Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your holiday season with our itinerary guide for Braintree. Discover all the top festive events. Whether you're intimately familiar with Braintree or just getting acquainted, this guide ensures unforgettable holidays.
One of the highlights this season is the enchanting Audley End Miniature Railway, where families can take a magical ride through twinkling lights and festive scenes. You can also find an array of delightful experiences at the Colchester Zoo Christmas Events, featuring sparkling animal displays and the chance to meet Santa. And definitely don't forget the Braintree Christmas Street Market, where you can explore unique stalls selling local crafts and delicious seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Outdoor Christmas lights trail with themed scenes and Santa's Grotto.
Havering Christmas Land is an outdoor attraction featuring thousands of twinkling coloured lights, themed rooms, and festive cheer. It includes a Christmas lights walkway, Santa's Grotto, and festive food and drink options.
Where: Hornchurch | More Info: Havering Christmas Land
Interactive LED wristbands synchronized to music.
The Epping Ongar Lights Express is an interactive light show on a steam train, featuring thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands. Each passenger receives an interactive LED wristband synchronized to the music, creating a kaleidoscope of colours and flashing patterns. The train is hosted by the legendary Voiceover Man, offering a fully immersive lightshow to music with sound-to-light fun for the whole family.
Where: Ongar | More Info: Epping Ongar Light Fantastic
Local traders selling handmade gifts and seasonal foods.
Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with local traders selling handmade gifts, seasonal foods, and unique items. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the lively atmosphere and warm cider at Silks stall, while Nonna's serves delicious pizzas. The market is a great place to find Christmas pressies and enjoy the local community spirit.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market
Unique gifts and seasonal treats in a beautifully decorated setting.
Markshall Estate's Christmas Market offers a delightful day filled with artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with food trucks, mulled wine, and local businesses.
Where: Coggeshall | More Info: Markshall Estate Christmas Market
Christmas celebration with steam train rides and festive market.
The Museum of Power Christmas Event features a festive market with gifts and crafts, a miniature steam train ride to visit Santa, and refreshments in the Steam Pump Tea Room.
Where: Langford | More Info: Museum of Power Christmas Event
Community-driven holiday celebration with local artisans and entertainment.
The Rochford Christmas Festival features stalls in Rochford Square and Back Lane Market, including Santa's Grotto, Santa's Sleigh, and children's rides. Local artisans and food stalls offer unique gifts and refreshments. The event also includes a small stage with live entertainment.
Where: Rochford | More Info: Rochford Christmas Festival
Unique shopping experience with local artisans.
The Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market at Firstsite in Colchester offers a unique shopping experience with over 40 creatives showcasing handmade, high-quality items. Meet the makers and explore a diverse array of original artwork, ceramics, jewellery, and more.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Firstsite Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market
Unique gifts and local artisanal goods in a historic cathedral setting.
Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market offers a diverse range of stalls selling seasonal decorations, art, jewellery, textiles, handmade crafts, and gourmet food items. Enjoy live entertainment from local choirs and musicians while soaking up the festive atmosphere in the cathedral's stunning architecture.
Where: Chelmsford | More Info: Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market
Classic pantomime with a legendary hero and villainous rat horde.
Join Dick Whittington on his journey through panto land as he seeks fame and fortune, facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde threatening global chaos. This year promises a spectacular blend of everything you've come to expect from a Harlow Playhouse pantomime, ensuring an unmissable treat for all the family.
Where: Harlow | More Info: Harlow Playhouse Pantomime
Largest pantomime in the South East with a rich history of entertainment.
Cliffs Pavilion is renowned for hosting a wide range of live entertainment, including pantomimes that offer a delightful blend of comedy, music, and drama. These productions feature talented performers, elaborate sets, and engaging storylines that cater to all ages.
Where: Southend-on-Sea | More Info: Cliffs Pavilion Pantomime
Family-friendly train ride with woodland animals and fairy-themed attractions.
Explore the charming Audley End Miniature Railway, featuring a scenic train ride through woodland, an enchanted fairy and elf walk, and an adventure play area.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Miniature Railway
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Colchester Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive activities, animal encounters, and beautifully lit exhibits, offering a unique blend of wildlife and seasonal charm.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Colchester Zoo Christmas Events
Largest ice rink outside London.
Lakeside Christmas Wonderland is a festive event at Lakeside Shopping Centre featuring live music, games, rides, food outlets, and the largest ice rink outside London. Enjoy skating in a giant igloo, regardless of the weather, and explore the various attractions and entertainment options.
Where: West Thurrock | More Info: Lakeside Christmas Wonderland
Interactive Christmas activities with Father Christmas and festive crafts.
Barleylands Farm Park offers a comprehensive Christmas experience with activities including meeting Father Christmas, decorating gingerbread, and visiting the Toy Factory. The event also includes all-day access to the Farm Park, featuring animal encounters, tractor rides, and various play areas.
Where: Billericay | More Info: Barleylands Farm Park Christmas
Family-friendly holiday event with diverse animal encounters and festive activities.
Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas features roaming Santa, singing princesses, a Christmas parade, and interactive gingerbread hunts, with over 30 exotic animal species and thrilling rides.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas
Santa visit with special gift for children.
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience at Down Hall, where children can meet Santa and receive a special gift from the North Pole. Savor Christmas-themed sweet treats and finger sandwiches in beautiful surroundings.
Where: Hatfield Heath | More Info: Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
Interactive Father Christmas experience with multiple family-friendly activities.
At Adventure Island, children can meet Father Christmas, receive a toy, and enjoy various activities like Sealife Adventure Zooquarium visits, free golf rounds, and video games. Each child gets a free adult ticket, and there are arts and crafts areas and festive entertainment throughout the day.
Where: Southend-on-Sea | More Info: Adventure Island Christmas Events