Join us in Southend city centre to celebrate this festive season! Download our festive brochure to get the full information on festive events in the city. With thanks to Toys 'n' Tuck, the independent toy seller located on Queens Road, for being our headline sponsors. 

Switch On
Join in the festive fun at the Christmas Light Switch On in Southend. We have a full day of entertainment across the High Street before the 6pm switch on that the whole family will love!

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9am-6.30pm: Market

Artisan market with live music, art, clothing and lots more to pick up as treats or gifts near the railway bridge alongside children's rides. Head up the High Street for more to browse at the general market.

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11am-4pm: Busking Spots

From acoustic acts to bands, they'll be local performances near the old Debenhams and under the railway bridge

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12pm-4pm: Storytime bus

Free arts, crafts and stories on the Visit Southend bus near Lloyds bank.

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12pm-4pm: Spread the Cheer, Become a Reindeer Trail

Get crafty and transform yourself into a reindeer. Visit the Royals shopping centre, the IronWorks, Caffe Nero and Laurence Mathews before heading to the Victoria shopping centre for the final station and your chance to meet Santa. 

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12pm-6pm: Main Stage Performances

Hosted by BBC Essex, watch an amazing line up of acts including local choirs, bands, solo acts, entertainers and dancers. Soak in the excitement from vibrant performances as we build up to the 6pm switch on. 

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6pm: The Big Switch On

Don't miss the lights going on at 6pm in Victoria Circus by our 40 foot Christmas tree!

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7.30pm: Fireworks Finale

After the switch on, make your way down to the seafront for the final display of the season.

Christmas Markets

• 18th, 26th November, 3rd, 10th, 17th December
  Artisan Market near the railway bridge on the High Street

• 9th December
  Craft and Gift Fayre at the Forum

• 16th December
  Big Up Southend Market at Victoria Shopping Centre

• 11th - 24th December
  General Market on Southend High Street

 

Festive Events

• 18th November - 21st December

Teddy Bear Trail

• 18th November - 24th December

Christmas Rides in Victoria Circus on selected dates in the period

• 18th November - 10th December

Winter Trail at the Victoria Shoping centre

• 25th November - 24th December

Christmas Grotto at the Royals shopping centre

• 26th November and 10th December

Carols by the Tree in Victoria Circus at selected times after 12pm

• 2nd December

Fifty Choir at the Royals shopping centre

• 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th December

Christmas experience at Caddies

• 2nd - 24th December

Santa's Grotto at The IronWorks

• 3rd and 17th December

Christmas Characters across the High Street at selected times after 12pm

• 9th December

A Tudor Christmas at The IronWorks

• 9th - 31st December

Peter Pan Panto at the Cliffs Pavilion

• 17th December

Christmas Magic Spectacular at The IronWorks

• 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th December

Festive drop off sessions at IndiRock​