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Image Credit: © Ed Simmons Photography

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

Children from local schools will parade their handmade colourful lanterns through the Old Royal Naval College grounds, round Cutty Sark Gardens and into the Market for the big Christmas countdown and light switch-on!

Stick around for Christmas shopping and festive treats from our wonderful stalls and shops, staying open until 6pm!

Full Programme:

11:00am - 6:00pm | Greenwich Market
Enjoy shopping at the incredible stalls and shops as well as indulging in culinary delights from around the world at the food court. The market will be open later than normal until 6pm so you can start your Christmas shopping early. 

3:00pm - 6:00pm | Santa's Grotto
Santa himself will be present at the Greenwich Market Grotto from 3pm, so be sure to book your chance to pop in and tell him everything that's on your Christmas wishlist!

3:00pm - 3:45pm | Victorian Carol Singing
Get in the festive spirit with a Victorian Carol Singing performance.

4:00pm - 4:50pm | Lantern Parade
The Lantern Parade sets off from the Visitor Centre at the Old Royal Naval College. Follow the Mayor of Greenwich and brass band Danger Goat around the Old Royal Naval College and 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!

4:15pm - 4:50pm | Entertainment
Those gathered in Greenwich Market awaiting the Lantern Parade's arrival will be treated to music from our DJ and competitions, including the chance to switch on the Greenwich Market Christmas lights!

4:30pm - 4:40pm | Christmas Carols
Gather round at Cutty Sark Gardens as the Cutty Sark lights turn on with a carol singing performance from St Ursula's Convent School.

4:30pm - 5:00pm | Victorian Carol Singing
Meanwhile at Greenwich Market there will be more Victorian Carol Singing to enjoy as we await the glowing arrival of the lantern parade.

4:50pm | Lantern Parade Arrives at Greenwich Market
The magical lantern parade arrives at Greenwich Market, filling the square with their twinkling lights.

5:00pm | Christmas Light Switch-On
5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1... the countdown to the Christmas lights is finally here! The competition winner, the Mayor and of course Santa will be there to switch on this year's glittering display, filling the Market with a golden glow for all the festive feels!

5:10pm - 6:00pm | Entertainment
Keep your eyes on the stage as Angelina Jandolo Dance Company will be performing on a sensational dance performance. The night will round off with more big brass band bangers from Danger Goat as you stick around to enjoy the delicious street food and Christmas shopping until 6pm.