border in Kent.
Bexleyheath Christmas Lights Switch-On — Saturday, November 14
When: Saturday, November 14, from 11am to 5.30pm. The exact switch-on time has not been published.
Where: Broadway and Bexleyheath town centre, DA7.
What to expect: Live singers, dance performances and Christmas market stalls selling handmade gifts and seasonal food. A traditional funfair will also form part of the celebrations.
Bromley Christmas Lights Switch-On — Sunday, November 15
When: Sunday, November 15, from 1pm to 6.35pm.
Where: The Glades and Bromley High Street, BR1.
What to expect: The Hoosiers are scheduled to perform at 5.20pm before Chesney Hawkes takes to the stage at 6.10pm. School choirs, dance groups, LED drummers and roaming performers will also entertain crowds, alongside a Christmas market, festive bar, food stalls, a big wheel and funfair rides.
Greenwich Market Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On — Wednesday, November 18
When: Wednesday, November 18, from 4pm to 6pm. The lights will be switched on at 5pm.
Where: Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ, with the lantern procession passing through the Old Royal Naval College grounds and Cutty Sark Gardens.
What to expect: Local primary school children will take part in a lantern parade through Greenwich as part of the annual festive celebrations. There will also be music, performances, festive food and shopping at Greenwich Market.
Light Up Orpington — Sunday, November 22
When: Sunday, November 22, from 2pm to 7pm.
Where: Orpington High Street, with the main stage at Knoll Rise, BR6.
What to expect: Live performances, Christmas stalls and family entertainment. The High Street will also be pedestrianised for the event.
Blackheath Lights Up for Christmas — Saturday, December 5
When: Saturday, December 5, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
Where: Blackheath Village, SE3.
What to expect: The village will come together for a community Christmas celebration as its festive lights are illuminated. The full programme for the event has not yet been published.
Forest Hill Christmas Tree Lighting and Carols — Saturday, December 5
When: Saturday, December 5, from 4.45pm to 5.30pm.
Where: Outside Forest Hill railway station, SE23 3HE.
What to expect: Carol singing led by the Churches Together choir, with visitors invited to join in using songbooks. Mince pies will also be available as part of the free community event.
Programmes for the Hayes and Farnborough Village switch-ons have not yet been published. And if you are planning a festive day out, the O2’s snow globe experience runs until January 3, while Chislehurst’s Christmas event has been scaled back this year.
