Chelmsford
Christmas in the City
The Christmas lights switch-on, free family fun and festive events in and around Chelmsford, from November to January.
Explore Christmas in the CityThis Christmas
Sunday · 12–5pm
Christmas lights switch-on
Live music, family activities and a firework finale across the city centre. The lights switch on at 5pm.
See the switch-on programmeNominations close 11:59pm
Nominate a local hero
Help us celebrate someone who makes a difference in Chelmsford. This year’s Community Award winners will help switch on the Christmas lights.
Start a nominationWinners announced
Community Awards 2026
Thank you to everyone who put Chelmsford’s community heroes forward. The winners will be announced at the Christmas lights switch-on.
About the Community AwardsSaturday · 10am–5pm
Festive Fun for Farleigh
A free family day in the city centre with Farleigh Hospice, from Santa’s Workshop at Shire Hall to a children’s carousel and local choirs. No booking needed.
See the activities1–24 Dec Local venues
12 Stops of Christmas
A festive lunch, drinks with friends or a little friendly competition. Discover what Chelmsford’s local venues have planned for your Christmas get-together.
Explore the 12 StopsNov–Jan In and around Chelmsford
Full Christmas programme
Panto, concerts, lights trails and festive markets in and around Chelmsford.
See the full programmeWELCOME TO CHELMSFORD FOR YOU
We’re a not-for-profit organisation set up to represent nearly 450 city-centre businesses, working together to make Chelmsford a more vibrant place to live, work, visit and do business. Explore local businesses, events and things to do, and discover the projects helping our city centre thrive.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
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CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY
Discover the lights switch-on, free family fun for Farleigh and festive events in and around Chelmsford.
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STREET ART FESTIVAL
Discover the Concrete Canvas Street Art Festival, with new murals and live painting across the city.
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FULL EVENTS CALENDAR
Find your next day out, evening plan or cultural fix in Chelmsford and beyond.
SEE MORE OF CHELMSFORD
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PARKS & GARDENS
Explore Chelmsford’s parks and gardens, from summer picnics to winter walks.
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WALKING & CYCLING ROUTES
Explore family-friendly cycling routes through Chelmsford, with scenic stops along the way.
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SHOP, EAT, STAY & MORE
Discover places to shop, eat, stay and enjoy, plus useful local services.
OUR INITIATIVES
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CHELMSFORD AFTER HOURS
See how Chelmsford For You promotes local venues, supports organisers and helps create safer nights out.
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WHAT WE DO
Discover how Chelmsford For You supports local businesses and invests in projects, events and the city centre.
THE CFY PODCAST
Every fortnight we bring you the CFY Podcast where we chat to one of our brilliant Chelmsford businesses or highlight exciting news and events within the Chelmsford city centre.
EPISODE 76 : VOLFEST
It’s National Volunteers Week ❤️
To celebrate, Sara Tupper sat down with the incredible Chelmsford CVS to learn more about the fantastic organisation and their work in championing, supporting and strengthening local charities, voluntary and community groups.
Plus, if you’re in Chelmsford today, Chelmsford CVS are hosting this year’s Vol Fest in the city centre! A vibrant celebration of community, compassion and connection that brings together 50 fantastic local charities with music, food and activities. We’ve been honoured to sponsor and support this years event here at Chelmsford For You.