The Colchester Christmas Lights Switch On takes place at Lion Walk Shopping Centre on Saturday 14 November 2026.
Join us for an evening of live music, dance performances and festive family fun as Colchester kicks off the Christmas season.
It’s free to join us, with entertainment starting at 5:30pm and the Christmas lights switch-on and fireworks display at 7:30pm. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to enjoy the festivities and grab a good spot!
Celebrate Christmas at Lion Walk
Hosted by Actual Radio, the Colchester Christmas lights switch on features live music, dance and festive characters.
Performers include all seven Colchester Has Talent 2026 finalists, winners Catkins, Essex Blades Dance Club, The Big Sing, The Hit List and Headgate Theatre, alongside cast members from The Wizard of Oz Musical at Charter Hall.
Look out for Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch and Father Christmas, too!
Light switch-on schedule
- 5:30pm: DJ
- 5:45pm: The Big Sing
- 6:15pm: Headgate Theatre: Hansel & Gretel
- 6:25pm: University of Essex Dance Troupe
- 6:40pm: Colchester Has Talent 2026 finalists’ medley
- 6:55pm: Elsa, Anna and Olaf
- 7:10pm: Colchester Has Talent winners, Catkins
- 7:25pm: Santa, the Grinch and Dorothy in a Wizard of Oz sketch with Actual Radio
- 7:30pm: The Christmas lights switch-on and fireworks display, accompanied by a festive performance from The Hit List
Visit Santa's Grotto
Santa’s Grotto opens at Lion Walk Courtyard on Saturday 14 November, running daily until Christmas Eve.
Little ones can meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes and receive a special toy chosen to suit their age.
Book your Santa’s Grotto tickets in advance to make a magical Christmas memory.
Christmas at Lion Walk Courtyard
Keep the festive fun going at Lion Walk Courtyard, where Christmas celebrations begin on 14 November.
Enjoy live entertainment, mulled wine, toffee cider and PÖPINÄ’s Christmas Cherry cocktail, alongside festive favourites like Christmas chips and pigs in blankets.
With plenty to eat, drink and enjoy, Lion Walk Courtyard is the perfect place to get together this Christmas.
Plan your visit
Make an afternoon of it at Lion Walk! Browse the shops, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a festive drink at Lion Walk Courtyard before the Christmas lights switch-on event gets underway at 5:30pm.
With shopping, food and drink, and an evening of festive entertainment all in one place, it’s the perfect way to kick off Christmas in Colchester.