Updated for 2024 - 28/11/2024
Christmas Events in Essex 2024
Full of great towns, countryside and coast, Essex has plenty to see and do. We’ve made a list of our favourite events planned in Essex for December after lockdown.
Why not read more to discover Essex or check out the weird and wonderful side of Essex?
This is just one in our series of local guides to December & the Christmas period - check out what’s on in Lincolnshire in December, festive events in Norfolk, Christmas events in Suffolk, things to do in December in East Yorkshire and December events in North Yorkshire.
1. Christmas Show at West Cliff Theatre
Head on down to the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea for their annual Christmas Variety Spectacular.
Each year, our spectacular production features a Ho-Ho-host of festive fun for the whole family to enjoy. Featuring gorgeous costumes, sublime vocalists, laugh out loud comedy and strictly FAB-U-LOUS dancers, The Christmas Show is the perfect celebration of the yuletide season.
Tickets for the West Cliff Theatre Christmas Show are now on sale for shows on Wednesday 19th - Sunday 22nd December.
2. Santa Express at Audley End Railway
From 21st November to 24th December, the Christmas spirit will be in full swing at Audley End Miniature Railway.
Ride the Christmas Express through enchanted woods to Father Christmas’s workshop, where children receive a special gift.
Enjoy a glowing woodland walk led by Holly the Christmas Fairy, create magical reindeer food, and send wish lists with Cedar the postal elf.
Discover festive fairies, watch Snowberry the frost fairy’s show, and explore the Adventure Play Area for a truly enchanting experience!
3. A Magical Christmas Experience at Clacton Pier
Every weekend from 23rd November throughout December, head to Clacton Pier for a magical christmas experience.
Visit Santa’s grotto and meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the talking snowman, and the singing reindeer! Each visit comes with a soft toy for children, a cookie, and a festive hot chocolate for adults. Wander through the dazzling winter wonderland, filled with sparkling lights and holiday decorations, for a magical festive treat.
The Magical Christmas Experience starts from November 19th!
4. Christmas Fair at Museum of Power
Meet Santa in his Grotto, enjoy a miniature steam train ride, check out the Christmas stalls and enjoy festive entertainment and rides on the 30th November & 1st December between 10:00 & 16:00. Book your tickets now!
5. Glow at Hyde Hall
Experience the magic at RHS Hyde Hall Glow with stunning displays of colour, light, and music.
Wander through pathways lined with snowflake lights, shimmering Christmas trees, and vibrant fountains, and be amazed by the colour-changing spectacle on Clover Hill. Enjoy a sensory journey along Millennium Avenue, featuring an animated light and music display, and don’t miss the sparkling star arch for unforgettable photos. Listen to the enchanting Jack Frost – A Winter Story with music by Debbie Wiseman and narration by Alan Titchmarsh.
Warm up with seasonal meals at the Thatched Barn, street food by the Lake, and cozy drinks at the Clover Café.
Available on selected dates from 22nd November to 28th December.
6. Enlightened at Castle Park in Colchester
Enlightened Events host magical outdoor light trails around the country, with over 200,000 visitors in 2023!
Castle Park in Colchester will play host to a magical experience from 6th - 24th December, from 17:00 until 21:00 every day. There are also food vendors available, or head into the town centre before or after to enjoy the winter evenings.
Any event suggestions we should add in Essex? Let us know on Social Media!