Christmas lights and food stalls under the roof of Old Spitalfields Market

Christmas Lights Switch-on · London

Old Spitalfields Market Christmas Lights Switch-on 2026

Festive food, a gospel choir and Christmas shopping under the Victorian roof of Old Spitalfields Market, with lights on at 6pm.

2 min read

Wednesday, 11 November 2026 · 15:00

Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW

Table of Contents

Overview

When: Wednesday 11 November 2026, from 3pm. Lights switched on at 6pm.

Old Spitalfields Market marks the start of its festive season with an afternoon of Christmas shopping among its traders, festive food and drink from the market's kitchens and stalls, and live music from the market's gospel choir, building up to the lights being fired up at 6pm.

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Highlights

  • Festive food & drink
  • Gospel choir
  • Christmas shopping
  • Lights on at 6pm

What to expect

Christmas shopping, festive food and drink, live gospel choir music and the 6pm lights switch-on inside the historic market.

Who it's for

Street food fans, gift shoppers and East London locals after a festive after-work outing.

Getting there

Liverpool Street station (Elizabeth line, Central, Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City) is about 5 minutes' walk away.

Planning tips

Arrive mid-afternoon to eat at the food stalls before the post-work crowd arrives for the 6pm switch-on.

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Vendors worth trying

These traders sell at markets near London — worth a visit before or after this event.

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My Kids Are Hungry
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My Kids Are Hungry

Find My Kids Are Hungry at the Southbank Centre Food Market in Waterloo, London, serving up authentic Vietnamese comfort food and Asian fusion street snacks. Founded during lockdown by Vivien — a mother of three hungry kids — the stall brings a taste of home cooking to the market. Expect banh mi baguettes, chicken and prawn sheng jian bao, and other rare, authentic Vietnamese bites, all made with fresh, natural ingredients. Importantly, all dishes are nut-free, making this one of the most accessible and family-friendly stalls on the market.

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PAD + SEN
Thai

PAD + SEN

Cooking up authentic Pad Thai for Londoners, PAD + SEN serves fresh-from-the-wok noodles at the Southbank Centre Food Market (Waterloo, London) — Fri 12–8pm, Sat 11–8pm, Sun 12–6pm. Expect springy rice noodles tossed with tamarind, palm sugar, garlic, beansprouts, egg, and roasted peanuts, finished with lime. Protein choices typically include chicken, prawn or tofu, with vegan/vegetarian options on request.

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VooDoo Chicken
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VooDoo Chicken

Voodoo Chicken has been serving the bold, soulful flavours of New Orleans to London for over seven years. Every dish is made from scratch – from brined chicken and hand-cut fries to fiery Louisiana-style hot sauces – all crafted with natural, high-quality ingredients. Find them at Southbank, Tachbrook Street and Lower Marsh markets.

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The Polish Deli London
Polish

The Polish Deli London

The Polish Deli London serves authentic Polish food across some of the city’s biggest markets. From traditional sausages and grilled chicken skewers to handmade pastries and cured meats, every product is crafted with care using family recipes and high-quality ingredients. They also provide private and commercial catering with the same passion for Polish flavours.

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Somali Hooyo Kitchen
Somali

Somali Hooyo Kitchen

Taste homestyle Somali cooking—suqaar with rice or pasta, golden sambuus, hearty soups, and fresh breads—made from family recipes and served with love. Mains Sambuus – Somali-style samosas (minced beef or vegetable) — £1.50 (per piece) Beef Suqaar – With Somali rice or pasta, choice of sides & salad — £7.50 (Regular) / £9.50 (Large) Chicken Suqaar – With Somali rice or pasta, choice of sides & salad — £7.50 (Regular) / £9.50 (Large) Lentil Soup – Tomato, onion, carrot & Somali seasoning — £5.00 White Beans Soup – White beans, carrot, onion & Somali seasoning — £5.00 Cheesh – Fresh Somali bread served with beef or chicken suqaar — £7.50 Sabaayad – Somali flatbread served with beef or chicken suqaar — £7.50 Bajiyo – Somali fritters (onion, white beans, garlic, coriander) — £7.50 Sides available: spinach, mixed vegetables, rice, lettuce salad with dressing, bajiyo. (Prices not provided.)

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Pakhlaan
Afghan

Pakhlaan

Pakhlaan brings the warmth of traditional Afghan home-cooking to the Southbank Centre Food Market. With recipes passed down through generations, their menu celebrates authentic flavours rooted in family tradition. Their lamb wrap is a market favourite — marinated and slow-cooked, then finished with their famous spicy tomato sauce and fresh toppings. For those who prefer plant-based, Pakhlaan also serves a vegan version, ensuring everyone can enjoy their homestyle flavours.

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FAQ

When is the Old Spitalfields Market Christmas lights switch-on 2026?
Wednesday 11 November 2026, with festivities from 3pm and the lights switched on at 6pm.
What happens at the Spitalfields Christmas lights switch-on?
Expect Christmas shopping, festive food and drink, and live music from the market's gospel choir before the lights go on at 6pm.

Tickets & info

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