The highly-awaited annual event marks the beginning of a wide range of holiday events hosted by the Royal Borough of Greenwich across the Christmas calendar.

What's on?

There will be a wide range of entertainment on throughout the evening:

• 4pm to 7pm - Eltham Lights Up will see an exciting range of entertainment on stage and in the town centre featuring acrobats, costumed characters and musicians.
• 4pm to 7pm - Eltham Police Station on Well Hall road will be holding a special open day for local families to meet police dogs and horses along with fun activities for the children.
• 4pm to 7pm - Eltham Fire Station will be open to have a look around.
• 4.30pm - characters of the famous Roald Dahl books will arrive on the High Street, including Willy Wonka, Oompa-Loompas, the BFG and the Twits along with music from Deansfield primary school and All The Arts who will be performing on the stage at Passey Place.
• 6pm - the Mayor of Royal Greenwich, Councillor Olu Babatola, will join local MP Clive Efford to switch on the Christmas lights
• 6pm - local school children and community groups will be taking part in the lantern parade at which is themed around the 100th anniversary of the birth of Roald Dahl.

A spectacular performance near the end of the event will take place at the western end of Eltham High Street - more details to follow soon.

For the latest news and updates on Eltham Lights Up during the event, follow our Twitter and Instagram @Royal_Greenwich and the hashtag for our Christmas events in the borough will be #XmasinGreenwich

Please note - Eltham High Street will be closed to traffic from 3pm to 8pm.

Late night shopping

For the 17th year in a row, Eltham Lights Up celebrations provide a great boost for local businesses in Eltham during the build-up to the busy Christmas shopping period.

Shops in Eltham such as Marks & Spencer and Debenhams will be open for late night Christmas shoppers and many will be offering discounts for residents with a Greenwich One Card. Residents can also enjoy a warm drink in the cafe at the Eltham centre along with some festive entertainment.

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Culture, Creative Industries and Community Well-Being, said: "The newly improved Eltham High Street is all set to host the 17th annual Eltham Lights Up. Thousands of people turn out every year and get into the Christmas spirit while supporting their local shops.

"It's not too late for residents to sign up to the Greenwich One Card to snap up special discounts in selected Eltham businesses and across the borough. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved to help us show what Eltham has to offer."

Special offers and events on the night

A number of Eltham businesses will be offering discounts for the evening.

Bankers Draft

Curry and a pint £6.99.

Better

Gazebo on the High Street handing out information on their services with goodie bags.

Burger King

Staff will be out on the Night Street handing out vouchers.

Court Yard Hair & Beauty

Eyebrow threading free with any hair or beauty treatment over £20.

Debenhams

Cosmetic Gala Night 4 to 8pm, including raffle prizes, free gifts and makeovers. Also offering tasting sessions from their Christmas menu throughout the event.

Kaspa's

Offering customers ten per cent off their total food bill from 5pm to 11pm. 

McDonald's

Staff will be out on the High Street handing out vouchers.

O2

Staff on the High Street promoting services. 

Regain Hearing

They will be providing complimentary mulled wine, Prosecco and mince pies, along with the following offers:

• free hearing tests and tinnitus consultations
• ten per cent off the new smallest hearing aid in the world exclusively available at Regain Hearing
• ten per cent off the newest release of re-chargeable hearing aids
• a free pack of batteries to any hearing aid wearer on the night.

Rising Sun Public House

Small set with DJ outside of the pub.

Save the Children

They are holding an all-day Christmas event which will include Father Christmas with lucky dip, face painting, a raffle, mince pies and other treats for customers. There will be additional charity stalls near Greenwich & Bexley Hospice.

Swinton Insurance

Get a quote with Swinton Insurance throughout November and December and get entered into their free raffle for a chance to win a five foot teddy bear.

Um Sushi

Chicken wrap or duck rolls, £1.99 and salmon sushi roll, £5.

W Uden & Sons

Free mulled wine, sweets, biscuits, mince pies and soft drinks from 4pm. They will also be playing Christmas carols and Christmas songs throughout.

Lantern making workshops for children

In preparation for the Eltham Lights Up lantern parade, lantern workshops for children are taking place on:

• Saturday 5 November, 11am to 2pm at Eltham Centre, Archery Road, SE9 1HA
• Saturday 12 November, 11am to 2pm at St Mary's Community Centre, Eltham High Street, SE9 1BJ