Colchester Castle Christmas Open Evening
Visitors can wander through the Castle to explore over 2,000 years of history while taking in Christmas decorations throughout the building. Guests can enjoy festive refreshments and experience the historic venue in a relaxed after-hours atmosphere. Children can also drop in for a visit with Father Christmas and receive a small gift.
What to Expect
Free after-hours evening featuring festive decorations throughout the historic castle.
Event Details
Ages
Suitable for Everyone
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Colchester Museums
Food & Drink
Festive refreshments are available during the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors of all ages
Vibe
Festive and relaxed
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free entry to Colchester Castle and the Christmas Open Evening. Optional meeting with Father Christmas: £6 per child, including a five-minute session and a small gift.
- Hours: 3pm to 8pm.
- Parking: Eleven blue badge spaces sit just outside the park gates on Museum Street, with more on the High Street. Use CO1 1TJ for sat navs.
- Accessibility: Step-free access is available across the museum's two gallery floors via ramps and two lifts.
- Pets: Assistance dogs are welcome.
Tips & Advice
- Expect queues throughout the evening, including for Father Christmas, because the Castle can get particularly busy during the Open Evening.
- Make sure every child comes with an adult, as children must be accompanied, but there is no need to book because you can simply drop in.
- If someone in your group finds queuing difficult, tell the staff at the welcome desk and they will do their best to prioritise you.
- Travel light, because there is no space at the Castle to leave buggies, scooters or other belongings while you look around.
- Ask at the welcome desk to borrow a Sunflower lanyard or ear defenders if anyone in your party would find the busy evening easier with them.
Special Events & Promotions
- Meet Father Christmas for a five-minute visit with a small gift, which costs extra per child.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to book?
No. Booking isn't required, so you can just drop in. Queues may form during the evening, including for Father Christmas.
Can children meet Father Christmas?
Yes. Children can have an optional five-minute visit with Father Christmas and get a small gift. There's a separate charge per child for this.
Is the evening suitable for young children?
It suits all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Is there anything to eat or drink?
Yes. Festive refreshments are served while you wander through the Christmas decorations around the building.
Can wheelchair users get around the Castle?
Yes. The galleries are spread over two floors with step-free access and two lifts. The entrance is cobbled, and a gravel path leads up to it. There are two accessible toilets on the ground floor.
More Christmas Events Near Colchester
More Christmas Events near Colchester
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