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Image Credit: © Ed Simmons Photography

Greenwich Market’s beloved annual Lantern Parade and Light Switch-On will take place on Wednesday 20th November.

The traditional start to the Christmas season in the borough, 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, the countdown will begin and Greenwich Market’s iconic Christmas lights will be switched on by the competition winner, with help from very special guests the Mayor of Royal Greenwich and David from Channel 5’s Milkshake!

Stick around for Christmas shopping and festive treats from our wonderful stalls and shops, staying open until 6pm. Plus, friends from Waitrose Greenwich will also be joining the Market from 3:30pm, kindly handing out complimentary mince pies for everyone to enjoy!

Check out the full programme of events and entertainment below…

Full Programme:

10:00am – 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.

2:00pm – 3:00pm | Victorian Carol Singing
Getting you in the mood for Christmas, Sing Space’s Honor Oak Choir take centre stage at the Market.

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 – 4:45pm | Entertainment & Competition
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 the big competition!

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

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 David from Channel 5’s Milkshake 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 – 5:40pm | Danger Goat
Brass band Danger Goat keep the party going with your favourite Christmas tunes as you enjoy our wonderful stalls and shops, brimming with treats and one-of-a-kind presents.

5:40pm – 6:15pm | Victorian Carol Singing
There will be more Victorian Carol Singing with their traditional tunes to enjoy as you shop and snack your way around the Market.