Colchester Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Colchester and surrounding areas
Colchester welcomes the holiday season with Holiday lights around the historic castle and a variety of holiday activities in the town centre and at Colchester Zoo. The seasonal calendar blends family fun, festive markets and creative workshops for visitors of all ages. Don’t miss the Enchanted Trail of Light at Colchester Zoo, Colchester Christmas Markets and the Air Dry Clay Decorations Workshop for markets, family fun and seasonal things to do.
Find the best Colchester Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
28 eventsFestive market with Santa, live music, and funfair rides.
Christmas Parties
22 eventsFestive party nights with DJ and disco
Christmas Lights
16 eventsTown-wide Christmas light switch-on and festive fair
Christmas Shows
9 eventsRock 'n' Roll panto adaptation with live music.
Other Christmas Activities
25 eventsVibrant community hub for art and holiday experiences.
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Lights Event
(Bury St Edmunds)
Town lights up for St. Edmund's Day with festive stalls and characters.
-
Sudbury Christmas Light Switch On & Fair
(Sudbury)
Town-wide Christmas light switch-on and festive fair
-
Colchester Christmas Markets
Festive market with Santa, live music, and funfair rides.
-
Enchanted Trail of Light at Colchester Zoo
(Stanway)
A mile-long trail with a 40m light tunnel and festive road train.
-
Colchester Holiday Season Experiences
Vibrant community hub for art and holiday experiences.
-
Air Dry Clay Decorations Workshop
Hands-on air dry clay holiday decoration workshop for families.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about events and activities in Colchester
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Colchester
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near Colchester
Sudbury
- Kentwell's Enchanting Gardens Lit By Night
- Boxing Day Carvery Lunch at Stoke by Nayland Resort
- Christmas Party Nights
Witham
See all in Witham →Ipswich
- Suffolk County Christmas Fair
- Christmas Suffolk Farmers Market
- Seckford Hall Christmas Party Nights 2025
Haverhill
See all in Haverhill →Rayleigh
See all in Rayleigh →Colchester Christmas FAQ
The Holiday Homecoming event is one of the biggest annual Christmas celebrations in Colchester, featuring a tree lighting, Santa’s arrival on a firetruck, a light parade, and festive activities for all ages.
Colchester’s unique holiday traditions include the light parade that follows the Memorial Day parade route and Santa’s arrival on a decorated firetruck, creating a community-centered festive atmosphere.
Beloved neighborhood favorites with well-decorated homes and streets offer the best Christmas light experiences in Colchester. These areas are popular for walking trails and community displays during the holiday season.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at Colchester Town Green during the Holiday Homecoming and at various artisan markets and craft fairs held near Colchester throughout the season.
Free or budget-friendly activities include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending the Holiday Homecoming event, enjoying community carol sings, and exploring local walking trails decorated for the holidays.
Families will enjoy the Holiday Homecoming with Santa visits, cookie treats, and holiday crafts. The light parade and community bonfire also provide engaging and festive experiences for children.