Enjoy an iconic Christmas across the county, thanks to these suggestions from Visit Essex
Top visits to see Santa, trips to the panto, memorable shopping experiences, and the top attractions to visit this festive season, from Colchester Castle to Southend Pier. Here’s a lowdown on the best things to do this Christmas.
The big three
It is official: Colchester Zoo, Southend Pier and RHS Garden Hyde Hall are the top three most visited paid-for attractions in East Anglia. If you have never visited them – or want to go again – this Christmas is the perfect time.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall is home to a range of striking gardens and a wide variety of plant species. In December, The Winter Garden is the place to visit; explore texture, shape, and colour as you wander through the grounds. Glow, a lighting spectacular, will also return to RHS Garden Hyde Hall from 22 November, providing a fun and illuminating view of the stunning grounds and gardens. Tickets are priced £9.25 per adult and read more about this on page 98.
Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. Take a trip on the train to the end of the pier this Christmas and enjoy the festive decorations – you may even see Father Christmas, too.
Colchester Zoo is top of many people’s wish list and its elephants and giraffes have become much-loved attractions. In the run-up to Christmas, head to the zoo to see over 180 species in a range of habitats and enjoy the ‘Magic of Christmas’. The zoo will be alive with festive activities, see if you can spot Santa’s elves or find his reindeers. Visitors can also take part in ‘The Santa Experience’ and meet Father Christmas in a magical wonderland. Tickets are priced £16 for the meet and greet.
Find the perfect gift
Get that festive feeling by heading to the county’s town centres and historic markets for some Christmas shopping. Bond Street in Chelmsford is the perfect destination to find the ideal present. Home to the first John Lewis shop in Essex, its range of big brand stores and independent boutiques make it easy to find something special for loved ones.
For trinkets and more personalised gifts, Saffron Walden market, set in the middle of the town, is the perfect place to go. The market has run since 1141 and is beautifully decorated for Christmas each year. Fairy lights are hung above bustling shoppers as they look for ideal gifts. A full range of stalls are available at the market, including fine food, pottery plus other arts and crafts.
Indulge in a warming roast
Saffron Walden is steeped in history and, when you visit the market, you do not have to travel far for a cosy pub lunch, such as the 16th century pub, The Eight Bells. It offers a festive set menu including a Christmassy three-course roast with turkey, roast potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Another historic, timber-framed pub is The Cricketers in Clavering. From 20 November, enjoy a delicious roast, or treat yourself to a festive stay and let someone else take care of the preparations.
Meet Santa in a castle
Colchester Castle is the iconic landmark at the end of the city’s High Street. This Christmas, Santa will be treating children to special festive gifts in his enchanting grotto. Little ones will be able to share their Christmas wishes, meet Santa’s helpers and take part in a magical experience set within the historic castle. A meeting with Santa is priced £10 per child.
Santa is also heading over to Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden to spread more festive cheer. This Christmas visitors to the stately home can enjoy festive activities, which take place from 30 November. Children will be awe-inspired as they listen to storytelling, music and enjoy a meet and greet with Father Christmas.
Treat yourself to cocktails
Make a date for Christmas drinks and treat yourself to some on-trend cocktails in the county’s top bars and hotels. Greyfriars in Colchester offers first-rate champagne and martini cocktails in its Baroque Bar and Lounges. Or for a more boho feel, book a table at the Market House in the Market Square in Saffron Walden. The cocktail bar serves tasty tapas and handcrafted cocktails in a rustic setting. If you are looking for fun, head to Boom Battle Bar in Chelmsford. Try your hand at axe-throwing before heading into the private karaoke bar with a cocktail or two – cheers!
Gift an experience
Looking to treat that certain someone? Consider buying an experience for a fun day out in 2025. Thrill seekers will love a day out at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. With a range of activities, from white water rafting to kayaking, you will be sure to bag an adrenalin-filled gift that is perfect for making memories.
Take a visit to the panto… oh yes you can!
Treat your family to a memorable visit to the panto. Colchester’s Mercury Theatre is performing The New Adventures of Peter Pan. The panto is directed by and stars ‘the best pantomime dame in the country’ (British Theatre), Antony Stuart-Hicks. Boo, hiss, laugh and giggle as Tinkerbell tries to save Neverland from the dastardly Captain Hook. Or head over to Southend Cliffs Pavilion for The Giant Pantomime Spectacular where Essex’s own Rylan will be starring in Jack and the Beanstalk. Whereas Chelmsford’s Civic Theatre will be showcasing The Fairest Pantomime, with their production of Snow White.
Time for tea
Essex is home to the famous jam producers Wilkin and Sons, who have been making quality preserves and spreads since 1885. This Christmas, meet up with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon tea with a festive atmosphere. Craft lovers will also enjoy a Christmas wreath making workshop at the tearoom in Tiptree. The collection of jams and liquors also make a wonderful gift; visit their Christmas Fair, which will take place on 7-8 December in The Tiptree Marquee, where you can browse a range of preserves and enjoy the Christmassy atmosphere.
Enjoy a nostalgic Christmas treat
Christmas is a magical time, so why not head back into yesteryear and enjoy a trip with Santa onboard a special train. Epping Ongar Railway will be whisking visitors on a special Christmas adventure, which departs Epping Underground Station onboard a vintage double decker bus. Families will journey over to North Weald Station where they will listen to the sounds of a brass band. Onboard the special Santa train, children will be treated to a visit and gift by Father Christmas. Prices start from £55 for two people.
Experience the county from its 350-mile coastline
Enjoy a Boxing Day Walk with all the family. Essex is blessed with a stunning 350-mile coastline. Work off your Christmas dinner by taking a stroll by one of its beaches. Walk along the prom at Walton-on-the-Naze, and be cheered by the pretty, colourful beach huts. Due to the crumbling cliffs, at low tide, visitors can uncover fossils on the sea shore. Treat the family to a fun trip to the coast and see what you can uncover this winter.
If you are treated to a camera this Christmas, make sure you head over to Tollesbury. The red lightship stands tall amongst the saltmarshes and brings ‘colour’ to a stunning landscape. The swirling saltmarshes were featured in Dickens’ novels and have more recently featured in hit TV series The Essex Serpent starring Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes.Â
For more iconically festive things to do in Essex, including top places to eat and drink, head to visitessex.com
