Christmas things to do in Essex 2024
Looking for Christmas things to do in Essex 2024? Have you been searching things to do in Burnham-on-Crouch this Christmas 2024? If so, then we are here to help! With Christmas seemingly fast approaching, now could the perfect time to book those extra special outings to get you feeling festive! From annual traditions to making brand new memories with loved ones, Burnham-on-Crouch and the surrounding area offers plenty for all to enjoy!
If you’re wondering what’s going on over the next few weeks locally, the team at Burnham Waters has taken a closer look at things to do in Burnham-on-Crouch and Christmas things to do in Essex 2024. Here is our round-up:
The Marsh Farm Christmas Experience
When: Selected dates in November and December 2024
Where: Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5WP
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.
Santa's Magic Cabin on The Quay
When: 2nd November - 24th December 2024
Where: Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZP
Visit Santa in his magic cabin! Children will receive a special gift from Santa himself.
Find out more about Santa's Magic Cabin on The Quay here.
Christmas Market (and meet Santa) at St Lawrence C of E Church
When: 16th November 2024, 11:00am - 3:30pm
Where: St Lawrence C of E Church, St Lawrence Hill, CM0 7LN
Visit the Christmas Market at St Lawrence Church for local arts, crafts and gifts. There will be handmade Christmas decorations and more. Drop in and enjoy delicious homemade cakes and refreshments.
Find out more about the Christmas Market at St Lawrence Church here.
The Party Kingdon Christmas Experience
When: From 23rd November 2024
Where: Old Oak Farm, Rectory Lane, Latchingdon, Essex, CM07BE
An award-winning family Christmas experience based in Latchingdon.
This year there are two experiences to choose from:
1.Gold Experience: the Gold experience includes a ride on The Santa Express (children only), group letter from Father Christmas, a magical elevator ride to the North Pole, a personal chat with Father Christmas, a gift and lots more!
2.Platinum Experience: an experience that will last roughly 60 – 70 minutes and includes Build a Bear with Mother Christmas, a ride on The Santa Express (children only), a snowball fight in the Winter Wonderland, personal letter from Father Christmas, a magical elevator ride to The North Pole, personal chat with Father Christmas, a sleigh ride, a gift from the Elf Post Office and lots more!
Find out more about The Party Kingdon’s Christmas Experiences here.
Christmas Gift Fair at Chelmsford City Racecourse
When: 24th November 2024, 10am – 4pm
Where: Chelmsford City Racecourse, Chelmsford, CM3 1QP
Get into the Christmas spirit, start shopping and enjoy a wonderful day out at the at Chelmsford City Racecourse. This year’s event will be spread over two areas of the racecourse. There will be stalls selling a wide range of unique gifts, jewellery, homeware, toys, cards, food and drink. When you want a break from shopping and need some refreshment, you can choose from the selection of food and drink vendors and watch the live entertainment.
Ticket prices:
•Adults: £7
•Children: £12
•Concessions: £6
The event is raising money for The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.
Find out more about the Chelmsford City Racecourse Christmas Gift Fair here.
Light Up Maldon
When: Thursday 28th November 2024, 5-9pm
Where: Maldon High Street
It’s the annual Christmas lights switch on! Visit Maldon High Street to experience the festive atmosphere, filled with joy and excitement. With street stalls and indoor craft markets, the event promises to be a great evening where the community can come together. There will be entertainment from local performers, the traditional Santa’s Grotto, and a selection of stalls selling local wares, indoor craft markets selling bespoke items, along with hot food and refreshments on offer from local businesses. The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 6pm.
Santa’s Grotto (at Light Up Maldon)
When: Thursday 28th November 2024, from 4pm
Where: Bright & Sons, West House, West Square, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6HA
Get ready for a magical Christmas experience as Santa's Grotto returns to Light Up Maldon on Thursday 28th November!
The Grotto will be open from 4pm to 7.30pm at Bright & Sons, West House, West Square. Families are invited to book a free slot to visit Santa and his elves. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa himself! Registration is open! To secure your spot, you can book via the Visit Maldon District website.
The Grotto is supported by the Maldon Rotary Club and Bright & Sons Solicitors.
Donations to Maldon Rotary Club are welcomed.
Christmas Market at St Bartholomew's Church
When: November 30th, 2024,11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: St Bartholomew's Church, Church Road, Wickham Bishops, CM8 3LA
Visit the Christmas Market St Bartholomew's Church with its host of stalls including crafts, gifts, cakes, a raffle, refreshments and homemade soup.
There will also be an opportunity to meet Father Christmas.
Find out more about St Bartholomew's Church Christmas Market here.
Christmas Bazaar at St Andrew’s Church
When: 30th November 2024, 11am - 3pm
Where: St. Andrew’s Church, Church Hall, Burnham Road, Althorne, CM3 6BY
Come and enjoy the annual Christmas Bazaar. There will be lots on offer on the day to include: a raffle; tombola; books; gifts; competitions and Christmas decorations. There will be tea and coffee available, along with a selection of cakes, mince pies and hot sausage rolls.
Find out more about the Christmas Bazaar at St. Andrew’s Church here.
Christmas Fair & Santa at the Museum of Power
When: Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December 2024, 10am – 4pm
Where: Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA
Meet Santa in his Grotto, enjoy a miniature train ride, meander through the indoor Christmas stalls and join in with a range of fun entertainment and children's rides.
Ticket details:
Bookable Santa Visits (10am to 4pm)
•Child tickets: £14 (includes one train ride, Santa visit, present and Santa's snacks)
•Adult tickets: £9 (includes one train ride, Santa visit and Santa's snacks
For bookings visit: www.museumofpower.org.uk
Find out more about Christmas at Museum of Power here.
Christmas at Ho Ho Hopefield
When: Weekends from 30th November (pre-booked slots between 10am and 3pm)
Where: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9BZ
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 Events
When: From 30th November 2024
Where: Creeksea Place Manor House, Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ
Creeksea Place has a host of Christmas themed events taking place – with something for everyone this Christmas 2024!
Christmas Wreath Making & Table Decoration Workshop
When: 30th November 2024, 10am - 12pm.
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 £45 per person and includes refreshments.
Christmas Wreath Making & High Tea
When: 4th December 2024, 11am – 2:30pm
Make your very own Christmas wreath while treating your loved ones to afternoon tea to get you in the festive spirit! This event is £47.50 per person. The price includes a scone with cream and jam, as well as unlimited tea and coffee.
Christmas Market
When: 14th December, 11am – 3pm
Why not pop in and enjoy the beautiful grounds, fires in the grate and visit the market stalls to put you in the Christmas mood. Grab a bite, a mulled wine (or hot chocolate) and listen to the live adult and children’s choir sing carols in the beautiful Orchard. Entrance is £1 per person.
Find out more about all of the Creeksea Place Christmas Events here.
Father Christmas at ‘The Snug’, Chelmsford City Museum
When: 30th November - 8th December 2024
Where: Chelmsford City Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ
A special visitor will be returning to the Chelmsford City Museum this year – Father Christmas will be in residence for two weekends!
Book your spot to visit him in the ‘Snug’ nestled within Oaklands Park, which will be decorated as the perfect place for a festive selfie. Be captivated by his friendly elves who will greet you and guide you all the way to meet Father Christmas in his ‘Snug’.
Each child will receive a gift to take away plus an extra surprise.
Dates: Saturday 30th November to Sunday 1st December 2024 and Saturday 7th December to Sunday 8th December 2024.
Times: 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
Each session is 10 minutes and has a capacity of up to four children. Discounts are applied for each additional child.
Find out more about Father Christmas at ‘The Snug’ here.
Also on offer at the museum is Festive Wreath Making. Find out more about the festive wreath making here.
Christmas Craft Fayre, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
When: Sunday 1st December 2024, 10am – 3pm
Where: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6RN
A chance to enjoy some truly festive creations from a community of local crafters, designers and makers - as well as the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome museum.
Join crowds of supporters as you wander through the vibrant and colourful array of local crafters. Not only do you get to enjoy the fayre, but your admission gains you all the benefits of enjoying the award-winning exhibitions, hangars and tours. All for the regular admission fee!
Find out more about the Christmas Craft Fayre at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome here.
A Christmas Carol with Christmas Dinner at Layer Marney Tower
When: 1st December - 5th December 2024
Where: Layer Marney Tower, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US
Step into the enchanting world of A Christmas Carol, the classic tale of Scrooge's transformative journey guided by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future. Delight the senses with a delicious three course Christmas dinner. The vocal group of four singers sits perfectly with the beloved tale. There will be mulled wine and mince pies to devour after a little retail therapy at the pop-up gift shop. Listen to the cast perform a session of traditional well-known Christmas Carols, you're welcome to sing along!
Dates:
•Sunday 1st December 12 noon
•Tuesday 3rd December 12 noon
•Wednesday 4th December 12 noon
•Thursday 5th December 7pm
Price:
•£78 for individuals
•£75 for group of 15+
Find out more about a Christmas Carol with Christmas Dinner at Layer Marney Tower here.
Royal Corinthian Christmas Party Nights
When: Friday 6th, Friday 13th and Thursday 19th December 2024
Where: Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AX
Next on our list of Christmas things to do in Essex 2024 is something a little more glitz and glam! If you’re looking for an excuse to get your glad rags on this festive season, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club are on hand to help with their signature Christmas Party Nights! Book now as limited spaces are available!
This evening is for adults only, so it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a festive work do, or simply spend quality time with friends on the approach to Christmas! Your ticket includes a sumptuous three course meal and coffee from the Club’s amazing chef, plus dancing to the DJ until midnight.
Find out more about The Royal Corinthian Christmas Party Nights here.
Enlightened 2024 at Colchester Castle Park
When: 6th - 24th December 2024
Where: Colchester Castle Park, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
For the 3rd year running, the sell-out illuminated phenomenon is returning to the magnificent Castle Park in Colchester this winter. With a new and reimagined trail, Enlightened 2024 is set to be the biggest, boldest and brightest year yet!
Enlightened features over a mile of specially curated illuminations that dance with delight along with a whole wealth of brand-new installations, which have never been seen before at Enlightened Colchester. Immerse yourself in the 50m long digital tunnel of light, be amazed by the awe-inspiring laser show and prepare to be dazzled as mysterious creatures are brought to life with 3D special effects.
Ticket prices:
•Adult: From £11.00 per ticket
• Child: From £8.00 per ticket
Find out more about Enlightened 2024 at Colchester Castle Park here.
Santa at The Thatched Cottage Grotto
When: Sunday 10th December 2024
Where: 1-3 Mill Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PZ
Come and visit Santa in the beautiful historic atmosphere of the Thatched Cottage with its lovely grotto. Tickets cost £10, to include a generous present and other activities.
All profits this year are going to the Knightswood Daycare Centre, De-Caf and RNLI BOC.
Bring a letter to post to Santa and take a personalised card home!
Find out more about Santa at The Thatched Cottage Grotto here.
Madison Heights Roller Skate Jingle Bell Party
When: Friday 20th December 2024, 3:30pm - 10:30pm
Where: Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ
A Jingle Bell Skate themed roller disco!
•3:30pm: doors open
•7 – 10:30pm: Disco with DJ & games
Come in fancy dress for a discounted entry of £10 per person or normal entry rate if you don't fancy dressing up! Non skaters £2. There will be themed cocktails and mocktails – with a licensed bar & bar meals available.
Find out more about the Madison Heights Roller Skate Jingle Bell Party here.
If you have got a Christmas event local to Burnham-on-Crouch coming up that you’d like us to consider adding to add to our round-up, then drop us a line with the details at: info@burnhamwaters.co.uk
Get in touch
If you’ve been looking for Christmas things to do in Essex 2024 or things to do in Burnham-on-Crouch this Christmas 2024, hopefully you now have the run down! We hope this has given you a helpful insight into the Burnham residential community and some of the wonderful things that are on offer for the whole family around Christmas!
If you’re thinking of relocation or retirement, Burnham-on-Crouch offers a wide variety of fantastic local amenities amongst the quiet coastal countryside in Essex. Here at Burnham Waters, our lifestyle village for the over 55s is the perfect place to enjoy everything the town has available throughout the year, with the benefits of a low maintenance, social lifestyle.
If you’re interested in hearing more about our retirement bungalows and all that our new retirement community has on offer, then we’d love to hear from you!
Explore our range of one, two and three-bedroom new build bungalows here.
Explore the range of lifestyle amenities we have on offer at Burnham Waters here.
Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559. You can also fill out our contact form for a downloadable brochure. 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!
