Last updated: November 11, 2024
Make the most of your holiday season in Canvey Island with our guide. Whether Canvey Island is your home or your holiday stop, our guide shows you the top festive events.
One enchanting highlight this season is the Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Experience, where families can embark on a delightful train journey through a winter wonderland, meeting Father Christmas along the way. Another festive treat is the Audley End Christmas Family Day Out, featuring various seasonal activities, including crafts and festive markets. And the Ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas Concert is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering an evening filled with lively music and traditional holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Live music and seasonal treats.
The Corner Club in Canvey Island is hosting a Mini Christmas Market on Sunday 15th December, featuring BBQ, mulled cider, and Annie singing Christmas carols.
Where: Canvey Island | More Info: Mini Christmas Market at The Corner Club
Unique shopping experience with local traders.
Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with local traders selling handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and unique homeware. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the lively atmosphere and variety of goods available.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market
Free pass to visit Father Christmas for children.
Join the Christmas Train to Wickford Fayre for a fun-filled journey to the town's festive celebrations. Each child buying an event ticket will receive a free pass to visit Father Christmas in the grotto at Wickford. The train, decorated with festive decorations, will depart from Southminster at 1.05pm.
Where: Southminster | More Info: Christmas Train to Wickford Fayre
Interactive Christmas activities with Father Christmas and his elves.
At Audley End Miniature Railway, embark on a festive journey through ancient woodland to visit Father Christmas's winter workshop. Meet Mother Christmas and her elves, enjoy an illuminated woodland walk, create reindeer food, write letters to Father Christmas, and participate in interactive storytelling and play areas.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Experience
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
At Colchester Zoo, the Santa Experience offers a delightful holiday celebration where children can meet Santa Claus amidst the zoo's unique animal exhibits, creating a memorable and festive atmosphere.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Colchester Zoo Santa Experience
Swing arrangements of Christmas hymns and songs.
A fantastic cast of West End singers and the Jazz All-Stars perform over 30 best-loved Christmas hits, featuring festive favourites like "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)". The show is staged in the warm and delightful style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Shows, complete with stunning decor and a lovely warm fireplace.
Where: Southend-on-Sea | More Info: Christmas Crooners
Family-friendly meal with Father Christmas.
Join us for a special two-course Sunday lunch with Father Christmas, a delightful occasion for families to share a meal together.
Where: Leavenheath | More Info: Sunday Lunch with Father Christmas
Unique blend of classic tale with modern pantomime elements.
Snow White, a fun and fresh new version of the classic tale, features back-chatting mirrors, evil stepmothers, kind princes, singalongs, jokes, and silliness. The story follows Snow White as she flees to a new life deep into the forest, only to be tempted by a poison apple. Expect a whole forest of fun with friendships and love potentially overcoming evil.
Where: Chelmsford | More Info: Snow White Pantomime at Chelmsford Theatre
Classic pantomime with a blend of comedy, music, and adventure.
Join Dick Whittington on his journey through panto land as he seeks fame and fortune. Facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde, Dick and friends must save the day in this spectacular pantomime.
Where: Harlow | More Info: Dick Whittington Pantomime at Harlow Playhouse
Jazz band performance with a 2-course lunch.
Brick Lane Xmas Lunch is a Christmas celebration event featuring a jazz band performance and a 2-course lunch at Brick Lane.
Where: Canvey Island | More Info: Brick Lane Xmas Lunch
World-class Irish-inspired concert with festive favorites.
Immerse yourself in rich Irish culture as talented singers, musicians, and dancers perform a world-class concert featuring festive favorites like "Driving Home for Christmas" and "Step Into Christmas."
Where: Colchester | More Info: Ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas Concert
Free ice-skating rink and Santa’s Grotto.
The Christmas Event in Canvey Island features a variety of Christmas stalls, a funfair, children’s activities, and attractions. The event includes a free ice-skating rink and Santa’s Grotto, sponsored by local businesses. There are also storytelling sessions, Santa letter writing, a soft play bus, and a treasure hunt.
Where: Canvey Island | More Info: Christmas Event - Canvey Island Town Council
Interactive Christmas activities with historical themes.
At Audley End, immerse yourself in a Christmas celebration with activities like meeting Father Christmas, seeing Mrs. Crocombe prepare festive treats, and participating in games and storytelling sessions.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Christmas Family Day Out
Personalized Christmas experience with Santa and his elves.
Join Little Monsters House of Fun for a special Christmas event featuring Father Christmas and his elves, along with special guests Rudolph and Olaf. Create your own 16-inch Gingerbread Man or Snowman, decorate a Gingerbread Man, enjoy festive soft play, and receive a Christmas gift from Santa.
Where: Great Dunmow | More Info: Little Monsters Festive Grotto
Family-friendly Christmas activities with Santa and animal visits.
Join Hopefield Animal Sanctuary for a family-friendly Christmas event featuring letter writing to Santa, a visit to Santa's grotto with a gift, a Christmas trail, and access to a miniature Christmas village. Enjoy free mince pies and mulled wine for adults, and warm squash for children. The event includes general admission to the sanctuary with both indoor and outdoor activities.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Christmas Fair & Santa at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
Sunday roast with panoramic views of planes taking off and landing.
Savor a traditional Sunday roast with breathtaking views of London Southend Airport at 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy locally sourced dishes and handcrafted cocktails in a unique setting.
Where: Southend-on-Sea | More Info: Sunday Roast with Santa at 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Served in a winter wonderland setting with breathtaking views.
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience with a sumptuous selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and local jam, and delicate cakes, all served in a beautifully themed winter venue.
Where: Leavenheath | More Info: Festive Afternoon Tea
Hands-on wreath making with expert guidance and festive refreshments.
Create your own traditional Christmas wreath from scratch with all materials and decorations provided, accompanied by a welcome drink, delicious Tiptree cream tea or cheese tea, and a discount voucher for the gift shop.
Where: Tiptree | More Info: Christmas Wreath Making at Tiptree