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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Plan your perfect holiday season in Grays with our guide. We’ve gathered all the best events and activities to help you make the most of the festivities. From Grays natives to visiting explorers, this guide is your companion for festive adventures.

Popular events this holiday season include the enchanting Lakeside Christmas Wonderland, where visitors can stroll through a picturesque winter landscape filled with twinkling lights and seasonal delights. Experience the joy of the Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Experience, which features captivating rides through the countryside, taking families on a magical journey to meet Santa. And the Christmas at Orsett Hall is an experience you definitely don't want to miss, offering delightful seasonal dining options and festive ambiance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Grays Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Themed Christmas lights walkway with Santa's Grotto.

Description:

Havering Christmas Land is an outdoor attraction featuring a Christmas lights walkway with thousands of twinkling lights, themed rooms, and festive decorations. It includes a Santa's Grotto where children can meet Santa and receive a gift. The event also offers food, mulled wine, and beer, making it a delightful experience for families.

Where: Hornchurch | More Info: Havering Christmas Land

Event Organizer?

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 wristbands. Each passenger receives an interactive LED wristband synchronized to the music, creating a fully immersive experience with stunning neon views and sound-to-light fun for the whole family.

Where: Ongar | More Info: Epping Ongar Light Fantastic

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Grays Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique blend of local produce and artisanal goods in a lively town centre setting.

Description:

The Braintree Street Market is a monthly event in the town centre, featuring a variety of vendors selling street food, local produce, homeware, and more. It offers a great social experience with a good atmosphere and turnout, providing a bustling marketplace for shopping and dining.

Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market

Event Organizer?

Grays Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Family-friendly Christmas celebrations with diverse entertainment options.

Description:

Orsett Hall offers a variety of Christmas events, including Santa's Banquet Bash with entertainment by Moji Children's Entertainer, Mini Panto, and Magic Show with Elves. The event features delightful children's activities and a special surprise for every child. Christmas Party Nights include a three-course festive meal, half bottle of house wine per person, and entertainment by the resident DJ. All-Inclusive Christmas Party Nights offer unlimited drinks at the inclusive bar until 11:30 PM.

Where: Grays | More Info: Christmas at Orsett Hall

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive children's entertainment with Santa and elves.

Description:

A fun Christmas family event featuring children's entertainment, a home-made scone platter, and activities for kids, including a Santa photo opportunity and mini panto magic show.

Where: Grays | More Info: Santa's Banquet Bash

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Classic pantomime with a blend of comedy, music, and adventure.

Description:

Harlow Playhouse presents "Dick Whittington," a thrilling pantomime starring Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley. Join Dick on his quest for fame and fortune as he faces the wicked King Rat and his rat horde. This spectacular blend of comedy, music, and adventure promises an unforgettable experience for all the family.

Where: Harlow | More Info: Harlow Playhouse Pantomime

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What to Expect:

Swing band performance 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

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Grays Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Live Christmas swing entertainment with a delicious three-course meal.

Description:

Swingmas Lunch at Orsett Hall features a delightful three-course meal prepared by talented chefs, accompanied by live Christmas swing entertainment by a fantastic singer.

Where: Grays | More Info: Swingmas Lunch at Orsett Hall

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What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas experience with Father Christmas and festive activities.

Description:

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 Santa, and participate in various festive activities.

Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Experience

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What to Expect:

Interactive Santa Experience with festive activities.

Description:

Colchester Zoo offers a variety of festive activities, including seeing Santa's reindeer, creating crafts at the Elves' Workshop, and listening to stories about Santa's new sloth friend. The event features a Santa Experience where children can meet Santa and receive a special gift.

Where: Colchester | More Info: Colchester Zoo Christmas Event

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What to Expect:

Personalized Santa experience with handmade toys and festive activities.

Description:

Visit 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.

Where: Great Dunmow | More Info: Little Monsters Festive Grotto

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What to Expect:

Largest ice rink outside of London.

Description:

Lakeside Christmas Wonderland features a large ice rink, live music, games, rides, and food outlets, all set in the outdoor events space of Lakeside Shopping Centre. The event includes a giant igloo ice rink where you can skate in all weather.

Where: West Thurrock | More Info: Lakeside Christmas Wonderland

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What to Expect:

Hands-on wreath making with all materials and refreshments included.

Description:

Create your own traditional Christmas wreath from scratch with all materials and decorations provided, including a welcome drink, Tiptree cream tea or cheese tea, and a discount voucher for the gift shop.

Where: Tiptree | More Info: Tiptree Christmas Wreath Making

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What to Expect:

Interactive storytelling with Father Christmas.

Description:

Join Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens for a special storytelling session around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling, meet Father Christmas and take photographs. Each child will receive a traditional present to unwrap.

Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Christmas Family Day

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly Christmas event with Santa's grotto and animal encounters.

Description:

Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield offers a family-friendly event with activities like letter writing to Santa, a Christmas trail, and access to Santa's grotto with a gift for each child. The event includes both indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring fun regardless of the weather. General admission to the sanctuary is also included, allowing visitors to see the animals.

Where: Brentwood | More Info: Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield

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