Last updated: 11 November 2024
Join the festive celebrations in Colchester! Our guide will help you connect with all the events and activities that bring our community together this holiday season. Whether you're a Colchester native or a curious visitor, our guide will show you the city's holiday wonders.
This season, the enchanting "Enlightened 2024" transforms the town with stunning light displays, providing a magical backdrop for your strolls. Experience the charm of "The New Adventures of Peter Pan," where delightful performances bring this classic tale to life for audiences of all ages. And don't forget "Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle," an excellent opportunity for families to create lasting memories. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Colchester Holiday Light Displays
Enlightened 2024
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and sound installations in a historic park setting.
- Description
- Enlightened 2024 at Castle Park features over a mile of specially curated illuminations, including a 50m digital tunnel of light, an awe-inspiring laser show, and interactive exhibits. The event has been reimagined with brand-new installations, ensuring a unique experience for all ages.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Enlightened 2024
Big Festive Switch On 2024
- What to Expect
- Dazzling lantern procession with larger-than-life puppets.
- Description
- The Big Festive Switch On 2024 in Colchester City Centre features a festive light parade with over 500 participants creating dazzling lanterns, larger-than-life puppets, character visits, street food, pop-up activities, and live music.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Big Festive Switch On 2024
Light Trails
- 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 event includes stunning neon views, a fully immersive lightshow to music, and interactive LED wristbands. Each passenger receives an LED wristband synchronized to the music, making them part of the show. The train is hosted by the legendary Voiceover Man, who leads the festive action with a festive DJ mix of music. The event also includes hot and cold light refreshments available for purchase before boarding.
- Where
- Chipping Ongar | More Info : Light Trails
Colchester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Markshall Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Artisan gift shopping with seasonal treats.
- Description
- Markshall Estate's Christmas Market offers artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. Enjoy food trucks, mulled wine, and local businesses amidst crisp walks.
- Where
- Coggeshall | More Info : Markshall Christmas Market
Braintree Christmas Street Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local vendors and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a vibrant social experience with a variety of vendors selling food, crafts, and local produce. Residents enjoy the bustling atmosphere and discover unique gifts and seasonal items.
- Where
- Braintree | More Info : Braintree Christmas Street Market
RHS Garden Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts from local artisans in a beautiful garden setting.
- Description
- The RHS Garden Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair offers a wide range of unique gifts from small independent traders, including jewelry, accessories, photography, handmade crafts, and art. Enjoy browsing and tasting an array of food and drink options while taking a stroll around the Winter Garden.
- Where
- Chelmsford | More Info : RHS Garden Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair
Christmas Fair at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
- What to Expect
- Local crafters and designers showcase festive creations.
- Description
- Explore a vibrant array of local crafters and designers at the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, featuring award-winning exhibitions and tours.
- Where
- Purleigh | More Info : Christmas Fair at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Colchester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The New Adventures of Peter Pan
- What to Expect
- A family-friendly pantomime with a blend of breath-taking sets and costumes.
- Description
- Join Peter Pan and his friends in a thrilling adventure as Neverland faces chaos. With breathtaking sets, costumes, and flying effects, this pantomime promises an awe-inspiring spectacle filled with side-splitting comedy.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : The New Adventures of Peter Pan
An evening with Father Christmas and Friends
- What to Expect
- Interactive family activities with Father Christmas.
- Description
- Join Father Christmas and his elves for a fun-packed evening of crafts, games, and Christmas magic. The event includes Christmas games, a family quiz, craft activities, mulled wine and hot chocolate, mince pies and cookies, a chance to meet Father Christmas, and an exclusive gift for each paying child. The event also includes entrance to Colchester Castle and a voucher for a free return visit between January 2nd and February 16th, 2025.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : An evening with Father Christmas and Friends
Live at Christmas with Sara Pascoe
- What to Expect
- Multi-award-winning comedians performing in an all-star festive show.
- Description
- Join Sara Pascoe and a stellar lineup of comedians, including Mike Wozniak, Rhys James, Jen Brister, and Janine Harouni, for a spectacular all-star comedy show at Charter Hall.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Live at Christmas with Sara Pascoe
Elf - The Musical
- What to Expect
- Heartwarming story about a human raised as an elf.
- Description
- Elf - The Musical tells the hilarious tale of Buddy, a human raised as an elf who sets out to New York City in search of his true identity and the spirit of Christmas. Based on the book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with music by Matthew Sklar and song lyrics by Chad Beguelin, this heartwarming show is a feel-good experience about love and friendship.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Elf - The Musical
The Santa Experience 2024
- What to Expect
- Personal meet-and-greet with Santa and a special Christmas gift for each child.
- Description
- Meet Santa at the Mercury Theatre for a charming holiday storytime and personal meet-and-greet with Santa. Your little ones will have the chance to chat with Santa, share their wishes, and receive a special Christmas gift.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : The Santa Experience 2024
Fairytale of New York - Driving Home for Christmas
- What to Expect
- Authentic Irish-inspired Christmas concert with international cast.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as talented singers, musicians, and dancers perform a world-class concert featuring festive favorites and greatest Irish sing-along songs.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Fairytale of New York - Driving Home for Christmas
The Magic of Christmas
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Colchester Zoo transforms into a holiday spectacle with festive decorations, special animal encounters, and unique activities that bring the holiday spirit to life.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : The Magic of Christmas
Beware the Scare
- What to Expect
- Immersive scare event with strobe lighting and special effects.
- Description
- Step into Colchester's dark and eerie past at Town Hall, where you'll experience an immersive scare event featuring maze-like corridors, atmospheric rooms, and terrifying events from Britain's oldest recorded city.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Beware the Scare
The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride 2024
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive show with audience participation.
- Description
- The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride is an interactive show for 2-6 year olds and their families, featuring a fun-filled, sing-along story about two siblings on a Christmas Eve adventure to deliver a letter to Father Christmas.
- Where
- Harlow | More Info : The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride 2024
The Owl Who Came For Christmas
- What to Expect
- Heart-warming tale with puppetry and audience participation.
- Description
- Join Rosie the Owl on her adventures as she finds herself nestled amidst a family's new Christmas tree. Witness the joy and wonder as the family discovers their unexpected visitor and helps Rosie find her way back home. This heart-warming tale celebrates the power of love, kindness, and magic during Christmas, featuring toe-tapping songs, captivating puppetry, and audience participation.
- Where
- Southend | More Info : The Owl Who Came For Christmas
Christmas Crooners
- What to Expect
- Swing arrangements of Christmas hymns and songs.
- Description
- A spectacular evening featuring a fantastic cast of West End singers and the Jazz All-Stars performing over 30 best-loved Christmas hits, including classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. The event is staged in the warm and delightful style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Shows, complete with stunning decor and festive arrangements.
- Where
- Southend | More Info : Christmas Crooners
Dick Whittington
- What to Expect
- Classic pantomime with a blend of comedy, adventure, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Description
- 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
Snow White and friends
- What to Expect
- Interactive pantomime with comedic twists and family-friendly entertainment.
- Description
- Snow White and friends bring a fun and fresh new version of the classic tale to Chelmsford Theatre, featuring back-chatting mirrors, evil stepmothers, kind princes, singalongs, jokes, and silliness.
- Where
- Chelmsford | More Info : Snow White and friends
Colchester Other Holiday Activities
Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle
- What to Expect
- Special grotto experience 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 beautifully decorated grotto. Each child gets a few minutes to speak with Father Christmas, creating lasting family memories.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle
Tiny Tots Grotto
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling and festive activities with Father Christmas.
- Description
- Tiny Tots Grotto at Colchester Castle offers a special Christmas experience for children aged 5 and under. Children will meet Father Christmas, enjoy storytelling, festive songs, and playful activities led by his helpers. This event is designed to create lasting memories in a calm and welcoming environment.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Tiny Tots Grotto
Starlight Grotto
- What to Expect
- Candlelit Christmas grotto experience with Father Christmas.
- Description
- Visit Colchester Castle's Starlight Grotto, where Father Christmas and his helpers bring joy to children in a beautifully illuminated setting. Each child can share their Christmas wishes, receive a special gift, and enjoy magical moments in a soft, warm glow of candlelight.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Starlight Grotto
Colchester Castle Open Evening
- What to Expect
- Meet Father Christmas and explore historic castle.
- Description
- Colchester Castle Open Evening offers a special festive treat with over 2,000 years of history, decked out in Christmas cheer. Meet Father Christmas and receive a small gift for a child-friendly experience.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Colchester Castle Open Evening
Candle Decorating
- What to Expect
- Hands-on candle decorating workshop.
- Description
- Decorate your own festive candles in a relaxing and creative workshop, perfect for the holiday season.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Candle Decorating
Wreath Making
- What to Expect
- Fresh wreath-making with various dinner options.
- Description
- Create a fresh Christmas wreath at Lexden Crown, followed by a choice of delicious dinners. All materials are provided, and no experience is required.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Wreath Making
Halloween Bingo Party
- What to Expect
- Cheesy bingo night with Britney and Aqua music.
- Description
- Join the Halloween Bingo Party at Charter Hall for a cheesy night of bingo, music, and prizes. Expect Britney, Aqua, Madness, and more while trying to win some equally cheesy prizes.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Halloween Bingo Party
Audley End Miniature Railway
- What to Expect
- Spooky train ride with witches and monsters.
- Description
- Audley End Miniature Railway offers a spooky train ride through enchanted woods, complete with witches, monsters, and a fairy and elf walk. Each child receives a spooky gift, and the event includes craft making, an adventure play area, and a visit to the woodland wizard.
- Where
- Saffron Walden | More Info : Audley End Miniature Railway
Little Monsters Festive Grotto
- What to Expect
- Personalized gingerbread-making experience with Santa's elves.
- Description
- Join Little Monsters House of Fun for a special Christmas party with Father Christmas and his elves. Enjoy making your own 16-inch Gingerbread Man or Snowman, decorating a Gingerbread Man, and participating in festive activities. The event includes a Christmas Munch Box, a Santa Hat, and festive soft play. Each child receives a Christmas gift from Santa.
- Where
- Great Dunmow | More Info : Little Monsters Festive Grotto
Christmas Train
- What to Expect
- Free pass to visit Father Christmas for each child.
- Description
- Join the Christmas Train for a fun-filled journey to Wickford's Christmas Fayre. Each child receives a free pass to visit Father Christmas in the grotto. The train is decorated with festive fun and games.
- Where
- Southminster | More Info : Christmas Train
Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly Christmas event with Santa's grotto and animal encounters.
- Description
- Join us for a family-friendly Christmas event at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, featuring Santa's grotto, a Christmas trail, arts and crafts, and a miniature Christmas village. Enjoy general admission to the sanctuary with both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Where
- Brentwood | More Info : Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
Festive afternoon tea
- What to Expect
- Elegant afternoon tea experience with seasonal delicacies.
- Description
- Savor a delightful afternoon tea in a beautifully decorated venue, featuring an array of savory and sweet treats paired with refreshing teas or coffee.
- Where
- Leavenheath | More Info : Festive afternoon tea
Two-course Sunday lunch with Father Christmas
- What to Expect
- Meet Father Christmas while enjoying a delicious two-course meal.
- Description
- Join us for a special two-course Sunday lunch with Father Christmas, featuring a delightful meal and a memorable encounter with Santa.
- Where
- Leavenheath | More Info : Two-course Sunday lunch with Father Christmas
Christmas wreath making
- What to Expect
- Hands-on wreath making with expert guidance and refreshments.
- Description
- Create your own traditional Christmas wreath from scratch with all materials and decorations provided, along with a welcome drink and a delicious Tiptree cream tea or cheese tea.
- Where
- Tiptree | More Info : Christmas wreath making