At a glance
- Christmas in the City returns on Saturday 14 November 2026, with festivities beginning from 12pm.
- Southend High Street will host a festive market, live performances and family entertainment throughout the day.
- The Christmas Lights Switch On takes place at 6pm, followed by a seafront fireworks display at 7.30pm.
- Schools, choirs, theatre groups, community organisations and local musicians will provide entertainment across the city centre.
- Southend Theatres returns as headline sponsor, bringing some extra pantomime magic to the celebrations.
Southend city centre is preparing to kick-start the festive season in style as Christmas in the City returns for a full day of entertainment, shopping and seasonal celebrations.
Taking place on Saturday 14 November, the event will see Southend High Street transformed from midday, with a festive market, family activities and live entertainment creating a Christmas atmosphere throughout the city centre. The celebrations will build towards the traditional Christmas Lights Switch On at 6pm, before a spectacular fireworks display takes place on the seafront at 7.30pm.
Organised by Southend City BID, the annual event is designed to bring residents and visitors into the heart of Southend while supporting local businesses during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
Entertainment will take place throughout the day, with schools, local choirs, theatre groups and community organisations among those taking part. Musicians will also perform on the main stage and at pop-up locations around the city centre, helping to ensure there is something happening wherever visitors go.
Southend City BID Manager Suzanne Gloyne described Christmas in the City as one of Southend’s most anticipated community events and said the organisation was proud to stage an occasion that showcases local talent while encouraging people to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
This year’s headline sponsor is once again Southend Theatres, with the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre helping to bring some theatrical Christmas magic to the event. Visitors can expect a taste of the festive productions taking place at the venues, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion.
Oliver Stacey, Venue Director at Southend Theatres, said the switch-on was a fantastic way to begin the Christmas season, adding that the theatres were excited to once again be involved with the celebrations.
Last year’s celebrations included the eye-catching Nutcracker Band marching along Southend High Street, and organisers are hoping the 2026 event will once again showcase the city’s community spirit and creativity.
With Christmas shopping, food and drink, live entertainment, the lights switch-on and an evening fireworks display all packed into one day, Christmas in the City looks set to give Southend’s festive season a suitably sparkling start.
Further event updates will be available through @ChristmasSouthend on Instagram and Facebook, with details of other Christmas events taking place across the city available through Visit Southend.