Havering is getting set for Christmas with various town centre, Christmas tree, and light switch-on events taking place across the Borough.
This year’s town centre Christmas tree and light decoration displays have been generously supported by Havering’s Housing Contractors AJS & Equans UK and Ireland.
Romford Christmas Tree Switch-On
- Thursday 12 November 2026, 5.30pm to 5.50pm
- Havering Town Hall
The official launch of the festive season in Romford features the Christmas tree lights switch-on and a performance by the RAF Romford Cadet Choir.
Rainham Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On
- Friday 13 November 2026, from 4pm
- Rainham Working Men's Club, Upminster Road South
The community celebration begins at Rainham Working Men's Club before moving to Rainham Broadway for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.
Hornchurch Nutcracker Christmas Event and Lights Switch-On
- Sunday 15 November 2026, 12pm to 5pm
- Hornchurch High Street
A festive afternoon organised by the Hornchurch Traders Association featuring market stalls, food and drink vendors, family entertainment, a Christmas Stamping Trail, live performances and the Town Centre lights switch-on.
Harold Wood Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Monday 16 November 2026, 6pm to 6.20pm
- Harold Wood Library, Arundel Road
Join the Harold Wood Foundation and special guest Fatima Whitbread MBE for the Harold Wood Christmas tree lights switch-on.
Upminster & Cranham Christmas Event
- Friday 20 November 2026, 4pm to 8pm
- Upminster Town Centre and Upminster High Street
Visitors can enjoy an evening of fairground rides, choirs, street entertainers, Santa's sleigh, late-night shopping, live music and festive giveaways.
Harold Hill Christmas Lights Switch-On
- Sunday 22 November 2026, 12noon to 6pm
- Harold Hill Shopping Centre
A festive programme of live music, craft and gift stalls, food vendors, family activities and a visit from Father Christmas. The Christmas lights are switched-on at 5.30pm.
Collier Row Christmas Event and Lights Switch-On
- Friday 27 November 2026, 4pm to 8pm
- Collier Row Lane, North Romford Community Centre, and the Church of the Ascension
The event features carol singers, a reindeer display, Santa's Grotto, festive trails, character appearances, children's rides, workshops and live entertainment.
Elm Park Christmas Celebration and Lights Switch-On
- Friday 27 November 2026, 3.30pm to 6pm
- Elm Park Town Centre
Family-friendly festivities including Santa's Grotto, face painting, balloon modelling, carousel rides, festive characters and entertainment. The lights switch-on takes place at 5pm.
Harold Wood Christmas Community Event
- Saturday 28 November 2026, 3pm to 7pm
- Station Road Car Park, Harold Wood
A community celebration organised by the Harold Wood Foundation with a charity Christmas market, live music, nativity presentation, carol singing, Santa and his elves, community stalls and seasonal activities.
Carols around the Christmas Tree at Havering Town Hall
- Wednesday 16 December 2026, 4pm to 5pm
- Havering Town Hall
Gather around the Christmas tree outside Havering Town Hall for favourite carols and seasonal readings from local community leaders.
Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Keith Prince AM, said:
"Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Havering special. From our thriving Town Centres and local businesses to our dedicated volunteers, community groups and residents, there is so much to be proud of across our Borough.
“It is particularly important to our Administration that we use the Christmas period to enhance Havering’s cultural offering for residents, bringing communities together. That is why we are delighted to introduce free festive activities, such as an outdoor carol service, so that more people can enjoy and take part in the celebrations.
“I am very proud that with the support and generosity of AJS, Equans UK & Ireland, and community groups, our Town Centres will once again be able to continue our festive traditions across Havering.”
Mayor of Havering, Councillor Maggie Themistocli, said:
“Christmas is a truly special time of year, when our communities come together in a spirit of goodwill, generosity and friendship. It is an opportunity to celebrate the traditions we cherish, strengthen the bonds that unite us and remember those who may be less fortunate.
“As Mayor, I am delighted to see our Town Centres embracing the festive season, and I look forward to joining residents and families across Havering in celebrating this wonderful time of year.
“My sincere thanks go to AJS, Equans UK & Ireland, and our dedicated community groups, whose generosity and hard work help keep these much-loved Christmas traditions alive.”