About
Ongar Christmas Lights and Festival 2026
Sunday 29th November 2026
The Pleasance Car Park, 229 High St, Chipping Ongar, CM5 9AB
The annual switching on of the Christmas lights in Ongar High Street. It’s an event where thousands of Ongar residents come together to celebrate the switch on - and you're invited too.
What to expect
Christmas Market Stalls – from 2pm
Activity Marquee – Library Car Park
Games, circus acts and magical entertainment throughout the afternoon.
- Punch & Judy Shows: 2:20pm & 4:15pm
- Magic Shows: 2:25pm & 5:00pm (£2 entry)
- Games include: Hook the Duck, Axe Throwing, Coconut Shy, Double Bucket Game & more.
Meet Father Christmas – Raising Money for Ongar Senior Wellbeing Hub
Visit Santa in his magical grotto between 3pm–7pm, along with his lovely reindeers (Back by popular request).
Perfect photo opportunities – and Santa may even have a little gift to share!
Best Dressed Shop Window Competition
Find full details and cast your vote at the Ongar Town Council Stall on the High Street.
On the High Street
Visit the Young Farmers and the Scouts for mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive treats.
Covered seating will be available so you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and the stage entertainment.
🎶 Live Entertainment will run from 2pm until the Christmas Lights Switch-On.
The full High Street Stage Schedule is displayed overleaf.
If you want to take part, sponsor or get involved - find out more here
Book Tickets Online
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Car-parks in Ongar:
•The Pleasance Car parks (x3) are located at CM5 9AB next to the Library, Sainsbury’s supermarket and The Budworth Hall
•Ongar South Car park is located at CM5 9HD opposite The Two Brewers Pub.
Directions from Central London:
Navigate to the M11 heading north, come off at Junction 5, then take the A113 signposted to Stapleford and Ongar. At the junction with the A128, continue north on the A128 signposted to Ongar and Harlow. The A128 runs right through the middle of Ongar and goes past all the main car parks, the South car park is on your left just before you go over the river bridge, opposite The Two Brewers Pub.
Directions from East London:
Navigate to the A12, heading east. Continue to follow the A12 and at Junction 11, take the turning for Brentwood. Travel into Brentwood town centre, follow signs for the A128 signposted to Ongar, and follow this road through Pilgrims Hatch and Kelvedon and onto Ongar. The A128 runs right through the middle of Ongar and past all the main car parks.
Directions from the East:
Navigate towards Chelmsford and take the A414 signposted to Harlow. Once leaving Chelmsford, go straight over two roundabouts, continuing to follow the A414. At the Four Wantz Roundabout, take the left hand turning onto the A128, signposted to Ongar. As you approach the High Street you will pass The Pleasance car parks on your right and left, one next to the Library and the other opposite The Budworth Hall. A further car park is situated next to Sainsburys supermarket, just past The Budworth Hall.
Directions from the West:
Navigate towards Harlow (if coming along the M25, take Junction 27 onto the M11 heading north, signposted to Harlow and Cambridge, then come off the M11 at Junction 7). Take the A414 heading east, signposted towards Chelmsford. Go straight over two roundabouts. At the Four Wantz Roundabout, take the right hand turning onto the A128, signposted to Ongar. As you approach the high street you will pass The Pleasance car parks on your left and right, one next to the Library and the other opposite The Budworth Hall. A further car park is situated next to Sainsbury's supermarket, just past The Budworth Hall.
Public Transport Directions
By Bus:
Visiting Ongar by bus saves the hassle of driving and parking and is environmentally friendly. There are regular bus services from a number of major centres:
Further details, timetables, fares and journey planners can be found here: http://www.traveline.info/
By Train:
Check out the Epping Ongar Railway for train/bus times to the lights ceremony.
Take the train to London, then head for the London Underground Central Line, travelling East-bound. Take care to ensure your train is going to Epping (and not “Woodford via Hainault”). Epping is in Zone 6. Epping station offers step free facilities for the disabled.
Full timetables, fares and journey planner are available on www.tfl.gov.uk/tube
From Epping you can take a 339 heritage bus as part of the heritage railway services, these seamlessly integrate with the steam or diesel hauled heritage trains serving Ongar.
