Leigh Lights is one of Leigh-on-Sea’s best-loved Christmas traditions, bringing festive entertainment, Christmas shopping, music and family activities to the heart of the town.
Now officially known as Light Up Leigh, the annual Christmas celebration sees local independent shops, businesses and community groups come together to kick off the festive season.
For 2026, Leigh-on-Sea Town Council has confirmed that the event will take place on Friday 27 November, from 4pm to 8pm, with full road closures returning to parts of Leigh Broadway and the surrounding streets.
Whether you’re planning a family evening out, hoping to visit Santa, looking for Christmas gifts or simply want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, here’s everything you need to know about Leigh Lights.
When is Leigh Lights 2026?
Light Up Leigh takes place on Friday 27 November 2026, with the main celebrations running from 4pm until 8pm.
The event is free to attend, although some children’s activities and Santa’s Grotto require advance booking.
The Christmas market opens earlier, at 3pm, giving visitors an extra opportunity to browse festive stalls.
What’s happening at Leigh Lights?
There will be plenty to see and do throughout Leigh-on-Sea, with activities taking place in the Community Centre, Library Gardens, local businesses and other venues around the town.
- Christmas market: 3pm to 8pm in the Lower Hall at Leigh Community Centre.
- Children’s activities: 4pm to 5pm at Leigh Community Centre. Advance booking is required through the Town Council’s website.
- Santa’s Grotto: From 4pm, organised by the Leigh Lions. Visit the Leigh Lions Facebook page for booking information.
- Christmas choirs and carols: 6pm to 7pm in Library Gardens.
- Mulled wine and mince pies: Complimentary festive refreshments at Leigh Community Centre from 4pm.
- Live music: Festive entertainment at the Ironworks Café.
- Late-night Christmas shopping: Independent shops and businesses will be joining the celebrations, alongside local churches, restaurants and bars.
Which roads are closed for Leigh Lights?
One of the biggest developments for Light Up Leigh in 2026 is the return of full road closures, allowing visitors to enjoy more of the town centre without normal through traffic.
Leigh-on-Sea Town Council has confirmed that the following roads will be closed to traffic from 3pm until 8pm on Friday 27 November:
- Elm Road: From The Sarah Moore to Broadway and Broadway West.
- Broadway: Up to Leighton Avenue.
- Broadway West: Up to its junction with Rectory Grove.
- Rectory Grove: Between Broadway West and Elm Road.
The closures will affect access through the centre of Leigh-on-Sea, so drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys. Parking and access near the celebrations may also be affected.
Where can children meet Santa at Leigh Lights?
Father Christmas will be making an appearance at Light Up Leigh, with Santa’s Grotto organised by the Leigh Lions from 4pm. Families should check the Leigh Lions Facebook page for booking arrangements and availability.
There will also be children’s activities at Leigh Community Centre between 4pm and 5pm. These must be booked in advance through Leigh-on-Sea Town Council’s website.
Christmas shopping and supporting Leigh’s independent businesses
For many people, one of the biggest attractions of Leigh Lights is the chance to explore Leigh-on-Sea’s independent shops after dark.
Businesses along the Broadway and surrounding streets will be joining the festivities, offering visitors an opportunity to shop locally for Christmas presents while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere.
Local restaurants, cafés and bars will also be taking part, making it an ideal evening to meet friends, enjoy something to eat or drink and soak up the Christmas spirit.
The festive market at Leigh Community Centre will run from 3pm until 8pm, providing another opportunity for Christmas shopping.
Is Leigh Lights free to attend?
Yes. Light Up Leigh is a free community event, so there is no general admission charge to enjoy the festivities.
Some individual activities, including children’s sessions and Santa’s Grotto, require advance booking. Visitors should check the organisers’ booking information for any additional charges or requirements.
Who organises Leigh Lights?
Light Up Leigh is organised by Leigh-on-Sea Town Council, with support from local sponsors, community organisations and businesses.
The event, traditionally known as Leigh Lights, has become a familiar part of the town’s Christmas celebrations. For many local families, it’s a chance to enjoy a longstanding festive tradition. For others, it’s an opportunity to discover Leigh’s independent businesses and experience the town at one of its most atmospheric times of year.
Details of Light Up Leigh, including activities, booking arrangements and any changes to the programme, can be found through Leigh-on-Sea Town Council.
Visitors can also check the Leigh Lions’ Facebook page for Santa’s Grotto bookings.