Plan your festive itinerary in Chelmsford with our guide. Discover all the best holiday events and activities. From locals to holiday travelers, this guide highlights the best of Chelmsford's season.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Event, where enchanting train rides through a beautifully decorated landscape await visitors. With the opportunity to meet Santa and enjoy festive treats, this event captures the spirit of Christmas. Colchester Zoo Christmas brings the joy of wildlife and winter wonder together, featuring captivating light displays and seasonal activities for all ages. And the Harlow Playhouse Pantomime is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering lively performances that bring traditional stories to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Chelmsford
- Colchester Zoo Christmas (Colchester)
- Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Event (Saffron Walden)
- Chelmsford Theatre Pantomime
- Harlow Playhouse Pantomime (Harlow)
- Braintree Christmas Street Market (Braintree)
- RHS Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair
- Markshall Estate Christmas Market (Coggeshall)
- The Museum of Power Christmas Event (Langford)
- Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market
- Firstsite Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market (Colchester)
See these and even more events listed below!
Chelmsford Holiday Light Displays
Epping Ongar Railway Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Interactive LED light show with synchronized wristbands.
Description:
Epping Ongar Railway offers two Christmas events: Santa's Special Trains and the Epping Ongar Lights Express. Santa's Special Trains feature a festive train ride with Santa, while the Epping Ongar Lights Express is an interactive journey with LED lights, music, and voiceovers.
Where: Ongar | More Info: Epping Ongar Railway Christmas Event
Christmas Light Trail
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 wristbands. Hosted by Voiceover Man, it includes stunning neon views, a fully immersive lightshow to music, and interactive LED wristbands. Each passenger receives their own synchronized wristband, making them part of the show. The event offers hot and cold light refreshments and a festive DJ mix of music.
Where: Chipping Ongar | More Info: Christmas Light Trail
Chelmsford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Braintree Christmas Street Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Braintree Christmas Street Market is a vibrant event where local traders offer a variety of goods, including street food, local produce, and homeware, creating a lively social experience in the town centre.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market
Markshall Estate Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Artisan gift shopping with local businesses and seasonal treats.
Description:
Markshall Estate's Christmas Market offers artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats. The event features food trucks, mulled wine, and local businesses, making it an ideal place for family shopping.
Where: Coggeshall | More Info: Markshall Estate Christmas Market
RHS Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local traders in a beautiful garden setting.
Description:
The RHS Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair offers a wide range of unique gifts from small independent traders, including jewelry, accessories, photography, handmade crafts, and art. Enjoy browsing and tasting an array of food and drink while taking a stroll around the Winter Garden.
Where: Chelmsford | More Info: RHS Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair
Rochford Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Christmas festivities with Santa's Grotto and children's activities.
Description:
The Rochford Christmas Festival features stalls in Rochford Square, Santa's Grotto, Santa's Sleigh, and a small stage with entertainment. Back Lane Market includes children's rides, food and drink stalls, and the Old People's Day Centre offering children's crafts and refreshments. A Christmas Tree is also part of the event.
Where: Rochford | More Info: Rochford Christmas Festival
Firstsite Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market
What to Expect:
Handmade gifts from local artisans emphasizing sustainability.
Description:
The Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market at Firstsite offers a unique shopping experience where you can find handmade, high-quality gifts from over 40 local creatives. Each item is crafted with love and care, using sustainable materials and focusing on renewability.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Firstsite Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market
Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique gift and craft stalls with live entertainment.
Description:
Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market offers unique gift and craft stalls, delicious food, and live entertainment in a special setting.
Where: Chelmsford | More Info: Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market
Benton Hall Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and producers showcase their wares in a festive setting.
Description:
Benton Hall Christmas Market features a variety of craft and produce stalls offering unique gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Chelmsford | More Info: Benton Hall Christmas Market
Chelmsford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas train ride with festive activities.
Description:
At Audley End Miniature Railway, embark on a festive journey through enchanted woods to visit Father Christmas's winter workshop. Meet Mother Christmas and her elves, enjoy an illuminated woodland walk, create reindeer food, and participate in various festive activities.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Miniature Railway Christmas Event
Harlow Playhouse Pantomime
What to Expect:
Spectacular blend of comedy, music, and drama.
Description:
Join Harlow Playhouse for a thrilling pantomime adventure as Dick Whittington seeks fame and fortune, facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde. Starring Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley, this spectacular blend of comedy, music, and drama promises an unmissable treat for all the family.
Where: Harlow | More Info: Harlow Playhouse Pantomime
Chelmsford Theatre Pantomime
What to Expect:
Fresh adaptation of Snow White with comedic elements.
Description:
Chelmsford Theatre presents a fresh adaptation of Snow White, featuring back-chatting mirrors, evil stepmothers, kind princes, singalongs, jokes, and silliness. The story follows Snow White as she flees to a new life in the forest after the Magic Mirror reveals the Wicked Queen is no longer the fairest in the land.
Where: Chelmsford | More Info: Chelmsford Theatre Pantomime
Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and festive entertainment.
Description:
Old MacDonald's Farm Christmas Event features roaming Santa, singing princesses, Christmas arts and crafts, a Christmas parade, and an interactive gingerbread hunt. Enjoy a festive day out with all-inclusive rides and attractions.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Old Macdonald’s Farm Christmas Event
Christmas Crooners
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 beloved Christmas hits, including classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. The show is staged in the warm and delightful style of the famous Andy Williams Christmas Shows, complete with stunning decor and a cozy atmosphere.
Where: Southend on Sea | More Info: Christmas Crooners
Christmas Train to Wickford
What to Expect:
Decorated train journey with free Father Christmas visit for children.
Description:
Join a decorated train journey to Wickford for the Christmas Fayre, where each child's ticket includes a free pass to visit Father Christmas in the grotto.
Where: Southminster | More Info: Christmas Train to Wickford
Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Live performances of cherished holiday tunes by a talented cast and band.
Description:
Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre present a Christmas Show featuring a talented cast and live band performing beloved holiday songs, including classics like "White Christmas" and "Santa Baby," creating a memorable evening for all.
Where: Southend on Sea | More Info: Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre Christmas Show
Princes Theatre Christmas Pantomime
What to Expect:
Traditional pantomime with a beloved fairy tale.
Description:
This Christmas, join us for Clacton's Biggest Ever Pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs brings beautiful Snow White to life in a delightful and entertaining show.
Where: Clacton on Sea | More Info: Princes Theatre Christmas Pantomime
Hylands Estate Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Unique blend of heritage and contemporary settings for festive activities.
Description:
Hylands Estate Christmas Event offers a variety of activities, including decoration workshops and family-friendly pantomimes, set amidst the estate's grand and contemporary interiors.
Where: Writtle | More Info: Hylands Estate Christmas Event
Chelmsford Other Holiday Activities
Colchester Zoo Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Colchester Zoo transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with festive activities, including meeting Santa, feeding reindeer, and exploring the zoo's beautifully decorated animal habitats.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Colchester Zoo Christmas
The Museum of Power Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Interactive steam engine exhibits and festive market.
Description:
The Museum of Power Christmas Event features a festive market, miniature train rides, and a visit to Santa's Grotto, set amidst a fascinating collection of industrial exhibits.
Where: Langford | More Info: The Museum of Power Christmas Event
Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
What to Expect:
Santa's special gift for each child.
Description:
Join Down Hall Hotel for a delightful afternoon tea experience with Santa, featuring special treats and gifts for the whole family.
Where: Hatfield Heath | More Info: Down Hall Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
Adventure Island Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa and family-friendly activities.
Description:
At Adventure Island, children can meet Father Christmas, receive a toy, and enjoy various holiday activities, including visits to Sealife Adventure Zooquarium and Funtopia Arcade.
Where: Southend on Sea | More Info: Adventure Island Christmas Event
Little Monsters Festive Grotto
What to Expect:
Personalized Santa experience with festive activities.
Description:
At Little Monsters Festive Grotto, children can meet Santa and his elves, make their own 16-inch Gingerbread Man or Snowman, decorate a Gingerbread Man, enjoy festive soft play, and receive a Christmas gift from Santa.
Where: Great Dunmow | More Info: Little Monsters Festive Grotto
Tiptree Christmas Wreath Making
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath making with professional guidance.
Description:
Create your own traditional Christmas wreath from scratch with all materials and decorations provided, including a welcome drink and a delicious Tiptree cream tea or cheese tea.
Where: Tiptree | More Info: Tiptree Christmas Wreath Making
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Billericay (8 miles)
- Witham (9 miles)
- Maldon (9 miles)
- Wickford (9 miles)
- Braintree (10 miles)
- Brentwood (11 miles)
- Basildon (12 miles)
- Rayleigh (12 miles)
- Pitsea (12 miles)
- South Benfleet (13 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (15 miles)
- Canvey Island (16 miles)
- Harlow (16 miles)
- Bishops Stortford (16 miles)
- Hornchurch (16 miles)
- Romford (16 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (17 miles)
- Dagenham (18 miles)
- Grays (19 miles)
- Becontree (19 miles)
- Hoddesdon (21 miles)
- Gravesend (21 miles)
- Ilford (21 miles)
- Woodford Green (21 miles)
- Chingford (21 miles)
- Colchester (21 miles)
- Cheshunt (22 miles)
- Barking (22 miles)
- Thamesmead (22 miles)
- Dartford (23 miles)
- Leytonstone (23 miles)
- Walthamstow (23 miles)
- Strood (24 miles)
- Sudbury (24 miles)
- Hertford (24 miles)
- Edmonton (24 miles)
- Haverhill (24 miles)
- Rochester (24 miles)
- Gillingham (24 miles)
- Welling (24 miles)
- Enfield Town (24 miles)
- Stratford (25 miles)
- Bexley (25 miles)
- Canning Town (25 miles)
- Tottenham (25 miles)
- Chatham (25 miles)
- Bow (25 miles)
- Stamford Hill (26 miles)
- Canary Wharf (26 miles)
- Eltham (27 miles)
- Swanley (27 miles)
- Wood Green (27 miles)
- Blackheath (27 miles)
- Highbury (28 miles)
- Hadley Wood (28 miles)
- Potters Bar (28 miles)
- Muswell Hill (28 miles)
- Islington (28 miles)
- Archway (28 miles)
- Holloway (28 miles)
- Catford (29 miles)
- Welwyn Garden City (29 miles)
- Barnet (29 miles)
- Peckham (29 miles)
- Sittingbourne (30 miles)
- Camden Town (30 miles)
- Clacton-on-Sea (30 miles)
- Chalk Farm (30 miles)
- Hatfield (30 miles)
- Finchley (30 miles)
- London (30 miles)
- City of Westminster (31 miles)
- Stevenage (31 miles)
- Brixton (31 miles)
- Beckenham (31 miles)
- Kilburn (31 miles)
- Cricklewood (32 miles)
- Battersea (32 miles)
- Chelsea (32 miles)
- Maidstone (32 miles)
- Borehamwood (32 miles)
- Willesden (33 miles)
- Streatham (33 miles)
- Shepherds Bush (34 miles)
- Fulham (34 miles)
- Letchworth Garden City (34 miles)
- Sevenoaks (34 miles)
- St Albans (34 miles)
- Croydon (35 miles)
- Putney (35 miles)
- Wembley (35 miles)
- Whitstable (35 miles)
- Newmarket (35 miles)
- South Croydon (35 miles)
- Brent (35 miles)
- Cambridge (35 miles)
- Hitchin (35 miles)
- Chiswick (35 miles)
- Acton (36 miles)
- Barnes (36 miles)
- Mitcham (36 miles)
- Harpenden (36 miles)
- Harrow (36 miles)
- Wimbledon (36 miles)
- Bury St Edmunds (37 miles)
- Ipswich (37 miles)
- Morden (37 miles)
- Wallington (37 miles)
- Purley (37 miles)
- Carshalton (37 miles)
- Watford (37 miles)
- Harwich (38 miles)
- Herne Bay (38 miles)
- Greenford (38 miles)
- Northolt (38 miles)
- Tonbridge (38 miles)
- Richmond (38 miles)
- Stowmarket (39 miles)
- Coulsdon (39 miles)
- New Malden (39 miles)
- Luton (39 miles)
- Caterham (39 miles)
- Sutton (39 miles)
- Isleworth (39 miles)
- Southall (39 miles)
- Hemel Hempstead (39 miles)
- Ruislip (40 miles)
- Hounslow (40 miles)
- Heston (40 miles)
- Surbiton (41 miles)
- Banstead (41 miles)
- Felixstowe (41 miles)
- Ewell (41 miles)
- Canterbury (41 miles)
- Hayes (41 miles)
- Hanworth (42 miles)
- Epsom (42 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (43 miles)
- Uxbridge (43 miles)
- Feltham (43 miles)
- Dunstable (44 miles)
- Redhill (44 miles)
- Esher (44 miles)
- Berkhamsted (44 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (44 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (45 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (45 miles)