Celebrate the festive magic in Essex with our ultimate holiday guide. For Essex regulars and one-time visitors, this guide is your key to unlocking festive delights.
One of the charming highlights of the season is the Miracle on 34th Street, where houses are adorned with dazzling lights and decorations, creating a picturesque holiday atmosphere. Another noteworthy event is the Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo, featuring enchanting animal encounters and festive decorations that bring the zoo to life during the holidays. And the B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains is something you definitely don’t want to miss, showcasing miniature trains and festive displays for families to enjoy. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Essex Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Essex
- Miracle on 34th Street (Baltimore)
- Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Experience (Saffron Walden)
- B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains (Baltimore)
- Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo (Baltimore)
- Braintree Christmas Street Market (Braintree)
- Holiday Remix at the Baltimore Peninsula (Baltimore)
- Colchester Zoo Christmas (Colchester)
- Cliffs Pavilion Pantomime (Southend-on-Sea)
- National Harbor Tree Light Show (National Harbor)
- Miracle Pop-Up Bar (Baltimore)
See these and even more events listed below!
Essex Holiday Light Displays
Miracle on 34th Street
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with resident-created decorations.
Description:
The Miracle on 34th Street is a 76-year-old holiday light display in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood, featuring colorfully decorated homes, Christmas trees, trains, and animated figures.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Miracle on 34th Street
National Harbor Tree Light Show
What to Expect:
Spectacular RGB tree lighting show with holiday music.
Description:
The National Harbor Tree Light Show features a 60-foot RGB tree that comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show dancing alongside a holiday medley recorded by the United States Air Force Band.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: National Harbor Tree Light Show
Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park
What to Expect:
Hand-crafted light displays along a 0.75-mile boardwalk.
Description:
Walk through a path of hand-crafted light displays at Neabsco Regional Park, featuring unique holiday light displays along the boardwalk and pathways.
Where: Woodbridge | More Info: Holiday Walk of Lights Neabsco Regional Park
Essex Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Remix at the Baltimore Peninsula
What to Expect:
Community-driven roller skating with local pop-up markets.
Description:
Holiday Remix at the Baltimore Peninsula offers roller skating, local pop-up markets, and family-friendly activities all season long, fostering community and holiday cheer.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Holiday Remix at the Baltimore Peninsula
Downtown Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse local vendors and community activations.
Description:
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday marketplace in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown neighborhood, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Featuring upgraded vendor kiosks, a diverse array of local artisans, captivating community activations, and a delectable food and beverage lineup, this event promises an immersive marketplace experience.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: Downtown Holiday Market
Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Seasonal artisans and delicious treats in a festive marketplace.
Description:
Join us at the Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair on December 1, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM. Explore a merry marketplace filled with handcrafted treasures from local artisans, offering unique gifts for everyone on your list. Savor the flavors of delightful food and desserts from carefully selected vendors, and immerse yourself in festive melodies of Christmas music.
Where: Silver Spring | More Info: Silver Spring Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Fair
Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds
What to Expect:
Holiday decor in a restored 100-year-old farmhouse.
Description:
Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds transform a 100-year-old farmhouse into a beautifully decorated holiday space each November. The event features unique holiday murals and photo vignettes, an over-the-top Holiday House with gorgeous holiday decor, and a Vanish wine garden. Each room is lovingly curated and filled with items for sale. The friendly Lucketts Crew assists with purchases and answers questions.
Where: Leesburg | More Info: Lucketts Old General Store and Grounds
Old Town Alexandria Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Local artisans and vendors showcasing unique holiday gifts and treats.
Description:
The Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square offers a day filled with local artisans, delicious food vendors, and heartwarming holiday activities. Explore handcrafted delights, indulge in culinary treats, and enjoy Christmas music and Santa's Magical Corner.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Old Town Alexandria Holiday Events
Braintree Christmas Street Market
What to Expect:
Monthly street market with diverse local vendors.
Description:
Braintree Christmas Street Market offers a vibrant social experience with a variety of local traders selling traditional fudge, meats, fresh produce, handmade giftware, and more. Residents enjoy the atmosphere and turnout, with many returning each month.
Where: Braintree | More Info: Braintree Christmas Street Market
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Christmas
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local crafts and historical museum exhibits.
Description:
Explore a vibrant array of local crafters and designers at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, featuring award-winning exhibitions and tours.
Where: Purleigh | More Info: Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Christmas
Essex Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord National Hotel Show
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculptures and festive activities.
Description:
At Gaylord National Resort, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Enjoy activities like ice tubing, gingerbread decorating, and photos with Santa amidst extraordinary Christmas decorations.
Where: National Harbor | More Info: Gaylord National Hotel Show
32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with festive floats and tree lighting.
Description:
The 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished community event featuring festive floats, holiday music, and the lighting of the town's iconic Christmas tree.
Where: Bel Air | More Info: 32nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Cliffs Pavilion Pantomime
What to Expect:
Interactive family pantomime with renowned cast.
Description:
Join Rylan and a talented cast for a thrilling pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk at Cliffs Pavilion. Expect laughs, music, special effects, and audience participation as Jack and his family outwit the evil giant to win riches and the girl he loves.
Where: Southend-on-Sea | More Info: Cliffs Pavilion Pantomime
Harlow Playhouse Pantomime
What to Expect:
Classic pantomime with a stellar cast and spectacular blend of entertainment.
Description:
Join Dick Whittington on his thrilling adventure through panto land as he seeks fame and fortune, facing the wicked King Rat and his rat horde threatening global chaos.
Where: Harlow | More Info: Harlow Playhouse Pantomime
Christmas Train to Wickford
What to Expect:
Decorated train journey with free visit to Father Christmas grotto.
Description:
Join a decorated Christmas Train journey to Wickford's Christmas Fayre, where each child buying an event ticket receives a free pass to visit Father Christmas in the grotto. Adults £5, Children £3.
Where: Southminster | More Info: Christmas Train to Wickford
Chelmsford Theatre Pantomime
What to Expect:
A fun and fresh new version of the classic tale with a feisty Snow White.
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 the forest after the Magic Mirror reveals the Wicked Queen is no longer the fairest in the land. Expect a fun and lively performance with a feisty Snow White.
Where: Chelmsford | More Info: Chelmsford Theatre Pantomime
Christmas Crooners
What to Expect:
Swing band performance of festive classics.
Description:
Christmas Crooners features a fantastic cast of West End singers and the Jazz All-Stars performing over 30 best-loved 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 lovely warm fireplace.
Where: Southend-on-Sea | More Info: Christmas Crooners
Cowdray Avenue Irish Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Irish-inspired Christmas concert with traditional sing-along songs.
Description:
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as talented singers, musicians, and dancers perform a world-class concert featuring festive favourites like 'Driving Home for Christmas' and 'The Fairytale of New York.'
Where: Colchester | More Info: Cowdray Avenue Irish Christmas Concert
Essex Other Holiday Activities
Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Maryland Zoo with Holly-Days, featuring holiday crafts, photo ops, special appearances, and more. These special weekends are free with zoo admission or membership.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo
B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains
What to Expect:
Custom model train layouts and festive activities for all ages.
Description:
The B&O Railroad Museum transforms into a winter wonderland with the Holiday Festival of Trains, featuring custom model train layouts, Santa's Winter Village, and daytime Reindeer Railway train rides.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains
Miracle Pop-Up Bar
What to Expect:
Unique holiday cocktails in festive settings.
Description:
Miracle Pop-Up Bar is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar featuring specialty holiday cocktails and kitschy holiday décor.
Where: Baltimore | More Info: Miracle Pop-Up Bar
US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with model trains and pollinator-themed displays.
Description:
The US Botanic Gardens' holiday display features model trains running through pollinator sculptures made from plant parts, along with thousands of poinsettias and DC landmarks crafted from plant materials.
Where: Washington D.C. | More Info: US Botanic Gardens Holiday Display and Trains
Christmas in Middleburg
What to Expect:
Historic horse hunt review and festive parade.
Description:
Christmas in Middleburg is a festive event featuring the Middleburg Hunt Review, a mile-long Christmas parade, and various activities like Breakfast with Santa and tree lighting ceremonies. The town transforms into a holiday wonderland with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Where: Middleburg | More Info: Christmas in Middleburg
Tinkergarten Free Lantern Walks
What to Expect:
Hands-on lantern-making with natural materials.
Description:
Tinkergarten Free Lantern Walks are outdoor events where families create and light up lanterns, fostering creativity, self-esteem, and a connection to nature.
Where: Various | More Info: Tinkergarten Free Lantern Walks
Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas experience with Father Christmas and festive activities.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey to Audley End Miniature Railway, where you'll board the Christmas Express to visit Father Christmas in his winter workshop. Meet Mother Christmas and her elves, and enjoy an illuminated woodland walk, letter writing, and making your own reindeer food. The event includes a stage show, an Adventure Play Area, and the option to ride a magical carousel.
Where: Saffron Walden | More Info: Audley End Miniature Railway Santa Experience
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, visiting the reindeer stables, and creating crafts at the Elves' Workshop. The event features a variety of interactive experiences and beautiful decorations throughout the zoo.
Where: Colchester | More Info: Colchester Zoo Christmas
Tiptree Christmas Wreath Making
What to Expect:
Hands-on wreath-making experience with festive treats.
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, at the Tiptree Tea Room Marquee.
Where: Tiptree | More Info: Tiptree Christmas Wreath Making
Little Monsters Festive Grotto
What to Expect:
Personalized gingerbread-making experience with Santa's elves.
Description:
Join Little Monsters House of Fun for a special Christmas event where you can make your own 16-inch Gingerbread Man or Snowman, decorate a gingerbread man, enjoy festive soft play, and receive a Christmas gift from Santa. The event includes a Christmas Munch Box, a Santa Hat, and photo opportunities with Santa and his special guests.
Where: Great Dunmow | More Info: Little Monsters Festive Grotto
Christmas Fair & Santa at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
What to Expect:
Family-friendly Christmas event with animal sanctuary access.
Description:
Join Hopefield Animal Sanctuary for a family-friendly Christmas event featuring letter writing to Santa, a Christmas trail, Santa's grotto with gifts, Christmas arts and crafts, access to a miniature Christmas village, and free gingerbread, warm squash, and mulled wine. The event includes both indoor and outdoor activities.
Where: Brentwood | More Info: Christmas Fair & Santa at Ho-Ho-Hopefield
Leavenheath Christmas Lunch with Father Christmas
What to Expect:
Family-friendly Sunday lunch with Father Christmas.
Description:
Join us for a special two-course Sunday lunch with Father Christmas, perfect for families to share a delightful meal together.
Where: Leavenheath | More Info: Leavenheath Christmas Lunch with Father Christmas
Leavenheath Festive Afternoon Tea
What to Expect:
Breathtaking views of Constable Country.
Description:
Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at Stoke by Nayland Resort, featuring a sumptuous selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and local jam, and delicate cakes, served alongside artisan tea or coffee.
Where: Leavenheath | More Info: Leavenheath Festive Afternoon Tea
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Middle River (3 miles)
- Dundalk (5 miles)
- Parkville (6 miles)
- Carney (6 miles)
- Perry Hall (7 miles)
- Baltimore (7 miles)
- Towson (9 miles)
- Gwynn Oak (12 miles)
- Edgewood (12 miles)
- Arbutus (13 miles)
- Glen Burnie (13 miles)
- Lochearn (13 miles)
- Woodlawn (14 miles)
- Pikesville (14 miles)
- Catonsville (14 miles)
- Pasadena (14 miles)
- South Gate (15 miles)
- Cockeysville (15 miles)
- West Elkridge (15 miles)
- Hanover (16 miles)
- Bel Air South (16 miles)
- Hunt Valley (16 miles)
- Milford Mill (16 miles)
- Ilchester (16 miles)
- Severn (17 miles)
- Severna Park (17 miles)
- South Bel Air (17 miles)
- North Bel Air (17 miles)
- Ellicott City (18 miles)
- Randallstown (18 miles)
- Bel Air North (18 miles)
- Owings Mills (18 miles)
- Arnold (19 miles)
- Odenton (20 miles)
- Columbia (20 miles)
- Reisterstown (22 miles)
- Annapolis (23 miles)
- Crofton (24 miles)
- Laurel (25 miles)
- Scaggsville (25 miles)
- South Laurel (26 miles)
- Eldersburg (26 miles)
- Bowie (29 miles)
- Greenbelt (30 miles)
- Fairland (30 miles)
- Olney (33 miles)
- College Park (34 miles)
- Landover (34 miles)
- Aspen Hill (36 miles)
- Wheaton (36 miles)
- Chillum (37 miles)
- Silver Spring (37 miles)
- North Bethesda (39 miles)
- Rockville (39 miles)
- Montgomery Village (40 miles)
- Suitland (40 miles)
- Suitland-Silver Hill (40 miles)
- Bethesda (40 miles)
- Gaithersburg (41 miles)
- Washington (42 miles)
- Middletown (42 miles)
- Clinton (44 miles)
- Potomac (44 miles)
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor (44 miles)
- Arlington (45 miles)