Illustration of a crowd in scarves watching a tall lit Christmas tree in a snowy town square (Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights Switch-On)

Lantern Parade & Christmas Lights Switch-On

Children from local primary schools carry handmade lanterns in a glowing procession through the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark Gardens to Greenwich Market. Crowds gather to count down the switch-on as the market illuminates with sparkling festive displays. Visitors can browse market stalls and shops, enjoy food, and experience live music and performances.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Greenwich

Food & Drink

The event invites visitors to eat while enjoying the celebrations, but it does not specify particular food or drink offerings.

Parking

Off-street pay-and-display car parks are available at Park Row, Burney Street and Greenwich Park; public transport is recommended because nearby roads are very busy.

Accessibility

The market is on one level and wheelchair accessible, though areas may become crowded.

Going?

Location

Greenwich Market · Greenwich Market, London, SE10 9HZ Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and joyful

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Use public transport if you can, as roads around Greenwich town centre are very busy and the market has train, DLR, bus and river connections.
  • Walk from Greenwich station or Greenwich Pier, or use the DLR stop across the road from the market.
  • Arrive in time to see the lantern procession travel from the Old Royal Naval College grounds through Cutty Sark Gardens to the market.
  • Make time to browse the stalls and shops and enjoy food, live music and performances after the procession.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the parade suitable for?

The event is described as suitable for the whole family; children from local primary schools take part in the procession.

What happens during the celebrations?

Children carry handmade lanterns through the Old Royal Naval College grounds and Cutty Sark Gardens to Greenwich Market, where the crowd counts down to the lights switch-on. Live music and performances follow.

Can visitors buy food and browse stalls?

Yes. Visitors can eat, shop at the market stalls and shops, and enjoy the festivities.

What are the options for getting to Greenwich Market?

You can travel by train, DLR, bus, riverboat, bike or on foot. The market is a short walk from Greenwich train station and Greenwich Pier, and the DLR stop is across the road.

Where can drivers park?

Off-street pay-and-display car parks are available at Park Row, Burney Street and Greenwich Park; public transport is recommended because roads around Greenwich town centre are very busy.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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