As the weather turns colder, the evenings get darker and we start planning for the months ahead, many of us will start searching for Christmas things going on near me, as we strive to book up our pre-Christmas calendars! At Burnham Waters in Essex, we love how many festive activities there are taking place, across the county.  

If you’re wondering what’s going on over the next few weeks locally, then our latest Essex Christmas events round-up could be for you! The team at Burnham Waters has taken a closer look at things to do in Burnham-on-Crouch and the surrounding area to compile a Christmas in Essex 2025 calendar. Read on for our round-up.

If you are specifically searching for Christmas markets, then take a look at our latest Essex Christmas markets blog post here. Dedicated to summarising some of the very best Essex Christmas markets for 2025.

What’s on this Christmas in Essex 2025

Astaria Model Village Candlelight Illuminations

Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA
Fridays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 31st October 2025, 6pm - 8pm

Explore the Museum of Power's Model Village, which becomes even more wonderful at night with over 500 candles illuminating the enchanting fairy houses and village life.

The Miniature Railway will also be running a night train, and the Steam Pump Tea Room will be open for food and refreshments.

As well as free entry to the Model Village, there is free entry to the Museum and free car parking.

Find out more about the Astaria Model Village Candlelight Illuminations at the Museum of Power here.

Hylands Estate Christmas

Hylands Estate and Park in Chelmsford has several events going on throughout the festive season!  

Christmas Warm Glass Workshop

The Stables, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ  
7th & 8th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd November 2025, 10am – 4pm

Spend a fun day learning a new skill and creating your own unique Christmas decorations for you to treasure or gift to friends and family. You will learn how to cut, grind and colour glass as well as apply the decorative features to personalise your beautiful glass decorations. This workshop is the perfect creative start to this year’s festivities.

Find out more about the Christmas Warm Glass Workshop and Hylands Estate here.

Christmas Stained Glass Workshop

The Stables, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ  
14th – 16th November & 5th – 6th December 2025, 10am – 5pm  

Create your own beautiful stained glass Christmas decorations. You will learn how to cut glass safely. Then, having picked your patterns and the glass you want to use, you will be guided through the cutting, copper foiling and soldering processes, so by the end of the day you will take home heirloom decorations, which you will be able to enjoy every Christmas.

Find out more about the Christmas Stained Glass Workshop and Hylands Estate here.

The Party Kingdom Christmas Experience

Old Oak Farm, Rectory Lane, Latchingdon, Essex, CM07BE
Selected dates from 15th November 2025

An award-winning family Christmas experience based in Latchingdon.

This year there are two experiences to choose from:

1. Gold Experience: A ride on The Santa Express (children only); a ride in the Magical Elevator to The North Pole; a personal chat with Father Christmas; fun and games throwing snowballs at the penguins PLUS a gift from the Elf Post Office. (Approx 30 minutes)

2. Platinum Experience: Build a Bear in the Elf Workshop with Mother Christmas; a ride on The Santa Express (children only); a ride in the Magical Elevator to The North Pole; a personal chat with Father Christmas; a sleigh ride; fun and games throwing snowballs at the penguins PLUS a gift from the Elf Post Office. (Approx 60 - 70 minutes.)

Find out more about The Party Kingdom’s Christmas Experiences here. 

The Marsh Farm Christmas Experience  

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5WP
16th November - 24th December 2025

Get transported to the North Pole for a magical journey for you and your family!

On your guided tour you'll first be greeted by the Elves at Passport Control to make sure all your papers are in order. Then, you'll be whisked off to the Elf Academy where you'll be inducted as an honorary Elf. Then you’ll be off to Mother Christmas' kitchen for some sweet treats, before meeting Father Christmas himself!

There will also be a visit to The Teddy Bear Market, where you can choose and make your very own furry friend to take home with you.

Marsh Farm will also be open for you to enjoy before or after your tour.

Find out more about the Marsh Farm Christmas Experience here.  

Christmas Lunch Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6RN
Thursday 20th November 2025, 12pm – 3pm

More than just a superbly cooked and presented meal, Christmas dining at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is an event to remember, and sure to be one of the highlights of your festive season!

Your meal will be served in the beautifully preserved historic environment of The Airmen’s Mess – the exact same room where the pilots and personnel from the Royal Flying Corps will have dined during World War One. With its simple wooden furniture, richly polished parquet floor, uniforms hanging on the coat pegs and piano in the corner, this is a heritage venue like no other. 

Served at the elegantly dressed tables, your seasonal lunch will be cooked from scratch on the premises by their experienced chef, with a variety of options to suit everyone.

Find out more about Christmas Lunch at the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome here.

Christmas at the Museum of Power: Wreath Making Workshops

Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd, and Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November 2025
10am – 12pm or 1pm – 3pm

Get creative and enjoy a Wreath Making Workshop at the Museum of Power this festive season.  

Find out more about the Wreath Making Workshops at the Museum of Power here.

Hylands Estate: Christmas at The Stables  

The Stables, Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ
Wednesday 26th November 2025, 5pm - 9pm

Enjoy a magical evening filled with live music, festive cheer, and local traders offering artisan food, drinks, and gifts. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

Whether you are yet to start on your Christmas shopping, fancy a festive refresh of your decoration collection, or just need a few more treats for friends, family – this event will have everything you need to make your festive season extra special.

There will also be a community of artists, designers, makers and creatives, all opening the doors to their studios on the ground and first floor of The Stables, for visitors to explore.

Find out more about Christmas at The Stables at Hylands Estate here.

Enlightened 2025

Hylands Estate (Writtle Entrance off of Greenbury Way – A414), CM2 8FS  
Friday 28th November 2025 – 3rd January 2026, 4:30pm - 11pm

This winter, Enlightened returns to Hylands Estate, bringing a bigger, brighter, and even more magical light trail experience. After last year’s sell-out success, the event is back with a breathtaking new route, brand-new installations, and a truly immersive festive atmosphere.

From twinkling tunnels of light to dazzling laser projections, every step along the trail is designed to captivate and amaze. Whether it’s your first time or a returning favourite, Enlightened at Hylands Estate is a must-visit festive experience for all ages.

Find out more about Enlightened 2025 here.

There are also Enlightened events taking place elsewhere in Essex at:
 

Markshall Estate – Coggeshall  

Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1TG
4th December 2025 to 31st December 2025

Castle Park – Colchester  

Colchester Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, C01 1TJ  
12th December 2025 to 28th December 2025

Light Up Maldon  

Maldon High Street, Essex
Thursday 27th November 2025, 5pm - 9pm

Explore a fantastic array of market stalls lining the High Street, offering unique gifts, local wares, and delicious hot food and beverages. Discover even more treasures inside the Town Hall, All Saints Church, The Maeldune Centre, and Moot Hall, where talented local artisans will be showcasing their handcrafted goods and festive decorations.

Plus, enjoy a vibrant programme of local performers filling the air with festive cheer. Look forward to carols from local groups, musical performances, and captivating displays that will get you into the Christmas spirit. There will also be a traditional Santa’s Grotto (at Brights Solicitors), providing a magical experience for the little ones.

Find out more about Light Up Maldon 2025 here.  

Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield  

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9BZ 
Weekends from 29th November 2025

Get in the festive spirit with Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield!

Here’s what is included:

• Letter to Santa

• Christmas Trail

• Santa's Grotto (with gift)

• Christmas Arts & Crafts

• Access to Miniature Christmas Village

• FREE gingerbread & warm squash (mulled wine and mince pie for the grown-ups!)

• General admission to the sanctuary

There are both indoor and outdoor activities, so the event will go ahead come rain or shine!

Find out more about Christmas at Hopefield here.

Creeksea Place Christmas Wreath Making & Table Decoration Workshop

Creeksea Place Manor House, Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ
Saturday 29th November 2025, 11am – 1pm

If Christmas wreath making is your annual tradition, this is the event for you! Join the experts at this fresh wreath and table decoration workshop! All materials are included with the ticket, which is £50 per person. The ticket includes refreshments – with unlimited tea and coffee plus homemade cakes and mince pies.

Choose to make either a wreath, or a table decoration.

Find out more about the Christmas Wreath Making & Table Decoration Workshop  here.

The Tailor of Gloucester with Christmas Dinner at the Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US
3rd December 2025 - 7th December 2025

Step into the enchanting world of The Tailor of Gloucester Dining Show, by Minty Spectre. Woven throughput a three course Christmas Dinner is this timeless narrative performed by Minty Spectre of Beatrix Potter’s cherished book of  The Tailor of Gloucester. The story is read by a narrator and accompanied by a vocal group to bring the characters alive.  

The vocal group is made up of four singers, singing both original and classic Christmas music, woven into and around this classic tale.

Find out more about The Tailor of Gloucester with Christmas Dinner at the Layer Marney Tower here.

The Royal Corinthian Christmas Wreath Making Class

Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AX
Wednesday 3rd December 2025, 6pm - 8:30pm

You are invited to the RCYC with local florist Samantha May Floristry for this festive workshop.

All materials are provided to create your very own stunning holiday wreath. This creative class is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a complete novice, there’ll be help on hand to guide you, ensuring your design is something you can cherish in Christmases to come!

Limited spaces available, so book yours now!  

Find out more about The Royal Corinthian Christmas Wreath Making Class here.

Christmas Fun with Santa at the Museum of Power

Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December 2025, 9:30am - 4pm

Start your Christmas fun journey at the railway station. Aboard the train and go to see Santa at his grotto, receive your gifts and take photos. You will exit through the magical Astaria Model Village with over 500 candles illuminating the enchanting fairy houses and village life. Then you can enter the Museum to receive Santa’s snacks.

Tickets include a train ride to Santa’s Grotto, Santa Snacks and a Christmas present.

Find out more about Christmas Fun with Santa at the Museum of Power here.

Christmas Race Day at Chelmsford City Racecourse

Chelmsford City Racecourse, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1QP
Thursday 18th December 2025, 3:30pm – 10:30pm

The final race of the 2025 season. Enjoy all the thrill and excitement of racing, under the dramatic lighting of the racecourse, illuminated by Christmas lights and decorations.  

There will be extended opening hours, a festive drinks menu , Christmas carols and a disco in the sports bar after racing.  

Find out more about the Christmas Race Day at Chelmsford City Racecourse here.

Father Christmas Experience at the Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US  
19th December 2025, 10:00am - 5:00pm

The Layer Marney Tower will be transformed into a winter wonderland for an enchanting Father Christmas Experience, all in support of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. It’s the perfect way to start the Christmas holidays with joy, laughter and a touch of festive magic.

Tickets include entrance to Layer Marney Tower;  a meeting with Father Christmas; a gift for each child; live festive entertainment, craft activities; story telling; Poppy and Pixie (the famous donkeys!), ride on a Routemaster bus and more! There will be mulled wine (for the grown-ups!) and a mince pie.

Find out more about the Father Christmas Experience at the Layer Marney Tower here.

Oi Christmas! at the Chelmsford City Museum

Chelmsford City Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ
22nd and 23rd December 2025

Join the festive fun all themed on the best-selling Christmas books by Kes Gray!

On Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December, take the opportunity to get hands on, painting and making Christmas Gnomes, creating your own Northern Lights picture, and having a go at the museum’s toy making time trial.  

Activities are suitable for ages over 5 -10 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult, who can attend for free, including entry to the museum.

Find out more about Oi Christmas! at the Chelmsford City Museum here.

We hope that the above round-up gives you a few ideas of what’s on in Essex this Christmas 2025! If you know of an event taking place locally and you’d like us to add it to our list, just drop us an email with the information.

Explore Burnham Waters in Essex

Burnham Waters is a new retirement village in the riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex.  

Our lifestyle village caters specifically for the over 55s and alongside a beautiful collection of new homes, it delivers a powerful sense of community and access to a host of onsite amenities. If you’re interested in finding out more about Burnham Waters and our new build retirement bungalows for sale, then we’d love to hear from you!  

Explore our range of one, two and three-bedroom new build bungalows for sale here.

Explore the range of lifestyle amenities we have on offer at Burnham Waters here.

Why not book an appointment to visit our sales suite and come along to view our beautiful show homes. We are open daily, 10am – 3pm.

Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk or get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of our home page and sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news on our community for the 55 and over. We look forward to hearing from you!