Greenford Quay's free Christmas weekend is 4pm to 9pm on Friday 27 November and 12pm to 5pm on Saturday 28 November, with Santa. Updated November 2026.
Greenford Quay switches on its Christmas tree and lights from 4pm to 9pm on Friday 27 November, and Santa arrives on Saturday 28 November, 12pm to 5pm, for an afternoon of markets, music and free fairground rides by the canal. Entry is free on both days.
The weekend is at Tillermans Court, Grenan Square, Greenford UB6 0FP. Jody and Amanda of T&T Markets, who run the street food, sent us the full programme and the photographs on this page; the event listing is on their Greenford Quay page.
“Get ready for another day of festive fun by the canal as Christmas returns to Greenford Quay!” they said. “Wrap up warm, gather your friends and family and join us for a wonderful afternoon of festive fun by the canal!”
Times at a glance
| Day | Times | What’s on |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 27 November | 4pm to 9pm | Christmas tree and lights switch-on, street food, DJ, free rides |
| Saturday 28 November | 12pm to 5pm | Santa and his elves, artisan market, live music, workshops, street food, free rides |
Neither day needs a ticket. The organisers have not given a time for the switch-on moment itself on the Friday, only the 4pm to 9pm window.
What’s new this year
Two things have changed since last Christmas, the organisers say. The street food has moved to a brand new spot at Lyons Dock, and the Giant Ferris Wheel is joined by a new Light Up Teacups ride.
“Hop aboard our Giant Ferris Wheel for a completely FREE ride and enjoy views across Greenford Quay, the canal and the twinkling festive lights from above,” they said. “Both rides are completely FREE! Simply turn up and join the queue!” Both rides run on the Friday evening and through Saturday.
Santa and the acrobatic elves
Santa does not sit in a grotto. He roams the waterfront on the Saturday afternoon, and children can meet him, hand over their Christmas letters and have a photo taken.
“Santa won’t be arriving alone!” the organisers said. “He’ll be joined by his mischievous acrobatic elves, bringing plenty of festive fun, playful antics and impressive acrobatic performances as they make their way around Greenford Quay. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the Christmas celebrations. You never know where Santa and his elves might pop up next!”
Letters to Santa is back too, and free. Children can write their letters at stations in participating shops around the quay, on either day, then bring them along on Saturday to give to Santa in person.
Live music
There will be live music in three places around the quay through Saturday afternoon. “Our full entertainment line-up will be announced soon,” the organisers said, so the names of the acts are not out yet. On the Friday evening there is a DJ.
Street food at Lyons Dock
“Come hungry!” is the organisers’ advice. The traders are there on both days, and T&T Markets named seven:
- Nimtoh: crispy turkey popcorn chicken.
- Mr Roy’s: Caribbean jerk chicken with a baked potato.
- Santorini: Greek street food, with traditional Greek Christmas cakes.
- Sujos: a festive turkey UFO burger with cranberry sauce.
- Fulton & Thoroughgood: Philly cheesesteaks, with festive specials of turkey, stuffing, cranberry and brie.
- The Chimney Baker: Christmas Hungarian lángos and chimney cakes.
- Brownie Rocks: Christmas brownies and gingerbread people.
Drinks come from Jim & Tonic, back for both days with cocktails, draught beers, wines, soft drinks and festive drinks.
The artisan market
More than 30 independent makers and small businesses set up on the Saturday, spread across Tillermans, Glassworks, Lyons Dock and the kiosks. The organisers list handmade gifts, festive treats, jewellery, homeware and accessories among the stock.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up something special, discover local talent and support independent businesses this festive season,” they said.
Free workshops for children and grown-ups
- Re’Make Christmas with Restore, Saturday 12pm to 5pm, free and drop-in. Make decorations, cards, gift tags or small presents from reclaimed textiles, paper and ribbon. “Perfect for children, families and grown-ups alike,” the organisers said.
- Festive crafts and games with Groundwork, on both days. Make Christmas crackers, cardboard robins and paper snowflakes, or play Pin the Nose on the Reindeer and Santa’s Secret Deliveries.
Before you go
- It is outdoors, by the canal, in late November. The organisers’ own advice is to wrap up warm.
- Bring cash or a card for food and drink; everything else listed here is free.
- Bring a camera if you want a picture with Santa on the Saturday, and bring the letter if your child has written one.
- The Elizabeth line is shut through Ealing on Saturday 28 November. If you are coming from the east by train, check our Elizabeth line closures piece first.
After the market closes on Saturday, the organisers point people to Kiosk, Layla’s Bistro and Intu on the quay, which carry on with drinks, music and DJs into the evening.
For every other switch-on in the borough, see our Ealing Christmas lights page, and for the rest of the season, our Ealing Christmas markets and Gunnersbury Park Christmas guides.
Thanks to Jody and Amanda at T&T Markets for the programme and the photographs.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Greenford Quay Christmas lights switch-on in 2026?
Friday 27 November 2026, 4pm to 9pm, with street food and a DJ. The celebrations carry on on Saturday 28 November from 12pm to 5pm.
Does it cost anything?
No. Entry is free, and so are the Ferris wheel, the light-up teacups ride, the Restore workshop and Letters to Santa. Food and drink are paid for at the stalls.
When can children meet Santa at Greenford Quay?
On Saturday 28 November, between 12pm and 5pm. Santa roams around the quay with acrobatic elves rather than sitting in a grotto, so children can hand him their letters as he goes.
Where is it?
Greenford Quay, Tillermans Court, Grenan Square, Greenford UB6 0FP, beside the Grand Union Canal. The street food is at Lyons Dock this year.
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