Maldon Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors walk through a festive grotto to meet Santa's elves and explore themed scenes. Children can complete grotto games to earn a sweet treat before heading into Santa's lounge to chat and receive a gift.

Children can step into a magical grotto set within the historic surroundings of Colchester Castle. Visitors meet Father Christmas and his Castle helpers, share their holiday wishes, and receive a special festive gift. The experience is designed for families to...

Participants can run, jog, or walk either a 2.5km or 5km route winding through scenic Colchester Castle Park. Entrants receive festive wear on the day to dress up as they complete the course alongside friends, family, and colleagues. Everyone who...

Visitors follow a pathway lined with decorated Christmas trees in Keep Hall to meet Santa in person. Each visiting child receives a chosen gift to take home.

Children up to age 10 run around a specially designed track alongside Santa, collecting stickers from elves at milestone distances to see how far they can get. Participants receive medals, stickers, and other surprises from Santa. Accompanying adults can run...

Participants join Sarah from Greenacres Glass for a beginner-friendly festive fused glass workshop inside historic Colchester Castle. Guests craft three holiday trees—two hanging baubles and one tealight decoration—using provided materials, with drinks, cake, and nibbles served during the session. Tickets...

Participants create a personalized festive door wreath to take home during a hands-on session designed for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Each guest receives a welcome drink, with options including mulled wine or hot chocolate, and additional festive snacks can...

Participants create a seasonal wreath using a selection of fresh foliage, natural materials, ribbons, and holiday decorations. A tutor guides attendees step by step through traditional or contemporary designs. The workshop also provides a cream tea alongside mulled wine and...

This classical concert series is designed specifically for babies, toddlers, and their carers. Performances feature professional musicians playing a range of musical styles and instruments in a family-friendly setting.

Children learn how to turn drawings into moving sequences using classic frame-by-frame animation methods. Under the guidance of animation artists, participants design characters, draw simple storyboards, and work with lightboxes, pencils, and paint. Each participant creates animation miniclips to take...

Participants weave a wreath using willow and adorn it with provided greenery, berries, cinnamon sticks, and ribbons. Held inside the visitor centre, the workshop includes crafting instruction, all necessary materials, and a hot drink. Attendees can also bring their own...

Participants create their own version of a colourful Christmas tree painting under the guidance of a professional artist. The session provides step-by-step instruction on various painting techniques, and all necessary art materials are supplied for attendees to take their finished...

Participants craft a custom holiday wreath using provided seasonal foliage, ribbons, and decorative embellishments under step-by-step guidance. The session is designed for both beginners and experienced crafters, with everyone taking their finished creation home. A sit-down lunch is served at...

Participants craft a fresh foliage wreath using cat-safe, non-toxic materials while spending time around the café's resident cats. The session is suitable for beginners, with all necessary materials provided. Admission to the cat café is included, and refreshments can be...

Participants design and print their own festive greetings cards, wrapping paper, and gift tags. The workshop uses paper cut stencils to explore two-colour screen printing, basic repeat patterns, and print registration. All materials are provided, and the class caters to...

Participants craft a handmade Christmas wreath using fresh festive foliage, decorations, ribbons, and natural materials. A tutor provides step-by-step guidance suitable for both complete beginners and experienced crafters. Attendees also receive a hot or soft beverage and a slice of...

Participants design and hand-paint their own Christmas bauble and mulled wine glass in an in-person workshop setting. Attendees can sip their choice of drink while working on their glassware projects. The session requires no prior painting experience.

Guests participate in a Christmas wreath-making workshop accompanied by a festive mini tea. The food selection includes sandwiches such as egg and cress, smoked salmon and cream cheese, and turkey and cranberry, alongside a sausage roll and a pig in...

Participants learn hands-on bookbinding techniques to design and assemble a customized special-edition book. The session covers skills needed to rebind books from your own collection and accommodates both beginners and experienced crafters. All crafting materials are supplied, and attendees can...

The Lexi Doll Charity hosts a Christmas Santa N Disco Party on November 29, 2026, at Plantation Hall in Heybridge. The event includes dancing, games, crafts, and a Santa meet-and-greet, with a present for each child.

Marsh Farm's Father Christmas Experience offers activities for children, including an Elf Academy, meeting Father Christmas, decorating gingerbread, and creating teddy bears. The event includes shows, visits to Mother Christmas's kitchen, a gift from the Elf Emporium, and access to...

Step into a winter wonderland at Barleylands for their enchanting Father Christmas Experience. Children can visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto and receive a special gift, creating lasting holiday memories. The farm park offers a delightful setting for festive...

Experience the festive spirit at the Canvey Island Christmas Event, hosted by the Canvey Island Town Council. This community celebration promises a delightful time for all, marking the joyous holiday season with local charm and seasonal cheer.

Step into a magical Christmas journey at Call of the Wild Zoo's enchanting grotto. Families can enjoy a private visit with Father Christmas, meet Mrs. Claus in her bakery, and select a toy from his workshop. Before or after the...

Firstsite in Colchester invites visitors to celebrate the festive season with a diverse array of creative and community-focused experiences. From hands-on workshops and seasonal cinema screenings to artisan craft markets and family activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Discover...

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...

Ingatestone Hall provides a guided Christmas wreath-making workshop with canapés and refreshments within the venue's historic surroundings.

Unleash your creativity and craft a stunning Christmas wreath at this delightful workshop. Led by a talented florist, you'll learn to create a beautiful festive decoration to take home. Enjoy the charming ambiance of the Tiptree Tea Room while immersing...

Unleash your creativity this festive season at the Air Dry Clay Decorations workshop. Led by ceramic artist Lizzie Croucher, this fun, hands-on session teaches simple techniques for shaping and decorating clay. Children can craft stars, trees, or entirely unique holiday...

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...