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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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Mowgli Christmas Feasting

Address

Mowgli Street Food, 121 Bond Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1GD

Telephone
01245 377630

bookings@mowglistreetfood.com

Chelmsford

This Christmas, Mowgli invites guests to gather beneath the vines and twinkling lights for a feast that sparkles with warmth, generosity, and connection.

Dates

From:

1 Nov 2025to4 Jan 2026Open 11:30 - 21:30
A Christmas Carol Radio Play

Address

West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, CO15 1LE

Telephone
01255 433344

boxoffice@westcliffclacton.co.uk

Price
Price £22.50 to £24.00 Per Ticket

Clacton-On-Sea

Live on stage and in person, television favourites COLIN BAKER (Doctor Who, The Brothers) and PETER PURVES (Blue Peter, The Office) lead the cast in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' Christmas classic – which also features a rare, specially…

Dates

From:
9 Nov 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
Festive Bottomless Brunch

Address

Park Inn by Radisson Palace, 1 Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2AL

Telephone
+441702455100

reservations.southend@parkinn.com

Price
Price £34.95 Per Ticket

Southend-on-Sea

Toast the season in style with our Festive Bottomless Brunch!

Dates

From:

14 Nov 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 18:00
Festive Afternoon Tea

Address

Park Inn by Radisson Palace, 1 Church Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2AL

Telephone
+441702455100

reservations.southend@parkinn.com

Price
Price £14.95 to £29.95 Per Ticket

Southend-on-Sea

Join us for a season full of joy and celebration!

Dates

From:

14 Nov 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 16:00
The Father Christmas Experience

Address

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5WP

Telephone
01245321552

abbie.little@fabadousa.co.uk

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford

A truly magical time
We've added even more magic to our Father Christmas Experience

Dates

From:

15 Nov 2025to16 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

22 Nov 2025to23 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

28 Nov 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

5 Dec 2025to7 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

12 Dec 2025to14 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

19 Dec 2025to23 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:
24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 14:00
Lights Express Party Train

Address

Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN

Telephone
01277 365200

enquiries@eorailway.co.uk

Price
Price £20.00 to £25.00 Per Ticket

Ongar

A 90 minute family adventure aboard a heritage steam train with music, lights and a festive party atmosphere

Dates

From:

15 Nov 2025to4 Jan 2026Open 14:00 - 21:00
Christmas Market

Address

Wivenhoe House Hotel, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3FA

Telephone
01206 878450

events@wivenhoehouse.co.uk

Price
Price £3.50 Per Ticket

Wivenhoe Park, Colchester

Come down to Wivenhoe House Hotel on Sunday 16th November for a Christmas shopping experience!

Dates

From:
16 Nov 2025Open 11:00 - 17:00
Festive Wreath Making

Address

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB

Telephone
01206 82007

bcet@bethchatto.co.uk

Elmstead Market, Colchester

Join us to make your own beautiful festive
wreath using a natural base and plant
material gathered from Beth's garden.
From 18th November - 20th December

Dates

From:

18 Nov 2025to20 Dec 2025Open 10:30 - 12:30
ESPA Christmas Event

Address

Stoke by Nayland Resort, Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4PZ

Telephone
01206 262836

sales@stokebynayland.com

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Leavenheath, Colchester

Get in the festive spirit with Peake Spa at our ESPA Christmas Event.

Dates

From:
19 Nov 2025Open 17:45 - 21:00
The Santa Experience

Address

Colchester Zoological Society, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

Telephone
01206331292

enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

Stanway, Colchester

Step into Santa's magical world located within the Zoo…

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2025to23 Nov 2025Open 08:45 - 16:30

From:

29 Nov 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 08:45 - 16:30

From:

6 Dec 2025to7 Dec 2025Open 08:45 - 16:30

From:

13 Dec 2025to14 Dec 2025Open 08:45 - 16:30

From:

19 Dec 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 08:45 - 16:30
Lighting Up Brentwood with Brentwood Connected & Brentwood Borough Council

Address

Brentwood High Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4RH

Telephone
01277 312801

brentwoodconnected@brentwood.gov.uk

Price
Free

Brentwood

Annual Christmas lights switch on event from Brentwood Connected Business Improvement District (BID) and Brentwood Borough Council, taking place in Brentwood High Street.

Dates

From:
22 Nov 2025Open 12:00 - 18:00
The Santa Claus Experience

Address

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Enfield, EN9 2EF

Telephone
01245321552

abbie.little@fabadousa.co.uk

Price
Price £15.99 Per Ticket

Waltham Abbey

A Christmas treat for the whole family
Our fabulously festive Santa Claus Experience is a great way to start your festive celebrations this year.

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2025to23 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

29 Nov 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

6 Dec 2025to7 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

13 Dec 2025to14 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:

20 Dec 2025to23 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00

From:
24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 14:00
Christmas Fair

Address

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB

Telephone
01206 822007

bcet@bethchatto.co.uk

Elmstead Market, Colchester

Live music, choirs and story telling something for all ages.

Dates

From:
22 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
Christmas Party Night

Address

Holiday Inn Brentwood M25, Brook Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5NF

Telephone
03719429012

specialevents@hibrentwood.co.uk

Brentwood

Book Now for a sparkling Celebration.

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2025to10 Jan 2026Open 19:00 - 23:45
Wreath Making Workshops

Address

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

Telephone
01621 843183

enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk

Price
Price £40.00 Per Ticket

Langford, Maldon

Wreath Making Workshops

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2025to23 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 15:00

From:

29 Nov 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 15:00
Magic of Christmas

Address

Colchester Zoological Society, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

Telephone
01206331292

enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Price
Price £18.81 to £23.27 Per Ticket

Stanway, Colchester

Join us this Christmas!

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2025to23 Nov 2025Open 09:30 - 16:30

From:

29 Nov 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 09:30 - 16:30

From:

6 Dec 2025to7 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 16:30

From:

13 Dec 2025to14 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 16:30

From:

19 Dec 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 16:30
Mother Goose

Address

Mercury Theatre, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT

Colchester

A Mercury Production of our beloved Pantomimes!

Dates

From:

22 Nov 2025to18 Jan 2026
Christmas at The Stables

Address

Hylands Estate, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ

Price
Free

Chelmsford

Get ready for a magical evening filled with live music, festive cheer, and local traders

Dates

From:
26 Nov 2025Open 17:00 - 21:00
Light Up Maldon

Address

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RL

Telephone
01621 857373

townclerk@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk

Maldon

Light Up Maldon 2025: Get Ready for Festive Cheer!

Dates

From:
27 Nov 2025Open 17:00 - 21:00
Havering Christmas Land

Address

Hornchurch Road, HORNCHURCH, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1JU

Telephone
01708457040

ciaran.white@haveringmind.org.uk

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Hornchurch

A spectacular Christmas lights trail, where thousands of dazzling lights and festive decorations will create an enchanting experience for all ages

Dates

From:

28 Nov 2025to2 Jan 2026Open 16:30 - 20:30