Thrilled about the holidays in Basildon? Discover all the festive events with our ultimate guide! Whether you're deeply rooted in Basildon or just branching out, our guide helps your festive spirit flourish.
The Basildon Christmas Lights Switch On brings the town to life with twinkling lights and festive cheer. Experience the holiday spirit at the Basildon Christmas Market, featuring unique gifts and delicious treats. And don’t forget Santa’s Grotto at Basildon Eastgate, where children can meet Santa himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Basildon Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Basildon
- Basildon Christmas Lights Switch On
- Basildon Christmas Market
- Santa’s Grotto at Basildon Eastgate
- Snow Globe Experience
- Nativity Play at St. Martin's Church
- Christmas Film Screenings
- Christmas Panto
- Charity Christmas Run
Basildon Holiday Light Displays
Basildon Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and switch-on ceremony
Description:
Basildon's town center transforms as thousands gather for the annual Christmas lights switch-on. The event kicks off the holiday season with a community-wide countdown, culminating in a dazzling display of twinkling lights. You can join local choirs in singing carols, a tradition dating back to the town's founding in 1949. The air fills with the aroma of roasted chestnuts from nearby food stalls. This year, visitors can participate in a festive selfie competition using designated light installations as backdrops.
Website:
Basildon Christmas Lights Switch On
Basildon Holiday Markets and Shopping
Basildon Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Fusion of traditional and modern craft stalls
Description:
Basildon Christmas Market blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their wares in charming wooden chalets, offering a unique shopping experience. The market features a fusion of traditional handicrafts and modern designs, reflecting Basildon's evolution from a post-war new town to a thriving modern community. Visitors can try their hand at candle-making workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations. The market's layout is inspired by the town's modernist architecture, creating an intriguing juxtaposition of old and new.
Website:
Basildon Holiday Giving Opportunities
Charity Christmas Run
What to Expect:
Themed obstacle course through historic sites
Description:
Basildon's Charity Christmas Run combines fitness, fun, and local history. Participants navigate a themed obstacle course that winds through the town's most significant historical sites. The run highlights Basildon's journey from ancient settlements to modern town, with each obstacle representing a different era. Runners don festive attire, creating a colorful spectacle as they tackle the course. You can choose from different difficulty levels, making the event accessible to all ages and abilities. The run raises funds for local charities, continuing Basildon's long tradition of community support.
Website:
Basildon Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nativity Play at St. Martin's Church
What to Expect:
Community-cast production with historical costumes
Description:
St. Martin's Church hosts a unique nativity play featuring a community-cast production with meticulously researched historical costumes. The play incorporates elements of Basildon's local history, weaving together the biblical story with tales of the area's past. Authentic Middle Eastern instruments provide a captivating soundtrack to the performance. Audience members can explore a display of artifacts representing Basildon's religious heritage dating back to the Saxon era. The production aims to bridge cultural and historical divides, reflecting the diverse community of modern Basildon.
Website:
Nativity Play at St. Martin's Church
Christmas Film Screenings
What to Expect:
Immersive themed environments for each film
Description:
Basildon's Christmas film screenings go beyond the silver screen, creating immersive themed environments for each movie. The event transforms various locations around town into sets from beloved holiday films. As you watch, you're surrounded by props and decorations that bring the movie to life. The screenings pay homage to Basildon's little-known history as a filming location for several British classics. Viewers can participate in costume contests, dressing as their favorite characters from the featured films.
Website:
Christmas Panto
What to Expect:
Interactive augmented reality elements
Description:
Basildon's Christmas pantomime breaks new ground by incorporating interactive augmented reality elements. This tech-savvy production blends traditional British panto with cutting-edge digital effects, reflecting Basildon's evolution as a hub for innovation. Audience members use their smartphones to interact with the performance, influencing the story's direction. The panto draws inspiration from local folklore, bringing Basildon's myths and legends to life on stage. You can join in the famous "It's behind you!" moments, now enhanced with digital surprises.
Website:
Basildon Other Holiday Activities
Santa’s Grotto at Basildon Eastgate
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling sessions with Santa
Description:
Santa's Grotto at Basildon Eastgate offers a reimagined North Pole experience. Children embark on a journey through whimsically decorated rooms, each telling a part of Santa's story. The highlight is an interactive storytelling session with Santa himself, where kids become part of the narrative. This grotto pays homage to Basildon's rich storytelling heritage, which dates back to the area's rural past. Families can create their own story books to take home, guided by Santa's elves.
Website:
Santa’s Grotto at Basildon Eastgate
Snow Globe Experience
What to Expect:
Life-sized, interactive snow globes
Description:
Basildon's Snow Globe Experience transports visitors into a world of oversized, interactive snow globes. These life-sized globes scattered throughout the town center each represent a different winter scene. The experience draws inspiration from Basildon's innovative urban planning history, creating immersive spaces within the existing cityscape. Visitors can step inside these globes, becoming part of the wintery tableaux. Each globe features a unique soundscape, enveloping you in the atmosphere of the scene.
Website:
Nearby Events
Christmas Fayre at Barleylands (Billericay)
What to Expect:
Farm-to-table Christmas feast experiences
Description:
Barleylands Farm transforms into a rustic Christmas haven for its annual fayre. The event showcases the best of Essex's agricultural heritage, with a focus on farm-to-table Christmas feast experiences. Visitors can learn traditional food preservation techniques used by local farmers for centuries. The fayre buzzes with the sound of live folk music, celebrating the region's rural roots. You can participate in wreath-making classes using locally sourced materials, connecting modern celebrations with age-old traditions.
Website:
Christmas Fayre at Barleylands
Wickford Christmas Lights and Market (Wickford)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly light display and sustainable market
Description:
Wickford's Christmas celebration stands out with its commitment to sustainability. The light display utilizes cutting-edge LED technology and solar power, creating a dazzling show with minimal environmental impact. The market focuses on eco-friendly and locally sourced products, reflecting Wickford's growing reputation as a green community. Visitors can participate in upcycling workshops, learning to create holiday decorations from recycled materials. The event honors Wickford's history as a market town, dating back to the 11th century, while embracing a sustainable future.
Website:
Wickford Christmas Lights and Market
Santa’s Parade (Pitsea)
What to Expect:
Parade floats designed by local school children
Description:
Pitsea's Santa Parade stands out with its unique floats designed entirely by local school children. The parade winds through the streets, showcasing the creativity and imagination of Pitsea's youngest residents. Each float tells a story of local history or culture, educating spectators about their community's past. The air fills with the sound of jingle bells as the parade passes. Visitors can vote for their favorite float design, with the winning school receiving a special Christmas workshop with professional artists.