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 Marsh Farm Magical Christmas Experience, 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 Christmas Fair and visit with Santa at the Museum of Power in Maldon, or create memories that will last a lifetime with Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield! If you enjoy traditional Christmas activities, spend a lunchtime or evening at Layer Marney Tower and step into the tale of A Christmas Carol. 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. Hop on the train to see him at Audley End Miniature Railway or head to Colchester Zoo for holiday fun and animal encounters! Enjoy soft play and visit Santa at Little Monster’s House of Fun or enjoy the Father Christmas experience at Chelmsford Museum. There are many places to visit Santa in Essex this Christmas – the only question is, will you be on the naughty or nice list?

Christmas Meals Out 

Enjoy delicious food and drink from three-course Christmas dinners to festive afternoon teas and more in Essex this winter. Step into a winter wonderland at Talliston House & Gardens and enjoy their fantastic Faerie Tale Christmas complete with a festive afternoon tea. Feast upon a delicious Christmas Day or Boxing Day lunch at the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Southend-on-Sea. Stoke-by-Nayland Resort will be serving up a delectable Boxing Day Carvery Lunch. Which Christmas meal out will you choose?

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 Elf: The Musical taking place at Charter Hall staring Jake Quickenden is set to be quite the performance. Learn more about pantomimes in Essex here.

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. Christmas at Markshall is set to be an enchanting Christmas market that you won’t want to miss, offering an array of gifts and seasonal treats. If you love a street market, attend the Braintree Christmas Street Market or Maldon High Street market! We highly recommend the Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market too. Discover more Christmas fairs and markets in Essex here.