Last updated: 11 November 2024
Your go-to resource for holiday fun in Southend-on-Sea is here! Explore our guide for all the best events and activities. For those who live and breathe Southend-on-Sea and those just getting acquainted, this guide is your festive companion.
Popular during this festive season, the Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Event invites families to enjoy enchanting train rides through beautifully lit landscapes. Colchester Zoo Christmas Events also offer a unique experience with opportunities to see animals in a winter wonderland setting. And the Harlow Playhouse Pantomime is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring entertaining performances that capture the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Southend-on-Sea Holiday Light Displays
Markshall Estate Christmas Market and Enlightened
- What to Expect
- Immersive winter light trail with interactive exhibits and 3D special effects.
- Description
- Markshall Estate's Enlightened features over a mile of specially curated illuminations, including a giant digital tunnel, captivating laser show, and interactive exhibits. Guests can immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring installations, both young and old.
- Where
- Coggeshall | More Info : Markshall Estate Christmas Market and Enlightened
Southend-on-Sea Holiday Markets and Shopping
Braintree Christmas Street Market
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans and seasonal items.
- Description
- Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a variety of food stalls, bars, crafts, and shopping opportunities in the town centre, with traders located in Great Square, High Street, New Street, Bank Street, George Yard Shopping Centre, and Sandpit Lane.
- Where
- Braintree | More Info : Braintree Christmas Street Market
Southend-on-Sea Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities with farm animals.
- Description
- Old Macdonald's Farm Christmas offers a variety of festive activities including a roaming Santa Claus, singing princesses, Christmas arts and crafts, a Christmas parade, an interactive gingerbread hunt, and a Christmas train ride. The event also features new attractions like the Reindeer Ride and the OMD's Christmas Show.
- Where
- Brentwood | More Info : Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas
Epping Ongar Railway Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Interactive light show with LED wristbands and festive activities.
- Description
- Epping Ongar Railway offers two unique Christmas experiences: Santa's Special Trains, where families can meet Santa and enjoy festive activities, and the Epping Ongar Lights Express, an interactive light show featuring Voiceover Man and stunning neon views.
- Where
- Ongar | More Info : Epping Ongar Railway Christmas Events
Orsett Hall Christmas Lunch and Dinner
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas Day Lunch with a 5-course meal and live music.
- Description
- Orsett Hall offers a variety of Christmas events, including a sumptuous three-course meal, live entertainment, and delightful children's activities. The events cater to families and adults alike, providing a memorable holiday experience.
- Where
- Orsett | More Info : Orsett Hall Christmas Lunch and Dinner
Harlow Playhouse Pantomime
- What to Expect
- Classic pantomime with a stellar cast.
- Description
- Join Harlow Playhouse for a thrilling pantomime adventure as Dick Whittington seeks fame and fortune, facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde. Starring Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley, this spectacular blend of comedy, music, and drama promises an unmissable treat for all the family.
- Where
- Harlow | More Info : Harlow Playhouse Pantomime
Chelmsford Theatre Pantomime
- What to Expect
- Fresh take on a classic tale with interactive elements.
- Description
- A fun and fresh new version of the classic tale, Snow White, brings all the ingredients of a perfect family Christmas treat to Chelmsford Theatre. Expect back-chatting mirrors, evil stepmothers, kind princes, singalongs, jokes, silliness, and a dame in a whole forest of fun.
- Where
- Chelmsford | More Info : Chelmsford Theatre Pantomime
Cliffs Pavilion Christmas Shows
- What to Expect
- State-of-the-art performances with diverse holiday entertainment.
- Description
- Cliffs Pavilion presents a variety of Christmas shows featuring top-name performers, West End musicals, and classic holiday entertainment.
- Where
- Southend on Sea | More Info : Cliffs Pavilion Christmas Shows
Princes Theatre Christmas Shows
- What to Expect
- Traditional pantomime with live entertainment and community involvement.
- Description
- Princes Theatre presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a grand Christmas pantomime featuring beautiful Snow White and beloved characters, ensuring a delightful theatrical experience.
- Where
- Clacton on Sea | More Info : Princes Theatre Christmas Shows
Southend-on-Sea Other Holiday Activities
Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Event
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas train ride with festive activities.
- Description
- At Audley End Miniature Railway, embark on a festive journey through ancient woodland near Saffron Walden. Meet Father Christmas and his elves, enjoy a beautifully lit woodland walk, and create your own reindeer food. Each child receives a special gift, and activities include writing letters to Father Christmas and participating in a stage show.
- Where
- Saffron Walden | More Info : Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Event
Colchester Zoo Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Immersive light trail and interactive Santa Experience.
- Description
- Colchester Zoo's Christmas events offer a variety of festive activities, including the Enchanted Light Trail and the Santa Experience, creating a joyful atmosphere for all visitors.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Colchester Zoo Christmas Events
Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
- What to Expect
- Santa visits with special gifts for children.
- Description
- Join Down Hall Hotel for a delightful afternoon tea experience with Santa, where children can receive a special gift from the North Pole. Enjoy a beautifully prepared meal with family and friends in a charming setting.
- Where
- Hatfield Heath | More Info : Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
Adventure Island Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Interactive Father Christmas experience with various child-friendly activities.
- Description
- At Adventure Island, children can meet Father Christmas, receive a toy, and enjoy a ride wristband. Each child gets a free adult to join them, along with additional perks like a Sealife Adventure Zooquarium voucher, a free round of golf, and free video games.
- Where
- Southend on Sea | More Info : Adventure Island Christmas Events
Barleylands Farm Park Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive animal experiences and festive activities.
- Description
- Barleylands Farm Park Christmas offers a variety of activities including animal encounters, outdoor adventures, and festive events, creating a memorable holiday experience for all ages.
- Where
- Billericay | More Info : Barleylands Farm Park Christmas
Colchester Castle Park Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Free Santa suits and limited edition medals for participants.
- Description
- Join the Santa Fun Run at Colchester Castle Park for a fun-filled 5km or 3km run, jog, or walk. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings while supporting local hospital charities.
- Where
- Colchester | More Info : Colchester Castle Park Christmas Events
Tiptree Christmas Wreath Making
- What to Expect
- Hands-on wreath-making workshop with expert guidance.
- Description
- Create your own traditional Christmas wreath from scratch with all materials and decorations provided, including a welcome drink and delicious Tiptree cream tea.
- Where
- Tiptree | More Info : Tiptree Christmas Wreath Making