Last updated: November 11, 2024
The holidays are in full swing in South Benfleet! Discover all the festive events with our guide. For those born and raised in South Benfleet and those just arrived, our guide illuminates the city's festive offerings.
This season, families can enjoy a magical experience at Marsh Farm Santa's Grotto, where children can meet Santa and explore a winter wonderland filled with festive activities. Audley End Miniature Railway also offers a unique experience, featuring enchanting train rides through beautifully decorated grounds. And the Colchester Zoo Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing animal encounters alongside seasonal festivities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Artisan gifts and local treats in a historic setting.
The Markshall Estate Christmas Market offers a delightful day filled with artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. Enjoy local businesses, food trucks, and mulled wine in the picturesque surroundings of the estate.
Where: Coggeshall | More Info: Markshall Estate Christmas
Unique blend of local goods and festive atmosphere.
Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a variety of local produce, handmade gifts, and seasonal items in the town centre, with traders located in Great Square, High Street, New Street, and Bank Street.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market
Miniature steam train ride to meet Santa.
The Museum of Power Christmas event features a market with gifts and crafts, a miniature steam train ride to visit Santa, and various power-related exhibits. The Astaria Model Village is open, and the tea room serves refreshments. Special tickets include a train ride, Santa visit, and a gift for the child.
Where: Langford | More Info: Museum of Power Christmas
Diverse festive events with live entertainment and delicious meals.
Orsett Hall offers a variety of Christmas events, including Santa's Banquet Bash with children's entertainment and a festive meal, and Christmas Party Nights featuring a three-course meal and DJ entertainment.
Where: Orsett | More Info: Orsett Hall Christmas
3-course meal with special guest entertainment and dancing until 1am.
La Quinta's Dinner & Disco Christmas Party offers a 3-course meal with a choice of starter, main, and dessert from their festive menu. Enjoy special guest entertainment and dance the night away until 1am with their amazing resident DJ Luke.
Where: Benfleet | More Info: La Quinta Dinner & Disco Christmas Party
Swing arrangements of Christmas hymns and songs.
Christmas Crooners features a fantastic cast of West End singers and the Jazz All-Stars performing over 30 beloved Christmas hits, including classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. The evening is staged in the warm and delightful style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Shows, complete with stunning decor and festive cheer.
Where: Southend | More Info: Christmas Crooners
Interactive Elf Academy and Teddy Bear Market.
At Marsh Farm, children can embark on a special journey to the North Pole, where they'll learn spells at the Elf Academy, enjoy sweet treats in Mother Christmas's kitchen, and meet Father Christmas himself. The experience includes a visit to the Teddy Bear Market and the Elf Emporium, as well as access to the farm's festive rides and ice skating rink.
Where: South Woodham Ferrers | More Info: Marsh Farm Santa's Grotto
Family-friendly train ride through enchanted woods with themed activities.
Audley End Miniature Railway offers a delightful day out with a miniature steam train ride through ancient woodlands, an adventure playground, fairy and elf walk, and a woodland cafe serving locally sourced food.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Miniature Railway
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Colchester Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive activities, animal encounters, and beautiful light installations.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Colchester Zoo Christmas
Interactive animal encounters and festive rides.
Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas offers a variety of activities including meeting Santa, interacting with exotic animals, and enjoying thrilling rides like the Doggy Dog Roller Coaster. The event also features themed party rooms and an indoor soft play area for kids.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas
Santa's special gift for the whole family.
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience at Down Hall, featuring Christmas-themed treats and finger sandwiches, with a special visit from Santa Claus who will surprise and delight the whole family with a gift from the North Pole.
Where: Hatfield Heath | More Info: Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
Interactive holiday activities with Father Christmas and special gifts.
Adventure Island transforms into a holiday haven with Father Christmas, festive activities, and special gifts for children. Each child receives a toy and a free adult admission, along with vouchers for Sealife Adventure, golf, and arcade games.
Where: Southend on Sea | More Info: Adventure Island Christmas
Family-friendly Christmas train journey with festive entertainment.
Join Epping Ongar Railway for a family-friendly Christmas experience featuring Santa's Special Trains. Enjoy a return journey via ancient Epping Forest, festive food stalls, live brass bands, and interactive entertainment. All children receive a present from Santa.
Where: Ongar | More Info: Epping Ongar Railway Christmas
Interactive Christmas activities with Father and Mother Christmas.
At Barleylands Farm Park, the Christmas Experience includes meeting Father Christmas, making crafts with Mother Christmas, and choosing a gift from the Toy Factory. The event also features a Winter Walkway for photo opportunities and all-day access to the Farm Park with various activities like animal encounters and tractor rides.
Where: Billericay | More Info: Barleylands Farm Park Christmas
Decorated train journey with free Father Christmas visit.
Join a decorated Christmas Train journey to Wickford, featuring fun activities and a free pass to visit Father Christmas in the grotto. Adults £5, Children £3.
Where: Southminster | More Info: Christmas Train to Wickford
Interactive storytelling with Father Christmas.
Join Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens for a special Christmas event. Children of all ages can enjoy group storytelling sessions, meet Father Christmas, and receive a traditional gift. The event includes activities like letter writing, an illuminated woodland walk, and an interactive Christmas story.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Christmas
Personalized gingerbread toy-making experience with Santa's elves.
Join Little Monsters House of Fun for a special Christmas celebration with Father Christmas and his elves. Make your own 16-inch Gingerbread Man or Snowman, decorate a gingerbread treat, and enjoy festive activities like soft play and a Christmas Munch Box. This event includes a photo opportunity with Santa and his special guests, Rudolph and Olaf, and a gift from Santa to take home.
Where: Great Dunmow | More Info: Little Monsters Festive Grotto
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and animal encounters.
Join us for a festive event at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, featuring letter writing to Santa, a Christmas trail, Santa's grotto with a gift, and more. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities, including a miniature Christmas village and free treats for adults and children.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield