Last updated: 11 November 2024
Find all your holiday needs in Brentwood with our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. From Brentwood regulars to first-time explorers, our guide highlights the season's best activities.
Experience the festive charm of the Lakeside Christmas Wonderland, where enchanting light displays and seasonal markets create a magical atmosphere for all ages. Another delightful option is the Audley End Miniature Railway, featuring a whimsical train ride through beautifully decorated grounds. And the Night Before Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a theatrical experience that brings the festive spirit to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Brentwood Holiday Light Displays
Epping Ongar Light Fantastic
- What to Expect
- Interactive LED wristbands synchronized to music.
- Description
- The Epping Ongar Lights Express is an interactive light show on a steam train, featuring thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands. The train is decorated both inside and out, creating a kaleidoscope of colours and flashing patterns. Each passenger receives an interactive LED wristband synchronized to the music, making them part of the show. The event includes a festive DJ mix, hosted by Voiceover Man, and interactive games.
- Where
- Ongar | More Info : Epping Ongar Light Fantastic
Lakeside Christmas Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Largest ice rink outside of London.
- Description
- Christmas Wonderland Lakeside features a variety of activities including live music, games, rides, and food outlets. The event is set in the Quay, Lakeside's shopping centre outdoor events and leisure space, and is home to the largest ice rink outside of London. Visitors can skate on real ice, located in a giant igloo, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- West Thurrock | More Info : Lakeside Christmas Wonderland
Havering Christmas Land
- What to Expect
- Outdoor Christmas lights walkway with themed rooms and Santa's Grotto.
- Description
- Havering Christmas Land is an outdoor event featuring a Christmas lights walkway with thousands of twinkling coloured lights, themed rooms, and festive scenes. It includes a Santa's Grotto, food, mulled wine, and German beer. The event supports local mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham.
- Where
- Hornchurch | More Info : Havering Christmas Land
Lighting up Brentwood
- What to Expect
- A community-based light display featuring installations from local groups and organisations
- Description
- The streets of Brentwood are transformed with vibrant displays of lights, illuminating the night sky. Families and friends gather to admire the dazzling decorations along the thoroughfares, creating a warm atmosphere. Various community groups come together to showcase their creative light installations, making it a highlight of the season. Live music and local food vendors add to the community spirit, inviting all to soak in the cheerful ambiance.
- Where
- Brentwood | More Info : Lighting up Brentwood
Brentwood Holiday Markets and Shopping
Festive Shenfield
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with local entertainment and activities.
- Description
- Festive Shenfield is a community event featuring local entertainment, food, and activities in the charming town of Shenfield. It offers a delightful atmosphere for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the holiday season.
- Where
- Shenfield | More Info : Festive Shenfield
Ingatestone Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local shopping and community entertainment.
- Description
- Ingatestone Christmas Market is an outdoor event featuring festive gift buying, food and drink, live music, and special activities by local High Street businesses. The market will be held at Ingatestone Community Centre, offering a chance to visit festive stallholders and enjoy live entertainment.
- Where
- Ingatestone | More Info : Ingatestone Christmas Market
Braintree Christmas Street Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local traders.
- Description
- Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with local traders selling handmade gifts, seasonal items, and delicious food. The market runs through various areas of Braintree town centre, including Great Square, High Street, New Street, and Bank Street.
- Where
- Braintree | More Info : Braintree Christmas Street Market
Summerhill Garden Centre Christmas
- What to Expect
- Extensive collection of festive decorations.
- Description
- Summerhill Garden Centre offers a vast range of Christmas decorations, including stylish trees, magnificent nutcrackers, captivating lights, and dazzling baubles. The event features a beautiful and breath-taking spectacle with themes to suit all tastes.
- Where
- Billericay | More Info : Summerhill Garden Centre Christmas
Markshall Estate Christmas
- What to Expect
- Artisan gift shopping with local businesses and seasonal treats.
- Description
- Join us at Markshall Estate for a Christmas Market filled with artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. Enjoy local businesses, food trucks, and mulled wine in a crisp winter setting.
- Where
- Coggeshall | More Info : Markshall Estate Christmas
Brentwood Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Night Before Christmas
- What to Expect
- Puppetry adaptation of a classic Christmas poem.
- Description
- The Night Before Christmas is an original family musical at Brentwood Theatre, featuring puppetry and a quintessential Christmas story adapted from Clement Clarke Moore's poem. The show follows a child's adventure as she encounters Humbug, a friendly mouse, and helps Santa and other festive characters save Christmas.
- Where
- Brentwood | More Info : The Night Before Christmas
Marsh Farm Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities with Father Christmas and his elves.
- Description
- At Marsh Farm, children can embark on a special journey to meet Father Christmas, including visits to Elf Academy, Mother Christmas's kitchen, and the Teddy Bear Market. The experience includes a guided tour, festive activities, and the opportunity to decorate gingerbread persons and receive a gift. The event also features real ice skating and access to various rides and attractions.
- Where
- South Woodham Ferrers | More Info : Marsh Farm Christmas
Brentwood Other Holiday Activities
Audley End Miniature Railway
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly activities in a picturesque woodland setting.
- Description
- Audley End Miniature Railway offers a delightful day out with its miniature railway, fairy and elf walk, adventure play area, and nature corner. Explore the beautiful woodland, spot wildlife, and enjoy locally sourced food at the Woodland Cafe.
- Where
- Saffron Walden | More Info : Audley End Miniature Railway
Colchester Zoo Christmas
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Colchester Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive activities, animal encounters, and stunning light displays.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Colchester Zoo Christmas
Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities with roaming Santa and singing princesses.
- Description
- Old Macdonald's Farm Christmas features roaming Santa, singing princesses, and interactive activities like the Gingerbread Hunt and Reindeer Ride, set amidst a variety of animals and festive attractions.
- Where
- Brentwood | More Info : Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas
Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
- What to Expect
- Santa's special gift for families.
- Description
- Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience at Down Hall, where Santa will surprise and delight families with a special gift from the North Pole. Served from 2:30 to 5:30 PM, this event offers a delightful treat for all ages.
- Where
- Hatfield Heath | More Info : Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
Adventure Island Christmas
- What to Expect
- Meet Father Christmas and enjoy unlimited rides with a special toy.
- Description
- At Adventure Island, Christmas is a time for joy and excitement. Meet Father Christmas, receive a special toy, and enjoy unlimited rides. Each child's ticket includes a free adult admission, making it a delightful day out for the whole family.
- Where
- Southend on Sea | More Info : Adventure Island Christmas
Colchester Castle Park Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive encounter with Father Christmas and his helpers.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle, where children can share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift in a unique setting.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Colchester Castle Park Christmas