Chelmsford Christmas Lights switch-on
Chelmsford For You are thrilled to announce the long-awaited return of the Chelmsford Christmas Lights Switch-On! Taking place on Sunday 16 November 2025, this much-loved event will light up the city centre with a spectacular day of festive entertainment, marking the official start of Christmas in Chelmsford.
From 10am to 5pm, the city will come alive with Christmas markets, live music, street food, mulled wine, walkabout performers, and plenty of family fun, all building up to the grand Lights Switch-On ceremony and fireworks finale at 5pm.
This year, Chelmsford For You are delighted to partner with BBC Radio Essex, celebrating Chelmsford’s proud heritage as the birthplace of radio. The main stage will be hosted by Sara Tupper from Chelmsford For You alongside Akylah Rodriguez from the BBC Essex presenting team, guiding audiences through an afternoon packed with local entertainment, live music, dance acts, prize giveaways, and more!
In addition to the main stage, there is something for everyone this year, with festive fun spread across Chelmsford’s city centre:
Christmas Tree Stage (from 12pm) – Live musical performances hosted by local venue Hot Box
The Grinch (from 12pm) – Expect mischief and mayhem from the infamous green troublemaker
Santa and his Sleigh (from 10am) – Meet Father Christmas in Half Moon Square, raising money for The Salvation Army
Christmas Market Stalls (from 10am) – Find festive gifts and treats at The Meadows Shopping Centre, with 24 incredible stalls
Christmas Makers Market (from 11am) – Discover handmade treasures hosted by Patch
Grays Yard Festivities (from 12pm) – Enjoy Christmas tunes, a marshmallow firepit, mulled wine and mince pies from Fête, and even a snow machine
Don’t miss the grand finale at 5pm when the lights sparkle to life across Chelmsford, followed by a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky. This year’s fireworks display will be launched from the High Chelmer multi-storey car park.