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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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Breakfast with Santa

Address

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

Telephone
01206 755100

events@colchesterunited.net

Price
Price £20.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

United Way, Colchester

Join us for a festive family morning with breakfast, dancing, fun activities, photo booth, and visits from Santa and Eddie! Free parking.

Dates

From:
21 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 11:30
Dick Whittington

Address

Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

Telephone
0845 548 7650

info@saffronhall.com

Saffron Walden

Step into a world of fun, laughter, and adventure as Dick Whittington sets out to seek his fortune and make the streets "paved with gold" a reality!

Dates

From:
21 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 16:30
From:
21 Dec 2025Open 18:00 - 20:00
From:
22 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00
From:
22 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 16:30
From:
23 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 16:30
From:
24 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00
From:
24 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 16:30
From:
27 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00
From:
27 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 16:30
From:
28 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00
From:
28 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 16:30
From:
29 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Christmas with Magic of the Movie Musicals - The Sing-Along Brunch

Address

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

Telephone
+443433100030

boxoffice@southendtheatres.org.uk

Southend

Get ready to sing your heart out at the ultimate Movie Musicals Sing-Along!

Dates

From:
21 Dec 2025Open 11:30 -
Oi Chelmsford!

Address

Museum of Chelmsford, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Moulsham Street, Chelmsford

Get hands on painting and making Christmas Gnomes, create your own Northern Lights picture, and have a go at our toy making time trial.

Dates

From:
22 Dec 2025Open 10:30 - 12:00
From:
22 Dec 2025Open 13:30 - 15:00
From:
23 Dec 2025Open 10:30 - 12:00
From:
23 Dec 2025Open 13:30 - 15:00
Pop-up Panto: Goldilocks & the Three Bears

Address

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

Telephone
01787460261

mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Price
Price £12.50 to £18.00 Per Ticket

HALSTEAD

Another festive pop-up panto from the team who brought you Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan! Then meet Father & Mother Christmas!

Dates

From:

22 Dec 2025to23 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 18:00
Celebrate Christmas With Walk Like A Man Dinner

Address

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

Telephone
+443433100030

boxoffice@southendtheatres.org.uk

Southend

It's time to Celebrate Christmas at the Cliffs with multi award-winning Jersey Boys tribute, Walk Like A Man.

Dates

From:
22 Dec 2025Open 19:00 -
Christmas Day Lunch

Address

Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester, London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1DU

Telephone
441206210001

Christmas@deltahotelsbymarriottcolchester.com

Price
Price £89.95 Per Ticket

Marks Tey, Colchester

Enjoy a delicious 5-course meal alongside a visit from Santa. This is a family friendly event so sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious lunch, with all the festive trimmings.

Dates

From:
25 Dec 2025Open 12:30 - 14:30
Boxing Day Carvery Lunch

Address

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

Telephone
01206 262836

sales@stokebynayland.com

Price
Price £20.00 to £45.00 Per Ticket

Leavenheath, Colchester

Sit back and relax with the family this Boxing Day with our special three-course carvery lunch.

Dates

From:
26 Dec 2025Open 12:30 - 15:00
2K Bobble Hat Run

Address

Essex, Parsonage Farm, Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA

Telephone
07970739037

sam@nuclear-races.co.uk

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch

Your designated instructor is on hand with top tips to conquer the obstacles and we guarantee muddy feet. Don't forget to bring some marshmallows to toast on the roaring fire pit.
Land obstacles only including ninja steps, beat the wall, monkey…

Dates

From:
30 Dec 2025Open 10:30 - 12:00
From:
2 Jan 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00