Christmas in the City: the big switch-on!
Southend High Street | From 9am | Lights on at 6pm
Christmas is taking over Southend city centre as the much-loved Christmas in the City returns, organised by Southend City BID. The celebrations kick off at 9am with a festive artisan market stretching along the High Street and into The Victoria Centre. It's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, pick up something unique from local makers and enjoy a few seasonal treats along the way.
From midday, the festive fun really gets going! Expect live music, dance performances, local choirs, community groups and plenty of entertainment across the city centre, with the main stage hosted by BBC Essex.
There's loads to keep little ones entertained too, including magical Christmas characters roaming the High Street, a storytelling bus packed with festive tales, family rides and the free Become a Christmas Star craft trail. Complete the four activities for the chance to meet Santa in his grotto!
Then, at 6pm, it's time for the big moment! Head to Victoria Circus as Sonny Green, joined by special guests from the Cliffs Pavilion's Snow White pantomime, switches on Southend's Christmas lights and two sparkling Christmas trees.
And don't forget to look out for the South Tree in Royals Square, returning this year thanks to Costa Coffee!
Southend Pier gets its glow back!
Southend Pier | 4pm–8pm | Lights on at 5pm
There's something extra special happening on Southend Pier this Christmas! For the first time in more than 20 years, the pier's iconic festoon lights are making a spectacular return, lighting up the world's longest pleasure pier against the night sky.
The celebrations get underway from 4pm, with the official Pier Festoon Light Switch-On at 5pm. It's a chance to experience a little piece of Southend history as the 1.33-mile pier shines in a whole new light.
And the festive fun doesn't stop there! Head to On the Decks at the pier head, which has had a fabulous glow-up of its own, complete with illuminated seating, neon lights, music and a cocktail bar. It's the perfect place to enjoy a drink, take a few festive photos and soak up the atmosphere.
Feeling peckish? Tea With The Tide will be serving up hot drinks, festive hot chocolates, sweet treats and alcohol-free mulled wine, while Offshore at the Royal Pavilion will have fish and chip specials, mulled wine and handcrafted cocktails.
There'll also be carnival games with a prize every time you play, adding a bit of traditional seaside fun to the festivities.
Standard pier admission applies, with walking tickets just £3.10 for adults and £2.10 for children and concessions. Last entry is at 7pm, with the final train heading back to shore at 7.45pm.
End the evening with a bang!
Southend Seafront | 7.30pm
What better way to finish a day of festive celebrations than with a spectacular fireworks display over the sea?
At 7.30pm, Southend's seafront will light up with a dazzling fireworks finale, bringing the day's celebrations to a close in spectacular style. You can enjoy the display from the seafront, or make it an extra-special evening by watching from Southend Pier, with the sparkling new festoon lights adding to the atmosphere.
The fireworks are free to watch from the seafront, although standard admission charges apply if you're heading onto the pier.
Make a day of it!
With so much happening across Southend, why not turn your festive outing into a full day by the sea? Start with a little Christmas shopping along the High Street, browse the artisan market and stop for a warming coffee or lunch at one of the city's cafés and restaurants.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the entertainment, exploring the shops or heading down to the seafront for some fresh sea air before the evening celebrations begin. And with Southend's restaurants, bars and attractions all close by, there's plenty of opportunity to make the most of your visit.
Plan your visit
Here's a quick rundown of the day's biggest moments:
Time | What's happening |
9am | Christmas artisan market opens in the city centre |
12pm | Live entertainment, performances and festive activities begin |
12pm–4pm | Christmas craft trail, storytelling bus and busking |
4pm | Southend Pier evening celebrations begin |
5pm | Southend Pier Festoon Light Switch-On |
6pm | Main Christmas Lights Switch-On at Victoria Circus |
7.30pm | Spectacular seafront fireworks |
8pm | Southend Pier closes |
Getting here: Southend is easy to reach by train, with services from London Liverpool Street and London Fenchurch Street. Southend Victoria and Southend Central stations are both within easy walking distance of the city centre.
If you're driving, allow extra time for your journey as the city centre and seafront are expected to be busy.
Let the festivities begin!
Two spectacular switch-ons, a whole day of entertainment and fireworks over the sea. Christmas is arriving in Southend in style this year!
So round up your family and friends, wrap up warm and join us on Saturday 14 November for a day full of festive fun.
And this is just the beginning! There's plenty more Christmas magic to discover across Southend in the weeks ahead.
