open daily, 10am - 5:30pm
Step into the magic of Christmas at Greenwich Market as we welcome the return of our beloved Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On on Wednesday 19 November 2025. This annual tradition marks the official start of the festive season in Greenwich and is always a highlight of the year.
The Market will be open from 10am to 6pm, filled with handmade gifts, unique crafts and delicious festive food. Come early to shop and explore before the celebrations begin.
Timetable
From 10 am | Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market: Enjoy the seasonal atmosphere and festive music; browse handmade gifts, unique crafts and festive food stalls.
1 pm – 1:50 pm | School Student Choir performance
St Alfege with St Peter’s Primary School Student Choir performance at Greenwich Market
2 pm – 2:45 pm | Choir performance
The Adam Street Singers Choir performance at Greenwich Market
4 pm – 4:50 pm | Lantern Parade
Old Royal Naval College: Lantern Parade assembles and departs. Joined by Peter Pan and Hook from this year’s Greenwich Theatre panto. The procession will go around the College grounds, into Cutty Sark Gardens past Cutty Sark and stop to light up the Christmas Tree, proudly sponsored by Greenwich Market. The parade then continues its way around the town centre into Greenwich Market.
4:15 pm – 4:45 pm | Performance & Activities
At the same time, staying in Greenwich Market: special guest entertainment by David from Channel 5’s Milkshake! Includes a competition, games and activities to take part in.
5 pm – 5:10 pm | Countdown and the official Christmas lights switch-on
Countdown and the official Christmas lights switch-on at the Market. Join in the countdown with David from channel 5’s Milkshake, the Mayor of Greenwich and the winner of the competition.
5.10 pm – 5:40 pm | Danger Goat
Music performance by Danger Goat high energy brass band.
5:40 pm – 6 pm | Dance Performance
Dance performance by Angelina Jandolo dance school.
6 pm | Event Ends
At 4pm, gather along the parade route to watch local schoolchildren light up the streets with their handmade lanterns. The glowing procession winds its way through Greenwich before arriving in the Market for the big moment. At 5pm, join the crowd as we count down to the Christmas Lights Switch-On, when Greenwich Market sparkles into life with twinkling festive displays.
The celebrations continue until 6pm with music, performances and plenty of festive atmosphere to enjoy as you shop, eat and soak up the season.
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 our places to eat and drink at Greenwich Market page to get a glimpse of the variety of stalls that are based here.
Plan your visit
Getting Here:
Our 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 our 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.
This is the first Christmas event in Greenwich – a magical evening for the whole family and a tradition not to be missed. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.