The Christmas festivities in Greenwich begin with the local school children's handmade lantern procession and the switching on of the Christmas lights in Greenwich Market.

The procession will start at 16.00 in front of the Tourist Information Centre at the ORNC and will wind its way to the Market.

Children from five local schools, led by jazz band, will parade their handmade colourful lanterns through the ORNC grounds, round Cutty Sark Gardens and into the Market for the big Christmas Countdown and Lights On.

Father Christmas will welcome visitors in his Greenwich Grotto (22-23 Nelson Road).