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Christmas Events in Essex

Christmas Events & Activities in Essex

It's the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas in Essex is packed full of festive fun and things to do for the whole family. Discover some excellent Christmas events and activities near you in Essex such as the S anta Specials at Epping Ongar Railway, ice skating at Lakeside in Thurrock, and so much more. Attend Christmas fairs and markets, visit Santa in his grotto, and laugh till your stomach hurts at a pantomime show taking place at your local theatre!

Christmas Activities

Whether you’re looking for the perfect children’s Christmas day out near you or Christmas activities to do with friends, you won’t be short of things to do in Essex this festive season. Enjoy a wonderful festive candle-lit concert in Colchester, or create memories that will last a lifetime with Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield! For an outdoor Christmas activity, you won’t want to miss the stunning Enlightened in Colchester Castle Park – walk through a wonderland of amazing lights and colour!

Visit Santa

Are you ready to visit Santa in Essex this Christmas? Meet Father Christmas at his grotto where he'll be waiting with a gift for those on the nice list at one of the various Santa experiences across Essex. See him at the Mercury Theatre or head to Colchester Zoo for holiday fun and animal encounters! There are many places to visit Santa in Essex this Christmas – the only question is, will you be on the naughty or nice list?

Pantomime Shows

Of course, we can't forget the classic family day out to the theatre for the traditional Christmas pantomime shows in Essex! Choose from one or more of Essex's top theatres including Cliffs Pavilion, Princes Theatre, Mercury Theatre, and Harlow Playhouse for your festive production. If you’re looking for a pantomime in Colchester, we hear that S hrek the Musical taking place at Charter Hall is set to be quite the performance.

Christmas Markets in Essex

What better place to do a spot of Christmas shopping than a Christmas fair or market? Peruse a variety of stalls selling crafts, food and drink, and other fantastic presents for your loved ones at an array of events taking place across the county. The T iptree Tea Room Christmas Fair is set to be an enchanting Christmas market that you won’t want to miss, offering an array of gifts and seasonal treats.

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Number of results: 9

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Flavours of Autumn

Address

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET

Telephone
01245 402019

hydehallevents@rhs.org.uk

Rettendon, Chelmsford

A celebration of all things home-grown! Discover the delights of growing your own fresh produce as we celebrate the humble journey from field to fork at RHS Garden Hyde Hall. Enjoy live talks and cookery demonstrations, explore the food market, take…

Dates

From:

2 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026
Step Into Christmas

Address

Colchester Charter Hall, Leisure World, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1YH

Telephone
01206506905

info@colchester-events.co.uk

Price
Price £36.00 Per Ticket

Cowdray Avenue, Colchester

Back by Popular Demand for 2026!

Dates

From:
22 Nov 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00
The Christmas Orchestra

Address

Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TY

Price
Price £34.00 Per Ticket

Chelmsford

Experience the magic of Christmas with a live 16-piece orchestra performing festive favourites and iconic film music, accompanied by a stunning light show in an unforgettable seasonal concert.

Dates

From:
24 Nov 2026Open 21:30 - 22:45
From:
24 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 20:15
Epping Ongar Lights Party Express 2026

Address

Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar Station, Ongar Station High Street, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN

Telephone
01277 365200

enquiries@eorailway.co.uk

Station Approach, Ongar

The Lights Party Express returns in 2026 as one of the top Christmas family events in Essex. Enjoy a festive steam train party with music, lights and interactive entertainment for all ages.

Dates

From:

27 Nov 2026to20 Dec 2026
Santa Specials

Address

Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar Station, Ongar Station High Street, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN

Telephone
01277 365200

enquiries@eorailway.co.uk

Station Approach, Ongar

Create a magical Christmas family day out in Essex aboard Santa's festive steam train. Meet Santa, receive a gift and enjoy a joyful seasonal experience perfect for children and families.

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026
My! My! ABBA Festive Party

Address

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA

Telephone
0343 310 0030

boxoffice@southendtheatres.org.uk

Southend

This Christmas, celebrate in style at the Cliffs Pavilion with a welcome drink and a fabulous three course dinner created by our talented chefs, that is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.

Dates

From:
2 Dec 2026
Disney's Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert - Film With Live Orchestra

Address

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA

Telephone
0343 310 0030

boxoffice@southendtheatres.org.uk

Southend

Disney's The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film is set for a 15-date UK tour this festive season, featuring a screening of the film while the musical score is performed live by an orchestra.

Dates

From:
5 Dec 2026
Santa at The Thatched Cottage Grotto

Address

1-3 Mill Road, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PZ

fiona.clegg1@gmail.com

Burnham on Crouch

Sunday 10 December/Saturday 16 December. Come and visit Santa in the beautiful historic atmosphere of the Thatched Cottage with its lovely grotto.

Dates

From:
10 Dec 2026
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Address

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA

Telephone
0343 310 0030

boxoffice@southendtheatres.org.uk

Southend

TV's Shane Richie stars alongside Steps singer Faye Tozer in this year's highly-anticipated panto

Dates

From:

12 Dec 2026to3 Jan 2027