Christmas Events in Essex – Updated for 2023
In the mood to do something festive? Youβre in luck- Essex is a fantastic place to be at this time of year.
There are so many exciting Christmas events in Essex that there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
From craft fairs, workshops, and markets, to pantomimes, grottos, and food and drink fairs, there are so many Essex Christmas events to choose from that youβll be feeling festive in no time.
Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester, CO3 0SL
The Santa Experience
Journey through our magical Santa Experience filled with festive scenery and cheeky elves, where you will also have the chance to meet Santa himself and take home Spirit, the White Tiger cuddly toy!
25th & 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th to 24th December 2023.
Β£15.00 PER TICKET
Reindeer Experience
Visit our Reindeer stables and experience a close encounter with Ash, Ronnie and Sami, in this exclusive experience on selected dates throughout November, December and January.
Β£20.00 PER TICKET
Magic of Christmas
Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with our festive activities on 25th & 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th to 24th December 2023.
Find out more about each of our Magic of Christmas activities below.
Elvesβ Workshop – Feel festive and create magical crafts with our elves at their workshop. β’ Small cost applies. Crafts vary daily.
Face Painting – Transform into your favourite Christmas character. β’ Small cost applies.
Enchanted Woodland – Journey through the magical woodland and discover our many fairies and pixies and their homes.
Santaβs Reindeer Stable – Journey through the forest where you will be able to see our reindeer friends.
Post Box – Bring your Christmas list for Santa and post it in our post box for express delivery to the North Pole!
Christmas Road Train – Sing along and enjoy the view on board the road train. β’ Duration approx. 10 mins. Queues likely.
Christmas Tales – Join our Elves as they tell the tale of Santaβs new Tiger friend! β’ Duration approx. 20 mins.
Christmas Photo Point – Take home a magical memory from your festive day out with us. β’ Small cost applies.
Christmas Market | Colchester Town Hall
Colchester Town Hall, High St, Colchester, CO1 1PJ
Come join us at The Colchester Town Hall Christmas Market.
Stalls will include cards, festive refreshments, jewellery, beauty, ornaments, personalised gifts and MORE.
Sunday 26th November 2023
Sunday 10th December 2023
Colchester Christmas Evening Market
Mercury Theatre, Colchester,Β Essex, CO1 1PT
Wonderful selection of top quality local food and drink stalls as well as delicious street food, mulled wine and Christmas carols sung by the choir from the Mercury Theatre!
Saturday 16th December 2023
3pm-8pm
Christmas Fair at Layer Marney Tower
East Court, Tower, Essex, CO5 9US
An opportunity to get your Christmas shopping all wrapped up in one spectacular venue.
With over 120 stalls featuring a vast range of food and drink, gifts, handcrafted items and festive decorations, we are sure you will find the perfect gift.
Dates:
- Friday 17th November β 3pm to 8pm
- Saturday 18th November β 10am to 6pm
- Sunday 19th November β 10am to 5pm
Made in Colchester Christmas Makersβ Market 2023
One Colchester Community Hub,Β 4-6 Long Wyre Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1LH
Join us at the Made in Colchester Christmas Makers’ Market 2023 and find unique gifts handmade and designed by local artists and designers.
Sat 2nd December 2023
10:00 – 16:00