Colchester Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Colchester's High Street and surrounding squares transform into a festive wonderland for their annual Christmas Markets. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performers, and a funfair, alongside a wide array of gifts and seasonal treats from local traders. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance, adding to the holiday...

Experience a magical Christmas Open Evening at Colchester Castle, offering a festive atmosphere and a journey through over 2,000 years of history. Enjoy seasonal refreshments and the chance to meet Father Christmas for a special gift. This free event is perfect for all ages to get into the holiday spirit.

Poplar Nurseries transforms into a festive wonderland for Christmas 2025. They are busy preparing a magical experience with a dedicated Christmas Showroom, a dazzling array of decorations and lights, and a special Christmas Food Hall. Visitors can look forward to 'Breakfast with Santa' events and a wide selection of gifts...

Discover the ultimate Christmas shopping experience at the Essex County Christmas Fair, held at the picturesque Braxted Park Estate. Browse over 150 stalls brimming with handcrafted items, unique gifts, artisan food and drink, and festive decorations. Enjoy live music daily, captivating LED performers, and roaming Father Christmas for memorable photos....

Discover the magic of the Suffolk County Christmas Fair, East Anglia's premier holiday shopping destination. Browse over 150 stalls brimming with unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and delicious artisan food and drink. Enjoy live entertainment, festive performers, and a magical atmosphere set within the stunning grounds of Hintlesham Hall. It's the...

Experience the magic of the Lavenham Two Day Christmas Craft Market, a festive event featuring a curated selection of the finest handmade crafts and artisanal goods. On Saturday, browse unique creations and enjoy delicious treats from the Pop Up Cafe. Sunday brings the award-winning Lavenham Farmers Market alongside the crafters,...

Discover a festive farmers market brimming with local flavor and holiday cheer. Browse around sixty of the region's finest producers and makers offering everything from artisanal baked goods and regional cheeses to handcrafted spirits and unique gifts. Find fresh Christmas trees, treats for pets, and enjoy delicious street food and...

Step into the Christmas spirit at the outdoor Christmas Market at Creeksea Place. Discover unique handmade gifts, sip on warm mulled wine or hot chocolate, and soak in the festive ambiance with twinkling lights. A charming way to find unique presents and enjoy the holiday season.

Discover unique treasures and festive cheer at the RHS Garden Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair. Browse a curated selection of jewelry, accessories, photography, and handmade crafts from talented independent traders. Indulge in seasonal food and drink while soaking up the holiday atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for finding special...

Get into the holiday spirit at the South Woodham Ferrers Christmas Fayre! This beloved annual event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Discover unique handmade gifts and crafts from local artisans, and savor delicious seasonal treats and warm drinks. It's the perfect opportunity to find special presents and...

Embark on a truly magical Christmas journey at Marsh Farm's Father Christmas Experience. This enchanting adventure includes a guided tour to the North Pole, where you'll become an honorary elf, meet Mother Christmas, and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Children can create their own teddy bear and receive a...

Discover a festive collection of local crafts and unique gifts at The Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds. This vibrant fair showcases over 50 stalls, offering everything from handmade ceramics and jewelry to bespoke wooden items and eco-friendly candles. It's the perfect opportunity to find special presents and support local artisans.

Experience the festive spirit at the arc Shopping Centre's Christmas Market in Bury St Edmunds. Discover unique handmade crafts, seasonal gifts, and delightful treats from local artisans and vendors. It's the perfect place to find that special something while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the shopping centre.

Step into a winter wonderland at Colchester Zoo's Enchanted Trail of Light. Wander through a magical 1-mile route adorned with over 20,000 lights, including a stunning new 40-meter light tunnel. Enjoy dancing fountains, a festive road train, and enchanting animal sculptures. Special appearances by a North Pole guest add to...

Experience the magic of the Starlight Grotto at Colchester Castle this December. Step into a beautifully illuminated festive setting where candlelight creates a cozy and enchanting atmosphere. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Father Christmas and receive a special gift, while families enjoy warm drinks and festive treats. It's...

Step into a world of enchantment at Markshall Estate's 'Enlightened' event. This immersive light trail transforms the grounds into a dazzling spectacle of light and sound. Wander through a mile-long path adorned with newly designed, interactive light installations that come alive with an enchanting soundscape. It's a magical experience perfect...

Experience the magic of Sudbury's Christmas Light Switch On & Fair in 2025! This festive event transforms the town center with dazzling lights, a bustling market, and lively entertainment. Discover unique handmade gifts, savor delicious hot food and drinks, and enjoy funfair rides and games. Don't miss the chance to...

Step into an enchanted world at RHS Hyde Hall's Glow 2025, a magical winter event transforming the garden into a dazzling spectacle of light and colour. Explore new installations, iconic sculptures, and a breathtaking lights show on the lake, all set against a festive backdrop. It's the perfect enchanting experience...

Step into a world of enchantment at Hylands Estate for the 'Enlightened' Christmas light trail. This immersive outdoor experience guides visitors along a magical 1-mile path, illuminated by stunning, newly designed light installations for 2025. Interactive displays and an enchanting soundscape create a truly captivating atmosphere, making it a must-see...

Step into an enchanted world at Talliston House & Gardens for their Faerie Tale Christmas. The entire estate is transformed with dazzling decorations, candles, and festive cheer. Explore thirteen uniquely themed rooms and enjoy a magical candlelit tea or a festive evening feast, all part of an upgraded experience for...

Step into a festive wonderland at Ickworth Estate this Christmas. Experience a nostalgic 1930s Christmas in the Servants' Quarters, complete with traditional crafts and costumed interpreters. Then, embark on a magical family adventure following Shadow the Snow Leopard's escapades through the house and gardens. Discover unique handmade gifts at the...

Experience the magic of the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event, a festive celebration marking the start of the holiday season. Wander through charming craft and gift stalls, enjoy live performances, and delight in the appearance of beloved characters like the Snow Queen and Santa Claus. This event is a...

Extend the festive cheer with an indulgent three-course carvery lunch at Stoke by Nayland Resort on Boxing Day. This event offers a perfect opportunity for a relaxed family and friends' get-together, allowing guests to savor seasonal dishes without any of the post-holiday cooking stress. Served between 12:30 PM and 3:00...

Create lasting Christmas memories with Breakfast with Santa at Harvester Ravenswood Ipswich. This popular event offers a festive morning filled with delicious food, engaging activities, and a special visit from Father Christmas himself. It's the perfect way to add a touch of magic to your December.

Get ready for a festive celebration at the Boom Battle Bar Chelmsford Christmas Showcase. This event promises a lively atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings and seasonal fun. While specific details are still emerging, expect a vibrant showcase from Boom Battle Bar designed to bring holiday cheer.

Seckford Hall invites guests to celebrate the year with enchanting Christmas Party Nights in 2025. These festive evenings feature themed decor, a sparkling arrival drink, and a delicious three-course dinner. Guests can dance the night away with a DJ until midnight, enjoying Christmas novelties and a lively atmosphere. It's the...

Seckford Hall hosts a magical Santa Sunday lunch, offering a delightful two-course festive meal for families. Children will have the chance to meet Santa Claus himself and receive a special gift, alongside engaging entertainment including a magician and face painting. It's the perfect way to immerse your family in the...

Get ready for a festive celebration at The Suffolk Hotel's Bottomless Christmas Party. This event promises a lively atmosphere perfect for holiday cheer, featuring a bottomless drinks package to keep the spirits high throughout the evening. It's an ideal way to celebrate the Christmas season with friends or colleagues.

Savor a magical Christmas feast at The Meadowlark in Southend On Sea. They offer a delicious range of festive menus, including traditional roasts with all the trimmings, comforting classics, and delightful desserts. Secure your booking early to create unforgettable memories during the most wonderful time of the year.

Get ready for a spectacular all-star festive comedy show in Colchester! Headlined by the brilliant Sam Campbell, this event features a dazzling lineup of top comedians including Bridget Christie, Maisie Adam, and Tom Rosenthal. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with laughter and entertainment.

Get ready for a magical Christmas with 'Sleeping Beauty: The Christmas Pantomime' at the Spa Pavilion. This beloved fairy tale is brought to life with all the humor, music, and spectacle that makes pantomime a cherished holiday tradition. Join them for a festive adventure filled with laughter and enchantment.

Experience the enchantment of a Viennese Christmas with a spectacular concert featuring timeless melodies. Delight in the lively overtures and polkas of Johann Strauss, the romantic allure of Tchaikovsky's waltzes and suites, and the vibrant rhythms of Brahms. This symphonic feast promises to fill your heart with holiday joy.

Colchester Castle Museum invites nursery and preschool groups to its enchanting Tiny Tots Nursery Grotto in December 2025. This special event offers young children aged five and under a calm and welcoming opportunity to meet Father Christmas. Alongside their visit, little ones can enjoy festive storytelling, sing-alongs, and playful activities...

Colchester Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for their 'Magic of Christmas' event. Visitors can enjoy the zoo's animal residents during regular hours, with special festive activities planned. For an even more enchanting experience, the 'Enchanted Trail of Light' offers a separate, ticketed evening walk filled with dazzling illuminations.

Colchester Castle invites families to its enchanting grotto for a magical encounter with Father Christmas in 2025. Children can share their Christmas wishes, receive a special festive gift, and create lasting memories. This special event offers a delightful start to the holiday season.

Get into the holiday spirit by crafting your own festive Christmas wreath. These hands-on workshops guide you through creating a beautiful 12-inch moss-based wreath, which you can then personalize with an array of dried fruits, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, baubles, and ribbons. Enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz and mince pies...

Step back in time this Christmas at Paycocke's House and Garden for an authentic Tudor Yuletide experience. Witness how Thomas Paycocke and his household celebrated centuries ago, complete with traditional decorations and festive foods. For a truly magical evening, be captivated by a performance of 'A Christmas Carol' in the...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with a 'Breakfast with Santa' event. This popular, sell-out experience offers a delightful cooked breakfast, engaging games, and interactive table activities. Children will have the chance to meet Santa Claus, receive a special gift, and create lasting holiday memories.

Experience the magic of Haverhill's Christmas lights! While a public switch-on event was not possible this year, the town council, with help from local DJs, has arranged a special 'secret switch-on'. Residents are invited to join the festive spirit by illuminating their own homes on December 1st at 6:00 PM,...

Get into the holiday spirit at Adventure Island's Christmas Experience! Meet Father Christmas and receive a special toy, plus enjoy a free child's meal, a round of golf, and arcade credits. This festive event offers a magical day out for the whole family with seasonal entertainment and crafts.