Old Spitalfields Market will switch on its Christmas lights at 6pm on Wednesday 11 November. The market says the event runs from 4pm to 7.30pm, with live music, children’s activities and festive food and drink under the market roof.
Hoxton Radio will broadcast live from the market from 1pm. The traders and shops stay open for Christmas shopping throughout the day.
The line-up
- 1pm: Hoxton Radio live from the market
- 4pm: free children’s crafts, face painting and an elf balloon modeller
- 4.15pm: a troupe from the Anna Fiorentini Performing Arts School
- 5.30pm: the House of La Touche Gospel Choir, singing Christmas songs
- 6pm: the lights go on
- 6.30pm: a trio from The Spitz Band, closes the evening
The children’s performers come from the Hackney branch of the Anna Fiorentini school, according to ON IN LONDON, which carried the market’s announcement. Mulled wine and street food from the market’s vendors are on sale throughout.
The market has a Christmas market and special events in some of its shops that day. After 11 November it keeps the festive trading going until Christmas, the announcement says.
Where to stand
The switch-on takes place at the centre of the market, and the organisers’ advice is to follow the music. The market stands at 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW, near Liverpool Street station. On Wednesdays its normal trading hours are 10am to 8pm.
The Thirsty Farrier’s free Christmas garden in nearby Bishops Square opens the next day, on 12 November.
The essentials
- What: Old Spitalfields Market Christmas Light Switch On
- Where: centre of Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
- When: Wednesday 11 November 2026, 4pm to 7.30pm; lights on at 6pm
- Cost: free to attend