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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: 71

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Houchins Ski Lodge

Address

Houchins Lane, Coggeshall, Essex, CO61RT

Telephone
01376561448

info@houchins.co.uk

Price
Price £85.00 Per Ticket

Coggeshall

Are you a small business still looking for somewhere to celebrate Christmas? Looking for a venue to host your family christmas party? Houchins Ski Lodge opens this December for its shared party nights. Contact us on sales@houchins.co.uk to book your…

Dates

From:
3 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:30
From:
4 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:30
From:
11 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 23:30
Wreath Making Workshop

Address

High Roding WI Hall, High Roding, Essex, CM6 1NW

Telephone
07470299035

leafcorporatefloraldesign@gmail.com

Price
Price £70.00 Per Ticket

High Roding

Hosted by myself at High Roding WI Hall. Learn how to make a traditional or a Luxury wreath while being fed with mince pies and mulled wine to get into the festive spirit! All supplies and decorations included.

Dates

From:
3 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 09:00
From:
4 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 04:00
From:
6 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
From:
6 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 17:00
A Christmas Carol with Christmas Dinner

Address

Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

Telephone
01206330784

admin@layermarneytower.co.uk

Colchester

Enjoy a lovely evening of entertainment, Christmas traditions and good food with family or friends.

Dates

From:
3 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:15
From:
4 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 22:15
From:
6 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:15
A Christmas Carol - A One-Man Performance

Address

Church Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JW

Telephone
01799524002

hello@vintageverse.co.uk

Price
Price £21.00 Per Ticket

Saffron Walden

Performed straight from Dickens' own performance text, this one-man A Christmas Carol strips the story back to its essentials — intimate, immediate, and unlike any other version you've seen.

Dates

From:
4 Dec 2026Open 18:00 - 19:15
From:
4 Dec 2026Open 20:30 - 21:45
Breakfast With Santa

Address

JobServe Community Stadium Events, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5UP

Telephone
01206 752443

boxoffice@colchesterunited.net

Price
Price £20.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

United Way, Colchester

Come and enjoy a festive morning fun for the whole family.

Dates

From:
5 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
From:
12 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
From:
20 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
From:
21 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
From:
22 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
From:
23 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
Christmas Fun with Santa

Address

Museum of Power, Museum of Power - Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA

Telephone
01621843183

enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk

Price
Price £9.00 to £15.00 Per Ticket

Langford, Maldon

Christmas Fun With Santa

Dates

From:
5 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00
From:
6 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00
The Boy That Got Turned Into A Snowman

Address

Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT

Colchester

Join us for magic, crazy characters and amazing puppetry in the world of a snow globe!

Dates

From:

5 Dec 2026to3 Jan 2027
Christmas Special - The Golden Journey

Address

Audley End Enchanted Railway, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JB

Telephone
01799 510726

enquiries@aeer.co.uk

Price
Price £75.00 Per Ticket

Saffron Walden

Make this Christmas unforgettable with our 3.5-hour premium experience, including a personalised invitation, magical train journey, special Father Christmas meeting, premium gift, badge and professional family photograph to treasure forever.

Dates

From:

5 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
Santa's Grotto 2026

Address

Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT

Colchester

After last year's incredible response to our Santa's Grotto, the big man returns to the Mercury for 2026!

Dates

From:

5 Dec 2026to24 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
Meet Father Christmas

Address

Colchester Castle Museum, Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282931

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Price
Price £1.00 to £12.95 Per Ticket

Colchester

Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle, share your Christmas wishes, receive a special gift, and enjoy a magical festive family experience in historic surroundings.

Dates

From:
5 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:45
From:
6 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:45
From:
12 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:45
From:
13 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:45
From:
19 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:45
From:
20 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:45
From:
21 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:45
From:
22 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:45
From:
23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:45
Creative Workshop Day

Address

St Laurence Church Hall, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2BB

Telephone
+44(0)7734712855

lisaemilywade@hotmail.com

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

Upminster

Creative Workshop Day at Christmas - craft workshops and artisan shopping

Dates

From:
5 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
Festive Shenfield

Address

Hutton Road, Shenfield, Essex, CM15 8JD

Telephone
01277 312801

brentwoodconnected@brentwood.gov.uk

Price
Free

Shenfield

Annual family-friendly Christmas event in Shenfield from Brentwood Connected, supported by Brentwood Borough Council. Free entry.

Dates

From:
6 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
Haven House Santa's Grotto

Address

Roding Lane North, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8LZ

events@havenhouse.org.uk

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Woodford Green

Step into the Magic of Christmas with Haven House!

Dates

From:

6 Dec 2026to22 Dec 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00
Indoor Christmas Market

Address

Events at the Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge Road, Hullbridge, Essex, SS6 9QS

Telephone
+441702232377

info@therayleighclub.com

Hullbridge

There'll be loads of unique gifts, handmade crafts, delicious treats, and festive goodies – all under one roof in our beautifully decorated indoor market. It's the perfect day out for families, friends, or anyone looking for something special this…

Dates

From:
6 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
'Keep' Festive Illuminations Trail

Address

Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex, CO9 3DJ

Telephone
01787460261

mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

HALSTEAD

This Christmas at Hedingham Castle, discover the extraordinary trees, admire the beautiful reflections on the lake and uncover the story of 'The Knight Before Christmas'.

Dates

From:

6 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Open 16:30 - 22:00
The Pantaloons Return to Hedingham: Every Christmas Movie Ever

Address

Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex, CO9 3DJ

Telephone
01787460261

mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

HALSTEAD

Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company for a heartfelt and hilarious festive parody.

Dates

From:
9 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
Festive Music Bingo

Address

JobServe Community Stadium Events, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5UP

Telephone
01206 752443

boxoffice@colchesterunited.net

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

United Way, Colchester

Get ready to sing, dance, and shout 'Bingo!' as we turn your favourite Christmas hits into a night of non-stop fun!

Dates

From:
9 Dec 2026Open 18:30 - 23:00
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
Carols by Candlelight

Address

Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex, CO9 3DJ

Telephone
01787460261

mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

HALSTEAD

Enjoy a tranquil evening by candlelight in a 12th Century Castle Keep.

Dates

From:
10 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00