A spectacular Greenwich lantern procession and the switching on of the twinkling Greenwich Market Christmas lights

About

Image Credit: © Ed Simmons Photography

Greenwich Market’s beloved annual Lantern Parade and Light Switch-On returns on Wednesday 19th November.

A cherished tradition marking the start of the Christmas season in the borough, the event features children from local primary schools parading handmade lanterns through the historic grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, across Cutty Sark Gardens, and on to the Grade II-listed Georgian Market.

The glowing procession winds its way through Greenwich, creating a magical spectacle before arriving in the Market for the big moment. At 5pm, the crowd will count down to the Christmas Lights Switch-On, when Greenwich Market comes alive with sparkling festive displays.

The celebrations continue until 6pm, with live music, performances, and a joyful festive atmosphere to enjoy as you shop, eat, and soak up the season.

This is the first Christmas event in Greenwich – a magical evening for the whole family and a tradition not to be missed.

 

Food & Drink: 

One thing about visiting Greenwich Market is certain, you will not go hungry. Are you in the mood for some homemade Italian gnocchi? A Korean Hotdog? Or maybe some Hungarian Chimney Cake? Whatever tickles your fancy, you can find it at Greenwich Market. 

Visit the places to eat and drink at Greenwich Market page to get a glimpse of the variety of stalls that are based there. 

 

Plan your visit 


Getting to Greenwch Market:     

The address is Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ.  

Due to the temporary closure of the Cutty Sark DLR station, the nearest DLR and rail station is Greenwich station which is an 8-minute walk away from the Market. If you prefer to take a more scenic riverside route, Greenwich is accessible via City Cruises, Thames River Services and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. 

 

You can find more detailed information about getting to the location on the Greenwich Market Visit Us Page. 

 

Accessibility:     

We are always working towards making our events accessible to everyone. The route of the lantern parade and the Christmas light switch will be mostly flat. Due to the historic nature of Greenwich Market, the Old Royal Naval College grounds and the town centre, the ground surface can vary with some uneven flagstones and cobbles. 

Book Tickets

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  • Accessible Venue

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Children

  • Children welcome

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      Map & Directions

      Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights Switch-On

      Type:Christmas Event

      Greenwich Market, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HZ

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1920 reviews1920 reviews
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      Tel+44 (0)20 8269 5096

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