What's On in Essex

Guess How Much I Love You - A Garden Adventure

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

The Guess How Much I Love You Garden Adventure is a trail inspired by the book of the same name. The trail contains a series of activities that encourage children to learn through play, using the senses...

Jigsaw Performing Arts Brentford

Venue: Becket Keys Secondary School, Sawyers Hall Ln

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

From babies as young as 6 months to teens of 18, Jigsaw's wide range of classes offers something for every budding performer. Join them this term and let your child take centre stage. Their journey in...

Mythical Creatures

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle

Embark on a magical story quest through folklore and legend, where you’ll meet a Dragon, Unicorn, Griffin, and Mermaid brought to life through curious, enchanted objects. Inspired by medieval tales,...

Reindeer Run 2025

Venue: Farleigh Hospice

Website: www.farleighhospice.org/events/reindeer-run-2025

The Reindeer Run is a sponsored run or walk for nurseries, schools and youth groups in mid Essex. It's your Reindeer Run - you set the date, distance and location. If you have any questions call the friendly...

Meet Santa at Lakeside

Venue: Lakeside Shopping Centre

Website: https://lakeside-shopping.com

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Lakeside Shopping Centre and Santa is ready to welcome families to his festive grotto. Step into a winter wonderland, meet Father Christmas, and make unforgettable...

Epping Ongar Lights Express

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

An interactive journey for the whole family like never before! Featuring "Voiceover Man" (as heard on Britain's Got Talent and X-Factor) and stunning neon views. A fully immersive lightshow to music with...

A Magical Christmas Experience

Venue: Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park

Website: www.marshfarm.co.uk

A wondrous journey awaits you, but before you can embark on your enchanted adventure, you’ll need to be granted special access to the North Pole! Don’t worry, the expert Elves in Passport Control will...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

The panto we've all BEAN waiting for! Join Jack and his mum in their family-run farm-shop, where business is down, the rent’s overdue, and there’s nothing left to do but sell Pat the Cow at Romford...

A Christmas Journey

Venue: Old MacDonald’s Farm

Website: https://christmas.omdfarm.co.uk

Old MacDonald's Farm presents... A Christmas Journey, a perfect family day out jam-packed with holiday magic! Treat your little ones to a magical Christmas experience they’ll never forget. Save 15%...

Glow at RHS Hyde Hall

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

In a truly enchanting experience, discover wonderful new installations of colour, music and light, along with festive food and Christmas shopping. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to add...

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! Visit the website for more details coming soon....

Mother Goose

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Expect breath-taking sets, dazzling costumes, side-splitting comedy and plenty of Mercury magic in this eggs-traordinary festive treat for the whole family. So flock to the box office, grab your golden...

The Santa Experience

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Take a break at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen where you can enjoy a tasty treat on your journey to meet the big man himself.

Christmas Holiday with Essex Wildlife Trust

Venue: Multiple locations with Essex Wildlife Trust

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Join Essex Wildlife Trust for festive family adventures! From Elf Workshops to Christmas crafts and meeting Mother Christmas herself. Create lasting memories as you connect with nature and enjoy the great...

Jigsaw Performing Arts Brentford

Venue: Becket Keys Secondary School, Sawyers Hall Ln

Website: www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

From babies as young as 6 months to teens of 18, Jigsaw's wide range of classes offers something for every budding performer. Join them this term and let your child take centre stage. Their journey in...

Mythical Creatures

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle

Embark on a magical story quest through folklore and legend, where you’ll meet a Dragon, Unicorn, Griffin, and Mermaid brought to life through curious, enchanted objects. Inspired by medieval tales,...

Light Up Maldon

Venue: High Street, Maldon

Website: www.visitessex.com

Maldon Town Council is delighted to announce the return of Light Up Maldon on Thursday 27 November from 5-9pm.The highlight of the evening will be the much-anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On at 6pm,...

School of Rock

Venue: Beecroft Art Gallery

Website: www.visitessex.com

A screening of the ultimate uplifting classic comedy of the noughties 'School of Rock' (2003), part of our 'Cult Classics' series at the Beecroft Cinema Club.

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Basildon favourites, Sophie Ladds and Ian Hallard, will return to the stage as everyone’s favourite panto villain and dame. With stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic...

Aladdin

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Expect magic lamps, a flying carpet, exceptional disguises, pure hearts, spectacular costumes, sing along songs, laughter and whole world full of fantastic adventure in a dazzling new ride through a classic...

Enchanted Trail of Light

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

Enjoy a magical journey along a 1 mile route, featuring a BRAND NEW 40m light tunnel with over 20,000 lights, and NEW animal sculptures, all put together by our creative in-house events team! Plus appearances...

Enlightened

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: https://hylandsestate.co.uk

From twinkling tunnels of light to dazzling laser projections, every step along the trail is designed to captivate and amaze. Whether it’s your first time or a returning favourite, Enlightened at Hylands...

Havering Christmas Land 2025

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

Visit the historic Harrow Lodge House building beautifully illuminated with twinkling lights with a spectacular Christmas Lights Walk Way in the ‘Secret Garden’ next to the building with 000s of stunning...

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Harlow Playhouse

Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

Let the magic unfold this Christmas with the enchanting pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty”. With spectacular costumes and scenery, toe-tapping tunes, and plenty of surprises along the way, this is one pantomime...

A Magical Christmas Experience

Venue: Clacton Pier

Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk

Step into the magic of Christmas at Clacton Pier! The seaside attraction transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, bursting with twinkling lights and festive fun. From meeting Santa himself to soaring...

Chris Mayne's Wonderful World of Magic

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com

Returning with a brand new interactive show for the whole family, packed with illusions, colourful tricks, and lots of fun! With over 25 years of experience performing in the UK and internationally, Chris...

Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: https://hopefield.org.uk/christmas-at-ho-ho-hopefield/

Join Hopefield for Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield – perfect for the whole family to create special memories. Includes Christmas Trail, Santa's Grotto (with gift), Christmas Arts and Crafts, access to Miniature...

Meet Father Christmas

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle

This December, Father Christmas and his Castle helpers will bring Christmas joy to the children of Colchester and hand out some very special festive gifts. In this enchanting encounter, children can share...

Santa Specials

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

All children receive a present from Santa and inclusive Park and Ride service on vintage London buses from Epping or Ongar. Take a return journey on Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train from North...

Santa’s Grotto

Venue: Harlow Garden Centre

Website: https://stclarehospice.org.uk/santa-grotto-harlow-garden-centre

Santa’s Grotto bookings are officially open! All proceeds go directly to St Clare Hospice, helping provide expert care and support to people in the community living with a life-limiting illness. Spaces...

Wonderland at Adventure Island

Venue: Adventure Island

Website: www.adventureisland.co.uk/christmas

Experience the magic of Christmas at Adventure Island's Christmasville. Meet Father Christmas in his cosy elf cottage, receive a special gift, and enjoy festive activities including the Polar Express sleigh...

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (PG)

Venue: Palace Theatre Southend

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com

In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) accidentally boards a flight to New York City during a Christmas trip to Miami. Separated from his family again, he crosses paths...

Polar Express (PG)

Venue: Palace Theatre Southend

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com

The Polar Express is a story about a young boy who boards a magical train on Christmas Eve that takes him to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. During this enchanting journey, he embarks on a path of...

Chelmsford Market

Venue: High Chelmer Shopping Centre

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk

There’s something for everyone, even kids! The Elf Trail is back this year, and the little ones can enjoy hunting for the pesky elves and be in with a chance to win some amazing prizes. All they need...

Pinney Talfourd’s – Christmas at Queen’s Charity Carol Concert

Venue: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

This Christmas stand with Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and the Queen’s Theatre Charitable Trust to give vulnerable animals and our local arts a brighter future.With festive performances, sing-along carols,...

Creative Education: Pantomime Acting and Characterisation (6-11)

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

In this workshop explore stock characters and their history in Commedia dell'arte! You will use movement exercises to inhabit these characters and then apply your learning to various pantomime scripts....

Santa’s Grotto

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Enjoy a festive adventure as you and your group journey to Lapland, where the magic of Christmas comes alive in Santa’s grotto.Gather round for a 20-minute interactive storytelling experience and sit...

The Ho Ho Ho! Mrs Christmas Show

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

From the team behind The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show comes a new enchanting show about thankfulness. Full of fun, magic and wonder it’s the perfect festive treat for all the family to enjoy together!

Christmas – The Candlelight Concert

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: https://colchester-events.co.uk/event/christmas-by-candlelight

Prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as incredible singers and live band deliver a fresh take on classic Christmas songs, all performed live. This heart-warming concert promises to be the...

Elf The Musical

Venue: Palace Theatre Southend

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

Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming and family-friendly stage spectacular follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he sets off on a journey to New York City to find his real...

The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert

Venue: Cliffs Pavilion

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend

The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story...

Festive Family Knees Up

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Baby Knees Up is a zany, interactive family event with a Christmas twist, perfect for all ages from 0 to 100. Expect puppets, singalongs, and plenty of surprises as we dive into a joyful festive celebration...

Carols at Christmas

Venue: Saffron Hall

Website: www.saffronhall.com

What sweeter music...a choral and orchestral spectacular marking the start of the Christmas season with plenty of chances to raise your voices in festive song. Suitable for children age 7+.

Christmas at The Meadows

Venue: Meadows Shopping Centre

Website: www.themeadows.co.uk

Visit The Meadows weekends between 6-21 December as they present a cracking line-up of characters, then show off your design skills at their Christmas craft tables. If you’re feeling creative, they’ll...

Let's All Dance: The Nutcracker

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is delighted to present their dazzling festive favourite for the whole family. With stunning dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, beautiful costumes and crystal...

Skate in the Snow at Riverside

Venue: Riverside Leisure Centre

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-centres/what/ice-skating

Experience the magic of Christmas at Riverside Ice Rink! This enchanting winter wonderland is the perfect spot for festive fun.Sing along to Christmas classics, meet Pops the penguin, and warm up with...

Splendiferous Santa Days

Venue: Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Website: www.roalddahlmuseum.org

Meet Santa in the galleries and get a chocolate treat. Enjoy storytelling from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Mrs Claus, meet the Oompa Loompas, and enjoy Christmas crafts and gallery trails.Free...

The Great Christmas Snow Patrol

Venue: Harlow Playhouse

Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

Harlow Playhouse are proud to present this year’s festive adventure for younger theatregoers. The Great Christmas Snow Patrol is a fun-filled, sing-along, interactive show for 2-6 year olds, their families,...

The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan

Venue: Princes Theatre

Address: Clacton Town Hall

Website: www.princestheatre.co.uk

Join Peter Pan, the mischievous boy who refuses to grow up, and his loyal fairy sidekick, Tink as they return to Neverland, where pirates, fairies, mermaids, and lost children await. This magical pantomime...

Calm At The Castle

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle

These sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit from a calmer environment, including visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities.They reduce sensory stimulation by turning off sounds and visual...

Santa's On His Sleigh!

Venue: Palace Theatre Southend

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com

Santa’s on His Sleigh! is an exciting and interactive Christmas show starring Santa, the elves Snowdrop and Mistletoe, Rudolph and featuring on screen Santa’s virtual little helper Head Elf Justy,...

Colchester Castle Open Evening

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle

As a special festive treat, Colchester Castle’s FREE Christmas Open Evening returns on 10 December from 3–8pm. Soak up the festive atmosphere whilst seeing over 2,000 years of amazing history, with...

Christmas Jumper Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

Sign up with your workplace, school, community or friend group and join millions of people getting silly for a seriously good cause with Save the Children.You get to have fun, commit some crimes against...

Enlightened 2025

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Step into a world of wonder at Enlightened at Colchester Castle Park. Wander through dazzling light trails, soak in the magic, and create unforgettable memories.This epic event is the perfect opportunity...

Backstage Tour: Aladdin

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Chelmsford Theatre hosted its first pantomime in 1967 and in 2025 their beloved panto continues to bring festive cheer to Chelmsford. Take a peek in the Dame’s dressing room, walk across the panto stage,...

Cinderella

Venue: Cliffs Pavilion

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Go to the ball this Christmas with television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan, who returns for another year to play the Fairy Godfather! Cinderella features laugh-out-loud...

Santa's North Pole Adventure

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Featuring many of your favourite Christmas songs, this joyful adventure invites you to help Santa get back on track. Enjoy lots of audience participation, catchy tunes, and even a dancing polar bear, perfect...

Shrek the Musical

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/shrek-the-musical

This award-winning musical brings to life the world of Shrek live on stage in an unforgettable production to melt hearts of all ages. Dreamwork’s spectacular musical is based on their much-loved Oscar...

The Grinch at The Grove

Venue: The Grove Shopping Centre

Website: https://groveshopping.co.uk

Get ready as the Grinch makes his way to The Grove on Saturday 13 December, 11am-3pm, bringing plenty of festive mischief with him. Expect chaos and laughter as he roams the centre, popping into shops,...

The Snow Queen

Venue: Palace Theatre Southend

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com

This classic adventure story is being reimagined and brought to life with lovable characters making a journey through a snowy land, full of hidden mysteries and winter magic. The whole experience will...

Hylands Christmas Open Estate Day

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: https://hylandsestate.co.uk

The Banqueting Room will be transformed into Santa’s den, setting the scene for the perfect photo op. You’ll find Father Christmas wandering around the house and market. Maybe he has some last minute...

Starlight Grotto

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle

Colchester Castle’s beloved grotto returns this December with a magical twist! Step into a beautifully illuminated festive setting where the warmth of candlelight (battery-powered, of course) creates...

An Evening with Father Christmas and Friends

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle

Father Christmas and his elves will host a festive evening filled with seasonal activities, joyful games, and creative crafts. To help everyone make the most of the experience, guests will be divided into...

Dick Whittington

Venue: Saffron Hall

Website: www.saffronhall.com

Step into a world of fun, laughter, and adventure as Dick Whittington sets out to seek his fortune and make the streets "paved with gold" a reality! Packed with spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, show-stopping...

Christmas Gnome making

Venue: Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on/events-and-activities

On Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December, get hands on painting and making Christmas Gnomes, create your own Northern Lights picture, and have a go at their toy making time trial.

Oi Christmas!

Venue: Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Get hands on painting and making Christmas Gnomes, create your own Northern Lights picture, and have a go at the toy making time trial. Activities are suitable for ages over 5 to 10 years old. All children...

Pop-up Panto: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Escape on another festive pop-up panto from the team who brought you Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan! Then meet Father and Mother Christmas! Expect circus tricks, silliness, songs and singalongs in...

Snowy Joy and The Toysavers

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com

Based on the children’s book Snowy Joy by Nigerian-British author Sade Fadipe and adapted for stage by Margaret’s Music Ltd, the production combines drama, music, and dance in a joyful celebration...

Family Christmas Show! Theatre of Widdershins - Snow White Rose Red Bear Brown

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com

Snow White and Rose Red – sisters, twins, best friends – have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. Brought up by their hardworking Mother to be kind, caring and forest fluent... if...

Sweet and Sour: The Ultimate Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Get ready for a night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour – the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show! Featuring a powerhouse live band and...

Creative Education: Technical Theatre (8-12)

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Workshop designed for creative 8–12-year-olds, explore how lighting and sound can bring stories to life on stage. Through hands-on activities and discussions, learn how technical theatre elements help...

Sing-A-Long-A The Greatest Showman

Venue: Palace Theatre Southend

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com

From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music it's the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop singing! Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron as you experience The Greatest Showman in...

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...

Crafty Fools: Adventures In Science

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: www.colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com

Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert Mr West demonstrates the fundamental principles of scientific enquiry and tackles...