What's On in Essex

Home Education Forest School

Venue: Danbury Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things. Children have the opportunity...

Great Notley Country Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Great Notley Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 2km timed runs around the world for children. They are open to everyone and take place...

Gruffalo Trail

Venue: Thorndon Country Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk/visit/nature-trail/gruffalo

Discover the magic of the deep dark wood with this self-led trail searching for the amazing hand crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters. No booking required and the pathways are buggy friendly.

Harlow Leisurezone

Venue: Harlow Leisurezone

Website: www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk

Harlow Leisurezone offers an array of activities for children this October half term, including the ever-popular monstrous activity days, come and try trampolining, holiday rackets, spooky inflatable fun...

High Ropes Quiet Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

Embark on a uniquely tailored adventure where tranquility meets thrilling heights! The exclusive Quiet Sessions have been thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN),...

Jigsaw Performing Arts

Venue: Chelmsford and Brentwood

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Jigsaw's singing, dance and drama classes are dedicated to boosting confidence, improving social and communication skills and are lots of fun! Find your place to belong this autumn, and have the chance...

Kids for a Quid

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Keep the kids entertained on a day out with a steam and hauled heritage train service when Child tickets are just £1! Tickets offer unlimited travel on heritage steam and diesel trains and vintage London...

Laser Tag Parties

Venue: Laser Mayhem

Website: www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Offering Laser Tag from 7+ years and Mini-Paintball from ages 8-13. Laser Mayhem activities are perfect to keep up those team bonds. The large party rooms are ideal and they also offer food packages. Call...

Little Monkeys Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

The new High Ropes Little Monkeys Sessions are crafted with your comfort in mind, offering access to the lower high ropes levels where you can build confidence at your own pace. Conquer your fears and...

Northlands Junior Parkrun

Venue: Northlands Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/northlands-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but you must register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun so go along and...

SEN Club

Venue: Time and Space in Battlesbridge

Website: www.facebook.com/sen.club.2024

SEN Club is a lively, fun club for children with special needs and their families. Activities include Lego, biscuit decorating, crafts and toys, the children also enjoy parachute games to music and a lovely...

Try a free Perform Class

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.perform.org.uk/try

Packed with fun drama-based games, singing and dancing, sessions allow reserved children to come out of their shell and give energetic children the perfect outlet to express themselves. Every child is...

Young Farmers Club

Venue: Lambourne End

Website: www.lambourne-end.org.uk/youngfarmersclub

The young farmers will be in a group of 12 and led by one member of staff along with additional team leader volunteers. The club aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop and participate...

Charter Hall Food and Drink Festival

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Everything you love about food festivals, but indoors. Never be disappointed again that the Great British weather has let you down. Enjoy a fantastic day exploring the wonders of international cuisine,...

Join the Magic at Santa’s Cabin

Venue: Lakeside Shopping Centre

Website: www.lakeside-shopping.com

Children will receive a special gift from Santa himself and the chance to capture unforgettable memories with photo souvenirs will also be available. Spaces are very limited, so pre-book your visit secure...

Epping Ongar Lights Express

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Join the festive action on board and get in the party mood with a festive DJ mix of music the whole family will love. Each passenger will receive their own interactive LED wristband which is synchronised...

RHS Glow

Venue: RHS Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Create magical festive memories with loved ones at RHS Hyde Hall’s winter garden illuminations in Essex, as dazzling new installations light your way on this year’s spectacular Glow trail.Tickets must...

Christmas Market

Venue: Markshall Estate

Website: www.markshall.org.uk

Get into the festive spirit at Markshall Estate’s Christmas Market! Join them for a magical day filled with artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. Perfect for a family...

Magic of Christmas

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with festive activities taking place throughout the day including Jingle Jam Party, Christmas Tales, Christmas Puzzle Trail, Discovery Den, Face Painting...

The New Adventures of Peter Pan

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Colchester’s favourite pantomime Neverland bursts to life in a spectacular production. The New Adventures of Peter Pan promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle with the perfect blend of breath-taking...

The Santa Experience

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Step into Santa’s magical world located within the Zoo…The Santa Experience takes place within the Zoo grounds and an admission ticket will need to be purchased alongside a Santa Experience ticket....

Dickens Theatre Company Presents A Christmas Carol

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Two of Dickens’ closest theatrical companions find themselves trapped in the footlights’ glare. With the rest of the cast stuck on a train, actress Frances Ternan and Dickens’ faithful tour manager...

Great Notley Country Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Great Notley Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 2km timed runs around the world for children. They are open to everyone and take place...

Gruffalo Trail

Venue: Thorndon Country Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk/visit/nature-trail/gruffalo

Discover the magic of the deep dark wood with this self-led trail searching for the amazing hand crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters. No booking required and the pathways are buggy friendly.

High Ropes Quiet Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

Embark on a uniquely tailored adventure where tranquility meets thrilling heights! The exclusive Quiet Sessions have been thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN),...

Jigsaw Performing Arts

Venue: Chelmsford and Brentwood

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Jigsaw's singing, dance and drama classes are dedicated to boosting confidence, improving social and communication skills and are lots of fun! Find your place to belong this autumn, and have the chance...

Kids for a Quid

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Keep the kids entertained on a day out with a steam and hauled heritage train service when Child tickets are just £1! Tickets offer unlimited travel on heritage steam and diesel trains and vintage London...

Langdon Forest School Home Education Sessions

Venue: Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

In relaxed outdoor settings, Langdon Nature Discovery Park run a number of home education groups, where children can be themselves and work together to develop social skills, and to foster a deep understanding...

Laser Tag Parties

Venue: Laser Mayhem

Website: www.laser-mayhem.co.uk

Offering Laser Tag from 7+ years and Mini-Paintball from ages 8-13. Laser Mayhem activities are perfect to keep up those team bonds. The large party rooms are ideal and they also offer food packages. Call...

Little Monkeys Sessions

Venue: Nuclear High Ropes

Website: www.nuclearhighropes.co.uk

The new High Ropes Little Monkeys Sessions are crafted with your comfort in mind, offering access to the lower high ropes levels where you can build confidence at your own pace. Conquer your fears and...

Northlands Junior Parkrun

Venue: Northlands Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/northlands-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) held every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but you must register before you first go along. The aim is to have fun so go along and...

SEN Club

Venue: Time and Space in Battlesbridge

Website: www.facebook.com/sen.club.2024

SEN Club is a lively, fun club for children with special needs and their families. Activities include Lego, biscuit decorating, crafts and toys, the children also enjoy parachute games to music and a lovely...

Try a free Perform Class

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.perform.org.uk/try

Packed with fun drama-based games, singing and dancing, sessions allow reserved children to come out of their shell and give energetic children the perfect outlet to express themselves. Every child is...

Young Farmers Club

Venue: Lambourne End

Website: www.lambourne-end.org.uk/youngfarmersclub

The young farmers will be in a group of 12 and led by one member of staff along with additional team leader volunteers. The club aims to provide opportunities for young people to develop and participate...

Abberton Home Education Woodworking

Venue: Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Each session has a theme where you will complete activities and engage with nature based on the topic that month. In November you can attempt some woodworking. Your chance to use a range of hand tools...

Havering Christmas Land

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham will transform and illuminate the ‘secret garden’ next to the historic building: Harrow Lodge House, into a unique and immersive festive experience of magic and...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Panto favourites, Sophie Ladds and Ian Hallard, will be returning as Basildon’s best baddie and fabulous flamboyant Dame!The Towngate’s award-winning, critically-acclaimed pantomimes are the jewel...

Dick Whittington

Venue: Harlow Playhouse

Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

Join Dick on his journey through panto land as he seeks fame and fortune! Facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde threatening global chaos, Dick and friends must do all they can to save the day! This...

Enlightened 2024

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Enlightened features over a mile of specially curated illuminations that dance with delight along with a whole wealth of brand-new installations which have never been seen before at Enlightened Hylands....

Snow White

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Snow White and friends glide into Chelmsford for the 2024 panto with all the ingredients of a perfect family Christmas treat at Chelmsford Theatre. Expect back-chatting mirrors, evil stepmothers, kind...

BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas

Venue: Cheshire, Norfolk

Website: www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Stroll through the Sparkly Light Trail, where lights illuminate the woods in a mesmerising display. Enjoy a mini BeWILDerwood pantomime filled with festive cheer and meet some of your favourite characters...

Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

Join this festive event at Hopefield, perfect for the whole family to create special memories.Weekends from 30 Nov. Pre-booked timeslots between 10am - 3pm. Includes Letter to Santa, Christmas Trail, Santa's...

Christmas Fair and Santa

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Go and meet Santa in his Grotto, enjoy a miniature steam train ride, meander through the indoor Christmas stalls and join in with fun entertainment and children’s rides. Booking essential. 10am-4pm.

Enchanted Trail of Light

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Experience a whole host of illuminations along a designated route, featuring an immersive blue ice tunnel, magical rainbow light bridge and life-sized animal illuminations. Plus, you can control the magic...

Lempen Puppet Theatre: Flotsam & Jetsam

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: https://colchesterartscentre.com

Flotsam floats, Jetsam sinks – both their worlds are on the brinks, The jagged arcs of waves and sharks – chase them both in minds and hearts. They must break through their tears and fears to find...

Meet Father Christmas

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Colchester Castle’s enchanting grotto returns for 2024! This December, Father Christmas and his Castle helpers will bring Christmas joy to the children of Colchester and hand out some very special festive...

A Dragon's Tale

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/a-dragons-tale

Foolishly, John Lambton throws the strange googly eyed fish back into the river. What has he done! The Fish grew and grew and grew until… well, why not find out by coming to watch Paul Batten of Theatrix...

Calm At The Castle

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

These sessions are suitable for visitors with ASD, providing an opportunity for them to explore the museum at a quieter time. They aim to minimise sensory stimulation on the galleries by turning off audio...

Festive Shenfield

Venue: Hutton Road, Shenfield

Website: www.brentwoodconnected.co.uk

Hutton Road will be taken over by festive activities including entertainment and walkabout acts. There will be live music performances hosted in and around Shenfield businesses, with food and drink available....

Fingringhoe Christmas Craft and Trail

Venue: Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Hunt for the lost Christmas baubles to complete the trail, then create some festive crafts in the cosy centre.This is a drop-in event between 10am and 3pm. The trail is on paths which can be uneven and...

The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Get into the festive spirit as you travel to Santa’s workshop to meet Ivy the new Head Elf. She is busy preparing everything for Santa in time for Christmas Eve. There are presents to wrap and reindeer...

Enlightened

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/enlightened-2024

Immerse yourself in the new 50 metre digital tunnel of light, be amazed by the awe-inspiring laser show and prepare to be dazzled as mysterious creatures are brought to life with 3D special effects. Family...

Enlightened Markshall

Venue: Markshall Estate

Website: www.markshall.org.uk

Enlightened features over a mile of specially curated illuminations that dance with delight, bringing this breath-taking landscape to life. Immerse yourself in a giant digital tunnel of light and get ready...

Family Forest School

Venue: Danbury Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Hidden away at Danbury Country Park, Family Forest School sessions offer you and your family the opportunity to reconnect with nature and each other.These sessions run on the second Saturday of each month...

Hanningfield Festive Family Forest Fun

Venue: Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Festive fun for all the family to enjoy. Hang out in the hammock, build a den, and explore the woodland in winter! Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking is essential. This event...

Naze Festive Crafts and Winter Trail

Venue: The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Head out across the wild and windy Naze on this winter trail, find all the animal clues and claim your prize back at the centre. Warm up with a craft activity and make some festive decorations to take...

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs

Venue: Princes Theatre

Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk

Go and see the beautiful Snow White and her seven little friends from the enchanted forest as they attempt to defeat the evil Wicked Queen who is overcome with jealously when her magic mirror declares...

The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride

Venue: Harlow Playhouse

Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride is a fun-filled, sing-along, interactive festive show for 2-6 year olds. Specially created by Harlow Playhouse who are delighted to bring back this fabulous family show...

Xmas WiFi Wars

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

WiFi wars returns with a very festive version of the live comedy game show where everyone plays along. Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win...

A Christmas Wish

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

This lovely festive story is perfect for very young children and their families including those with additional needs and disabilities. With enchanting dancing, music and costumes, little one’s will...

Ingatestone Christmas Market

Venue: Ingatestone High Street

Website: www.brentwoodconnected.co.uk

Includes 50 outdoor stalls, live stage with a variety of local acts and entertainment. Find a variety of food and drink stalls outdoors, and a licensed bar inside the Community Centre. Visit Santa's Grotto...

Backstage Tour: Pantomime Special

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Experience the magic of going behind the scenes at Chelmsford Theatre. You’ll learn about the theatre’s history and how various departments from the box office to theatre technicians come together...

The Royal Ballet and Opera: Cinderella

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Stuck at home and put to work by her spoiled Step-Sisters, Cinderella’s life is dreary and dull. Everything changes when she helps a mysterious woman out. With a little bit of magic, she is transported...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

It’s Christmas Eve and tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge is meaner than ever. He is shunning his only living relative, underpaying his clerk and refusing to acknowledge the plight of the poor… but will...

Colchester Castle Open Evening

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

As a special festive treat, Colchester Castle’s FREE Christmas Open Evening returns for 2024 from 3-8.30pm pm. Soak up the festive atmosphere whilst seeing over 2,000 years of amazing history. Free.

Christmas Jumper Day 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

It’s super-simple to take part on Christmas Jumper Day. All you have to do is sign up, put the date in your calendar then on Thursday 12 December, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, donate £2 to...

Santa's Wish

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Santa's Wish follows Snowflake's enchanting journey to become one of Santa's elves. This heart-warming musical adventure is enriched with original songs, immersive storytelling and a sprinkling of circus...

Dear Santa

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

From the author of the much loved children's book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa. This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. The Christmas cheer continues, with...

Abberton's Elf Workshop

Venue: Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

The elves are coming to Abberton! A day of festive fun filled with natural crafts, trails, a campfire snack, and even a small gift. Billie the Badger should be stopping by, and the elves have even bought...

Colchester Farmer’s Christmas Evening Market 2024

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

A wonderful selection of stalls will be selling a range of local artisan food, drink and handmade crafts and The Mercury Theatre have organised a programme of entertainment including carol singers and...

Elf The Musical

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

The hilarious tale of Buddy, who, as a baby, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and grows up in the North Pole. Raised as an elf and never quite fitting in, when Santa tells him the truth of...

Grange Farm Festive Family Forest Fun

Venue: Grange Farm Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

A marvelous afternoon exploring nature - look for mini beasts, get making in the mud kitchen, build dens, climb trees, be creative with festive craft, and enjoy a campfire (weather permitting). Suitable...

Meet Santa

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Step into the cosy Studio Theatre for a charming holiday storytime, followed by a personal meet-and-greet with Santa. Your little ones will have the chance to chat with Santa, share their wishes, and receive...

Christmas at Harlow Leisurezone

Venue: Harlow Leisurezone

Website: www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk

The Christmas Kangaroo Club sessions on 16th, 19th, 21st, and 23rd December will allow tots to jump on large trampolines and learn new skills.Older kids can join the Christmas Mega Multi-Activity Day on...

A Very Merry Christmas Carol Concert

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Join this jolly holly afternoon of seasonal songs, readings and magical performances from their talented panto cast and Mercury staff in this festive treat for all the family. Tickets £2. Suitable for...

Starlight Grotto

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Children can share their Christmas wishes, receive a special gift, and enjoy magical moments in the soft, warm glow of candlelight, creating an enchanting and cosy atmosphere.Tickets cost £5 per adult...

Thameside Mother Christmas

Venue: Thameside Nature Discovery Park

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Delight in a variety of festive activities, including; a story nook, holiday crafts, exciting games, and a charming Christmas trail! Then warm up by the fire with a tasty treat, enjoy a special visit with...

An Evening with Father Christmas and Friends

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Join Father Christmas and his elves for a fun-packed evening of crafts, games, and Christmas magic! It’s the perfect start to your festive celebrations. Tickets include Christmas Games, Family Quiz,...

Theatre of Widdershins - Pigs and Bears Don't Come in Pairs!

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: https://colchesterartscentre.com

Two trios to tantalise and tickle your senses in this double bill of Furry Tails, where Goldilocks may even be more scary that the Big Bad Wolf! Book your place now for these well loved stories, retold...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Saffron Hall

Website: www.saffronhall.com

Join Jack Trott as he embarks on an extraordinary journey up the beanstalk to an enchanted land above the clouds. With hilarious antics, loveable characters, and a handful of magic beans, this traditional...

Beauty and the Beast Christmas Panto

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

This Christmas, from the team who brought you Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk, escape on a magical adventure with a fabulous, funny pop-up pantomime of Beauty and the Beast. Expect songs, silliness...

Drop-off Climbing Sessions

Venue: IndiRock

Address: Victoria Shopping Centre

Website: www.indirock.co.uk

Drop your child off with IndiRock for two hours each weekday morning throughout the school holidays, and get yourself a break! 10am-12pm every weekday. Suitable for ages 6-13 years.

The Owl Who Came For Christmas

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Inspired by the true story of Rosie the Owl, this charming tale celebrates the power of love, kindness, and the magic of Christmas. With toe-tapping songs, captivating puppetry, and plenty of opportunities...

Winter Reading Challenge

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.libraries.essex.gov.uk

Kids will take part in various exciting challenges ranging from reading to creating art to acting! They’ll choose from 12 challenges, and as they complete them, they’ll earn stickers to help the dragons...

The Royal Ballet and Opera: The Nutcracker

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker...

Taylormania

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a talented ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises...

Colchester Operatic Society – The Little Mermaid

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Let Colchester Operatic Society take you on an ‘under the sea’ musical adventure following the timeless tale of Ariel, a spirited young mermaid, who longs to be part of the human world. But transforming...

Pop Princesses

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

A magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. They just love to sing! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo,...