Southendonsea Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Southendonsea and surrounding areas
Southend-on-Sea brightens the festive season with Christmas markets and things to do along the seafront and historic downtown. Experience the Christmas Experience at Adventure Island, enjoy seasonal events at local hotels, or visit the Rochford Christmas Festival for community celebrations. The town offers winter festivals and family activities including parades, market stalls, and illuminated seafront walks where lights and seasonal treats make for joyous holiday outings by the pier and promenade.
Find the best Southend-on-Sea Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
22 eventsKent's largest free Christmas market with a Dickensian festival
Christmas Parties
20 eventsRooftop dining with airport runway views.
Christmas Lights
13 eventsA mile-long trail with a 40m light tunnel and festive road train.
Christmas Shows
6 eventsCharity carol concert in a historic cathedral
Christmas Activities
39 eventsFestive fun day out with Father Christmas and bundled attractions.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Rochester Christmas Market
(Rochester)
Kent's largest free Christmas market with a Dickensian festival
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Colchester Christmas Markets
(Colchester)
Festive market with Santa, live music, and funfair rides.
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Enchanted Trail of Light at Colchester Zoo
(Stanway)
A mile-long trail with a 40m light tunnel and festive road train.
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Christmas Experience at Adventure Island
(Southend-on-Sea)
Festive fun day out with Father Christmas and bundled attractions.
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Christmas Events at Holiday Inn Southend
(Southend-on-Sea)
Rooftop dining with airport runway views.
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Rochford Christmas Festival 2025
(Rochford)
Christmas market and lights switch-on event
Events Happening Soon (6)
Southendonsea Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Southendonsea
Southendonsea Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual event is the Christmas Lights Switch On on Southend High Street, featuring live entertainment, a festive market, and a fireworks finale on the seafront. This event marks the start of the holiday season with community celebrations.
Southend-on-Sea celebrates with a community-focused Christmas in the City event, combining diverse cultural performances and local theatre productions. The seafront fireworks finale alongside the lights switch-on is a distinctive tradition here.
Besides the city centre, several residential areas near Southend-on-Sea host beloved neighborhood displays and walking trails that showcase festive lights and decorations, offering a cozy local experience.
The main Christmas market on Southend High Street is the central hub for local makers and festive vendor stalls. Additional artisan markets and craft fairs may be found in nearby community spaces during the holiday season.
Enjoying the free Christmas light displays, attending the festive market on the High Street, and watching the seafront fireworks are great budget-friendly options. Many community performances and trails are also free to explore.
Families can enjoy the festive market’s workshops and live shows, the Christmas Lights Switch On event with its sing-alongs, and the fireworks finale. Walking trails and neighborhood displays also offer safe, fun outings for children.