5 Festive Things To Do In Essex In December

Updated for 2025 – 13/10/2025

Christmas Events in Essex 2025

Full of great towns, countryside, and coast, Essex has plenty to see and do. Our list of festive things to do in Essex highlights the best events planned this December.

This is just one in our series of local guides to December & the Christmas period – check out what’s on in Lincolnshire in December, festive events in Norfolk, Christmas events in Suffolk, things to do in December in East Yorkshire and December events in North Yorkshire.

1. Christmas Show at West Cliff Theatre

Head on down to the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea for their annual Christmas Variety Spectacular.

Each year, our spectacular production features a Ho-Ho-host of festive fun for the whole family to enjoy. Featuring gorgeous costumes, sublime vocalists, laugh out loud comedy and strictly FAB-U-LOUS dancers, The Christmas Show is the perfect celebration of the yuletide season.

West Cliff Clacton

Tickets for the West Cliff Theatre Christmas Show are now on sale for shows on Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st December.

2. Santa Express at Audley End Railway

From 22nd November to 24th December, the Christmas spirit will be in full swing at Audley End Miniature Railway.

Step into Christmas magic on the Santa Express! Meet Holly the Christmas Fairy as you board the train and journey through an enchanted forest filled with twinkling lights and festive scenes. At Father Christmas’ workshop, greet Father and Mother Christmas, receive a special gift, and meet friendly elves, the Nutcracker, and a graceful Ballerina.

Explore Fulfen Forest, make reindeer food, post your letter to Santa, enjoy stage shows, and warm up with a hot chocolate. A magical Christmas adventure for the whole family!

3. A Magical Christmas Experience at Clacton Pier

Head to Clacton Pier for a magical Christmas experience.

Visit Santa’s grotto and meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the talking snowman, and the singing reindeer! Each visit comes with a soft toy for children, a cookie, and a festive hot chocolate for adults. Wander through the dazzling winter wonderland, filled with sparkling lights and holiday decorations, for a magical festive treat.

The Magical Christmas Experience starts from 29th November to 24th December!

4. Christmas Fair at Museum of Power

Meet Santa in his Grotto, enjoy a miniature steam train ride, check out the Christmas stalls and enjoy festive entertainment and rides on the Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December between 10:00 & 16:00. Book your tickets now!

5. Glow at Hyde Hall

Step into a magical winter wonderland at RHS Hyde Hall Glow, with twinkling lights, vibrant colours, and festive cheer. Explore the illuminated gardens, from the iconic sycamore and neon tree to the new Robinson Garden installation. Pause for selfies at the giant star arch, enjoy the lights-on-the-lake show, and wander through sparkling tunnels to the glowing Winter Garden.

Warm up with seasonal treats at the Gardener’s Rest Restaurant or lakeside cabins—perfect for a festive family outing.

Available on selected dates from Friday 21st November to Saturday 27th December.

6. Enlightened at Castle Park in Colchester

Enlightened Events host magical outdoor light trails around the country, with over 200,000 visitors in 2023!

Castle Park in Colchester will play host to a magical experience from 12th – 28th December, from 16:30 until 21:00 every day. There are also food vendors available, or head into the town centre before or after to enjoy the winter evenings.

Any event suggestions we should add in Essex? Let us know on Social Media!