Ongar Christmas Lights & Festival 2026

Ongar's annual Christmas lights switch-on festival with market stalls, Punch & Judy and magic shows, Santa's grotto and live stage entertainment on the High Street.

The annual switching on of Ongar's Christmas lights brings thousands of residents to the High Street for an afternoon of festive activities. Christmas market stalls open from 2pm, with an activity marquee in the Library Car Park offering games, circus acts, Punch & Judy shows and magic shows (£2 entry). Father Christmas will be in his grotto with reindeer from 3pm to 7pm, raising money for the Ongar Senior Wellbeing Hub, while live entertainment runs on the High Street stage until the lights are switched on.