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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Get pumped for the festive season in Wickford! Our guide highlights all the top holiday events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, our guide unlocks the festive spirit of Wickford.

One highlight is the Lakeside Christmas Wonderland, which transforms the lakeside into a magical hub of lights and attractions. With family-friendly activities and enchanting displays, it’s perfect for all ages. Another must-see, Havering Christmas Land, features an array of merry attractions, including a charming festive market and thrilling rides. And the Epping Ongar Light Fantastic is something you definitely don’t want to miss, bringing seasonal cheer with its spectacular illuminated train journey. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Wickford Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Community-driven Christmas lights trail supporting local mental health charity.

Description:

Havering Christmas Land is an outdoor attraction in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, featuring a Christmas lights walkway with thousands of twinkling coloured lights, themed rooms, and festive decorations. The event includes a Santa's Grotto, food, mulled wine, and beer, with all proceeds supporting local mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham.

Where: Hornchurch | More Info: Havering Christmas Land

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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 LED wristbands. The train is hosted by Voiceover Man and includes a festive DJ mix, interactive LED wristbands, and a fully immersive lightshow to music.

Where: Ongar | More Info: Epping Ongar Light Fantastic

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What to Expect:

Extravagant light displays throughout the park combined with live entertainment.

Description:

A delightful celebration in Southend, featuring stunning light displays, seasonal attractions, and festive activities for families. Visitors can wander through beautifully decorated areas and enjoy a variety of entertainment, including live performances and children's activities. Food stalls offer seasonal treats, creating a warm atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.

Where: Southend | More Info: Essex Christmas Wonderland

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Wickford Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Local traders selling traditional goods in the town centre.

Description:

Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a variety of local traders selling traditional fudge, meats, fresh produce, cakes, and handmade gifts. The market is set in the town centre, featuring a food and drink court with seating areas and a range of independent businesses.

Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market

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Wickford Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Swing band performance of classic Christmas songs.

Description:

Christmas Crooners features 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 evening is staged in the warm and delightful style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Shows, complete with stunning decor and festive favourites.

Where: Southend | More Info: Christmas Crooners

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What to Expect:

Unique blend of comedy and classic fairy tale elements.

Description:

Snow White Pantomime at Chelmsford Theatre features back-chatting mirrors, evil stepmothers, kind princes, singalongs, jokes, and silliness in a fresh new version of the classic tale.

Where: Chelmsford | More Info: Snow White Pantomime

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What to Expect:

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

Description:

Join Dick Whittington on his journey through panto land as he seeks fame and fortune. Facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde, Dick and friends must do all they can to save the day. This year promises a spectacular blend of everything you've come to expect from a Harlow Playhouse pantomime, ensuring an unmissable treat for all the family.

Where: Harlow | More Info: Dick Whittington Pantomime

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Wickford Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Free pass to visit Father Christmas's grotto for children.

Description:

Join a decorated Christmas Train journey to Wickford's Christmas Fayre, where each child buying an event ticket gets a free pass to visit Father Christmas's grotto. The train departs at 1.05pm from Southminster, with tickets available from September 24th.

Where: Southminster | More Info: Christmas Train to Wickford

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What to Expect:

Steam locomotive-hauled train with festive activities.

Description:

Join Epping Ongar Railway for a unique Christmas experience where children receive a present from Santa. The event includes a return journey on Santa's Fantastically Festive Special Train from North Weald, starting with a vintage London bus service from Epping or Ongar. Enjoy festive food stalls and live brass bands while meeting Santa and his friends.

Where: Ongar | More Info: Epping Ongar Santa Special Trains

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What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas activities with real ice skating and festive treats.

Description:

At Marsh Farm, the Father Christmas Experience is a 2.5-hour journey designed for families with children up to age 12. The event includes activities like the Elf Academy, Snow Show, Mother Christmas's Kitchen, and a visit to the Teddy Bear Market. Participants can also meet Father Christmas, decorate gingerbread persons, and enjoy festive rides and treats. The event is cashless, accepting major credit and debit cards.

Where: South Woodham Ferrers | More Info: Father Christmas Experience at Marsh Farm

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly Christmas celebration with animal encounters.

Description:

Join Hopefield Animal Sanctuary for a family-friendly Christmas event featuring letter writing to Santa, a Christmas trail, Santa's grotto with a gift, Christmas arts and crafts, access to a miniature Christmas village, and free gingerbread, warm squash, and mulled wine for adults. General admission to the sanctuary is included.

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

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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 near Saffron Walden. Climb aboard the Christmas Express to visit Father Christmas's winter workshop, where Mother Christmas and her elves are busy preparing toys. Meet Father Christmas, enjoy an illuminated woodland walk, create reindeer food, and write your Christmas wish list. The event includes a stage show, an Adventure Play Area, and a magical carousel ride.

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

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What to Expect:

Create your own 16-inch Gingerbread Man or Snowman.

Description:

Join Little Monsters House of Fun for a special Christmas party with Father Christmas and his elves, featuring Rudolph and Olaf. Make your own 16-inch Gingerbread Man or Snowman, decorate a gingerbread man, enjoy a photo opportunity with Santa and his guests, and participate in festive soft play activities.

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

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What to Expect:

Interactive storytelling with Father Christmas.

Description:

Meet Father Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens, where he shares seasonal stories and gives each child a traditional present. The event includes group storytelling sessions and opportunities for photographs.

Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Christmas at Audley End

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