As we near December and all things festive, town centres in Havering are preparing to get in the Christmas spirit. 

After budget cuts threatened Christmas light switch-ons and Christmas trees across the borough, sponsorship and support from local businesses have helped save the celebrations.

In honour of the upcoming holiday season, we have put together a list of events that are sure to get you in the festive mood. 

The scale of the Christmas celebrations have had to be reduced due to budget cutsThe scale of the Christmas celebrations have had to be reduced due to budget cuts so there won't be a repeat of last year's lights switch-on in Romford (Image: Sandra Rowse)Christmas in Rainham

A light switch-on in Rainham will take place on November 15. 

Locals are invited to watch the Christmas tree be lit next to the war memorial at the corner of Upminster Road South and Bridge Road. 

The event will last from 5pm until 8pm during which time there will also be a meet and greet with Christmas characters for children and carol singing. 

Those celebrating will be able to enjoy free glow sticks and browse small businesses selling homemade sweets and Christmas crafts. 

 

Christmas in Hornchurch

The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O'Sullivan, will join merrymakers on November 17 for the Christmas tree light switch-on. 

He said: “Switching on the Christmas tree lights marks the start of the festivities and it will be great to see so many residents come along to help bring in the festive season in each town centre.

Thanks to sponsorship and support from local businesses, festive events have been able to be arrangedThanks to sponsorship and support from local businesses, festive events have been able to be arranged (Image: Havering Council) “Thanks to all the sponsors and individual community groups for supporting this year’s events.”

The event will take place between 6pm and 6.15pm at the roundabout in High Street. 

 

Christmas in Upminster

On November 22, Upminster will host Christmas events in Station Road and at Upminster Junior School along St Mary's Lane. 

The events will last between 3.30pm and 6pm and will include free children's fairground rides and a choir performance from Upminster Baptist Church in the school playground. 

There will also be festive music from Bedrock Radio. 

 

Christmas in Elm Park

A number of activities will be on offer around Elm Park town centre on November 29 including stalls, street entertainment, face painting and a choir.

Cllr O'Sullivan will be taking part in the Christmas tree lights switch-on at 5pm.

A Christmas tree from previous events in UpminsterA Christmas tree from previous events in Upminster (Image: Havering Council) The tree will be located on the roundabout at the junction of The Broadway and Maylands Avenue. 

Santa's Grotto can be found in the Eye Clinic on The Broadway from 1pm for those who have an appointment. 

 

Christmas in Harold Hill

Harold Hill will host its own Christmas festivities on December 1 between 12pm and 6pm. 

Visitors at Hilldene Shopping Centre can enjoy live entertainment, market stalls, free fair rides and get the chance to meet Santa. 

Cllr O'Sullivan will again be participating in the Christmas tree light switch-on at 5.30pm. 

The mayor will be attending to take part in some of the festivities across the boroughThe mayor will be attending to take part in some of the festivities across the borough (Image: Havering Council)

Christmas in Collier Row

On December 6, merrymakers can participate in arts and crafts in the community centre, visit the Reindeer pen, Santa and more in Collier Row. 

Events will take place from 4pm until 8pm. 

 

Christmas in Romford

Winter events will take place across two days in December, on the 7th and 14th between 2pm and 4pm. 

The town centre will be visited by children's characters and stilt walkers. 

SingTok will be performing at the Mercury Mall at 12.30pm and at The Brewery shopping centre at 2pm on December 7. 

 

Christmas in Harold Wood

Harold Wood will also be holding its Christmas events on December 7 between 4pm and 7pm. 

At the station car park visitors can find a charity Christmas market, live music, nativity and refreshments. 

Santa and his elves will also be available to meet. 

Council leader Ray Morgon, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming in the festive period in Havering with the upcoming Christmas events.

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“My thanks to our sponsors for supporting this year’s festivities and making the activities possible.

“Given our funding challenges, like many councils, we have had to scale back events this year, but thanks to the generous support of businesses and the local community it has been possible to celebrate Christmas across our town centres for another year.”