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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: 37

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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
Layer Marney Tower's Christmas Countdown with Steve Scruton & Ian Wyatt

Address

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

Telephone
01206330784

admin@layermarneytower.co.uk

Colchester

A fun and unique evening featuring a three course Christmas Dinner and entertainment to kick start your festive season

Dates

From:
2 Dec 2026Open 18:30 - 23:00
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
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
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
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'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
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
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
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
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
Christmas Wreath Making

Address

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

Telephone
01206330784

admin@layermarneytower.co.uk

Price
Price £71.00 Per Ticket

Colchester

Join us for a festive wreath-making workshop led by our Head Gardener, Claire. Enjoy a glass of fizz and a mince pie as you create your own beautiful Christmas wreath.

Dates

From:
11 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00
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
The Nutcracker: Magic and Mischief

Address

Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 9LA

Telephone
+443433100030

boxoffice@southendtheatres.org.uk

Price
Price £21.50 Per Ticket

Southend

A breath-taking adventure packed with epic battles, enchanted lands and heart-stopping bravery, The Nutcracker: Magic and Mischief has a sprinkle of magic and a dash of mischief, on a journey beyond your wildest dreams. Featuring original music and…

Dates

From:

16 Dec 2026to27 Dec 2026