Hornchurch Christmas Cracker 2025: Pictures show festivities

Festivities were in full swing on Saturday (November 15) as the community joined together to turn on the Christmas lights.

Sadie, 4, Frankie, 8, Lottie, 4, and Lois, 7, pictured with stuffed teddies (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

The ‘Hornchurch Christmas Cracker’ event kicked-off from 11am, transforming the High Street into a winter wonderland.

Christmas stalls popped up on either side of the road, selling all things from Christmas gifts and handmade decorations, to food and more.

Kerry and Debbie pictured at their stall of felt hand crafted gifts (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

Fairground rides including a helter-skelter slide, tea cups and car carousel were set up, along with traditional win-a-prize games.

Iconic festive faces stopped to take pictures with visitors, with children posing with Santa Claus in his sleigh and some even daring to snap a photo with the Grinch.

A group dared to snap a photo with the Grinch (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

READ MORE: Historic photos show dramatic changes in Hornchurch High Street since early 1900s

The main event took place at 5pm, made possible by sponsorship from Marlborough Highways, Elm Site Services, AJS, FCC Environment, NC Construction Services, and Moss and Coleman Solicitors.

The Christmas light switch-on by Mayor of Havering, Cllr Sue Ospreay, and Deak Franklin, The Apprentice 2025 winner. With them are his children Ted, 9, and Bonnie, 7 (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)

The Christmas light-switch on was saved till last, with visitors spilling out onto the High Street to get a view of the tree.

Mayor of Havering, Cllr Sue Ospreay, led the switch-on alongside local winner of The Apprentice 2025, Dean Franklin.