The Southend Christmas Light Switch On 2026 takes place on Saturday 14 November, promising a spectacular day of festive entertainment, Christmas shopping, family activities and fireworks as thousands of visitors gather to celebrate the start of the festive season.
Organised by Southend City BID, the much-loved annual event will transform Southend High Street into a festive celebration, with live performances, Christmas characters, market stalls and activities for the whole family.
The highlight of the Southend Christmas Light Switch On 2026 will take place at 6pm in Victoria Circus, when Sonny Green officially switches on the city’s Christmas lights and two sparkling Christmas trees.
The celebrations will then continue with a spectacular seafront fireworks display at 7.30pm.
What to Expect at the Southend Christmas Light Switch On 2026
Visitors can look forward to a packed programme of festive entertainment throughout Southend city centre.
The day begins at 9am with an artisan market offering Christmas gifts, festive stalls and family attractions. From midday, the High Street will come alive with live music, dancing and performances from local schools, choirs, musicians and community groups.
Families can also enjoy Christmas characters roaming the city centre, a special storytelling bus, a festive busking trail and the popular ‘Become a Christmas Star’ crafting activities.
With shops, cafés and restaurants also welcoming visitors, there will be plenty of opportunities to make a full day of the celebrations.
Southend Christmas Lights Switch-On Times and Activities
Here’s what’s happening on Saturday 14 November:
- 9am–6.30pm: Artisan market, festive stalls and family attractions.
- From 12pm: Live stage performances featuring local musicians, schools, choirs and community groups.
- 12pm–4pm: Christmas storytelling bus, festive busking trail and ‘Become a Christmas Star’ crafting activities.
- Throughout the day: Roaming Christmas characters along Southend High Street.
- 6pm: The official Southend Christmas Lights Switch-On with Sonny Green at Victoria Circus.
- 7.30pm: Spectacular fireworks display along Southend seafront.
Christmas Lights Switch-On at Victoria Circus
The biggest moment of the Southend Christmas Light Switch On 2026 arrives at 6pm, when crowds will gather at Victoria Circus for the official countdown.
Sonny Green will have the honour of switching on the Christmas lights, illuminating the city centre and two Christmas trees to mark the beginning of the festive season.
The celebrations won’t end there, as visitors can make their way towards the seafront for the evening fireworks display at 7.30pm.
Local Businesses Supporting Southend Christmas Light Switch On 2026
This year’s event is being supported by several businesses and organisations helping to bring the celebrations to life.
Associate Sponsors c2c, The Victoria Shopping Centre and Stambridge Group have joined Headline Sponsors Southend Theatres and Christmas tree sponsor Costa Coffee.
Their contributions will help support activities and improve accessibility throughout the event.
c2c is helping fund the Christmas craft stations while encouraging visitors to use the railway to travel into Southend. Stambridge Group has supported the return of the accessible performer ramp, while The Victoria Shopping Centre will host festive stalls and live entertainment.
Suzanne Gloyne, Southend City BID Manager, said:
“The Christmas Lights Switch On is one of the highlights of the year, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the start of the festive season in the heart of Southend. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose support helps us create a bigger, brighter and more magical event for everyone to enjoy.”
A Festive Celebration for the Whole Family
Southend’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On remains one of the highlights of the city’s festive calendar, attracting families and visitors while providing an important boost to shops, restaurants and other local businesses.
Whether you’re planning to enjoy the live entertainment, browse the Christmas market, take the children to meet festive characters or simply watch the Christmas lights illuminate the city, there will be plenty to enjoy.
With the main switch-on taking place at 6pm and fireworks following at 7.30pm, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and make the most of everything Southend has to offer.
The Southend Christmas Light Switch On 2026 takes place on Saturday 14 November, with the official countdown at 6pm in Victoria Circus.
For further details and updates, visit VisitSouthend.co.uk or follow @ChristmasSouthend on social media.