Join us in Southend city centre to celebrate this festive season! Download our festive brochure to get the full information on festive events in Southend.
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SWITCH ON​
On Saturday 15th November 2025, Southend High Street will sparkle with festive magic as Christmas in the City returns! Join us for a full day of fun to kick start Christmas with thanks to our headline sponsors, Southend Theatres, and supporting sponsors, The Victoria Centre and Stambridge Group, for helping to bring the magic to life! Download our switch on activity timeline here.

9am-6.30pm: Market
Explore our market that will stretch through the High Street and The Victoria Centre. Have a go on some of the rides or pop into the shops too.
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11.30am-4.30pm: Busking Spots
From acoustic acts to bands, they'll be local performances under the railway bridge and in The Victoria Centre.
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1pm-4pm: Storytime bus
Free arts, crafts and stories on The Royals Shopping Centre.
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1pm-4pm: Crafting Fun
Get creative under the bridge between 1-4pm with making beautiful light up lanterns that you can take with you to the Switch On! Or head to our crafting stations in The Victoria Centre or near The Royals Shopping Centre.
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12.40pm-6pm: 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.​

FESTIVE SUNDAYS​
The fun continues in Southend with free family-friendly entertainment designed to fill your weekends with Christmas cheer. From 11am - 3pm on the first three Sundays of December, the city will come alive with festive music, live performances, exciting activities, and seasonal surprises! And to make your visit even merrier, enjoy free parking in council-run car parks on these Sundays*, making it even easier to join us and enjoy the celebrations!

7th December: Snow Queen Sunday
Celebrating the Palace Theatre’s new festive production with a day of family friendly entertainment.

14th December: Musical Sunday
Joyful, festive performances from local talents filling Southend with the sounds of the season.

21st December: Festive Fun Sunday
Roaming festive characters will bring Christmas magic to Southend in the last weekend before the big day!

*Visit the Southend-on-Sea City Council website for full details on parking