Updated for 2023 - 25/10/2023
Christmas Events in Essex 2023
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 a 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 our strictly FAB-U-LOUS dancers, The Christmas Show at Clacton is the perfect celebration of the yuletide season.
Tickets for the West Cliff Theatre Christmas Show are now on sale for Wednesday 20th - Saturday 23rd December.
2. Santa Express at Audley End Railway
From 18th November to 24th December, the Christmas spirit will be in full swing at Audley End Miniature Railway.
Board the Polar Express and journey into the Enchanted woods to meet Father and Mother Christmas, and their elves of course! There’s also an illuminated Christmas walk, letter writing, a storytelling show, adventure play area and a gift for every child!
3. A Magical Christmas Experience at Clacton Pier
Every weekend from mid November throughout December, Clacton Pier will have a variety of Christmas attractions and offers, including a life-size reindeer, Frosty the snowman, animatronic characters, live music and more.
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 2nd and 3rd December.
5. Glow at Hyde Hall
Head to RHS Hyde Hall for a magical evening of amazing illuminations. Tuck into tasty treats and hot drinks around the site, and head to the Garden Centre store for christmas decorations and stocking fillers.
Available on selected dates from 23rd November to 30th December, adults tickets are available for £8.95 for RHS members and £15.95 for non-members, child tickets are £4.45 for members and £8.45 for non-members, whilst children under 5 go free!
6. Enlightened at Castle Park in Colchester
Enlightened Events host magical outdoor light trails around the country, with over 125,000 visitors in 2022!
Castle Park in Colchester will play host to a magical mile-long experience from 1st - 31st 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!