Christmas days out in Essex without Santa

The run up to Christmas is always exciting, a wonderfully festive time, with twinkly lights, mince pies and mulled wine, all helping to set the scene and get us ready for Christmas. There are lots of fun and festive family Christmas days out you can enjoy with or without the kids from twinkling light trails, winter wonderlands to festive Christmas markets or Festive Afternoon Teas. The trouble is you don’t necessarily want to meet several Father Christmas’ during this festive period. So here is my list of Alternative Family Christmas days out in Essex without Santa.

Want to make it into a break away in Essex, check out these Essex Hotels & Accommodation.

The ultimate guide to over 50 Fun and Festive Alternative Christmas days out in Essex without Santa in 2022:

Light Trails:

Light trails are lighting installations transforming the venue’s grounds into a magical world of illumination, sound and colour. An illuminated trail with mesmerising light displays for all the family to enjoy. We have some great Light trails in Essex to enjoy, here they are:

Enlightened Hylands Estate, Chelmsford

Hylands Park, Writtle Gate Entrance, CM2 8FS.

Dates: Running from 24th November 2023 to 1st January 2024. First entry is at 4:30pm with timeslots every 15 minutes until 9pm. The Enchanted trail is approximately 1 mile in length.
Pre-booking is required. To book visit Enlightened at Hylands Estate Website. Prices start: Adult £12.50, Child £9, under 3’s and carers are free.

Enlightened Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay

Barleylands Farm Park, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD.

Dates: 1st December 2023 to 24th Dec 2023. First Entry is 4:30pm and then slots every 15 minutes until 8:30pm. The trail is approximately 1.4km in length.

Pre-booking is required. To book visit Enlightened at Barleylands Website. Prices start: Adult £15, Child £12, under 3’s and carers are free.

Enlightened Castle Park, Colchester

Colchester Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, C01 1TJ

Dates: 1st to 31st December 2023. First Entry is 5pm and then slots every 15 minutes until 8:30pm. The Enlightened trail is approximately 1.5km in length.

Pre-booking is required. To book visit Enlightened at Castle Park Colchester Website. Prices start: Adult £12.50, Child £9, under 3’s and carers are free. Family ticket £38.

Enchanted Trail of Light Colchester Zoo, Colchester

Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Colchester, CO3 0SL.

Dates:

• MID-WEEK OFFER for 6th and 13th December £10.
• 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 20th and 22nd December £12.50

Enchanted is available to book in slots from 5.30pm. Timeslots available every 15 minutes.

Pre-booking is required. To book visit Enchanted at Colchester Zoo Website. Price £10 per person.

RHS Glo at Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Ln, Chelmsford CM3 8ET.

Dates: Thurs 23 – Sat 25 November; 29 November – 16 December (Wed – Sat weekly).

Mon 18– Sat 23 December; Wed 27 – Sat 30 December.

Pre-booking is required. To book visit RHS Glow 2023 at Hyde Hall website. Members: Adult (or family guest): £8.95, Child (5–16): £4.45 and Non-members: Adult £15.95, Child (5-16): £8.45.

Havering Christmas Land 2022, Hornchurch

Located at Harrow Lodge Park in Hornchurch. Returning for 2023….local mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham presents a unique and magical Christmas attraction for the local area…… Havering Christmas Land!

Located in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, RM11 1JU. It is next door to the new Harrow Lodge Leisure centre, it features:

• The historic Harrow Lodge House building beautifully illuminated with twinkling lights
• A spectacular Christmas Lights Walk Way in the ‘Secret Garden’ next to the building with 1000s of stunning lights, decorations and Christmas scenes
• A delightful Santas Grotto
• Food/refreshments/mulled wine & German beer served nightly
• A Childrens ride

Open -29^th November 2023 – 1^st January 2024..

The following slots are available to book on each of the above evenings: 4:30pm, 4:50pm. 5:10pm, 5:30pm, 5:50pm, 6:10pm, 6:30pm, 6:50pm, 7:10pm, 7:30pm, 7:50pm.

Entry into the Walk is £4.50 per person. Babies under 2 go free. There are no concessions. Visit Havering Christmas Land facebook page for details or to book.

Festive Trains

Epping Ongar Light Fantastic, Ongar

Location: Ongar Station, CM5 9AB.

Selected dates – November 2023 to January 2024.

• An interactive journey for the whole family like never before! 
• Featuring “Voiceover Man” (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor)
• Stunning neon views
• A fully immersive lightshow to music
• Interactive LED wristbands
• Sound to light fun for the whole family to get you in the party spirit

Tickets are just £20 per person inclusive of train travel. Pre booking required. Please visit Epping Ongar Railway website.

Chelmsford City Miniature Railway

Location: Meteor Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2RL.

Chelmsford City Miniature Railway have two evening events “lighted extravaganza” trains on Friday 8th and Friday 15th December 4.30pm – 7pm.

Tickets available on the gate no need to pre- book , £5 for six rides. Hot and cold drinks available.

Christmas Markets in Essex

We are very lucky to have some brilliant Essex Christmas Markets that are open right through the festive season to pick up a Christmas gift, sample some festive treats or find the perfect Christmas decoration for your tree. These can really put you in the festive mood and make a great Family Christmas Day out in Essex without having to see Father Christmas:

Essex Victorian Festive Christmas Market at Scotts of Southend

Situated inside Scott’s of Southend Garden Centre SS4 1LQ. Explore gifts, decorations, food & drink. Indoors, weather proof & flat floor surface. They have special late shopping evenings on certain dates and carol concerts at the weekends. A free family Christmas day out in Essex.

You can enjoy a variety of tasty food and drink from the Festive Food Hut! With plenty of benches, a bar and a cute fire place for you to lean on to enjoy your festive grub. The Festive Food Hut is open everyday until Christmas.

No booking required, plenty of free parking. For further information visit Scotts of Southend’s website.

German Market & Christmas Fair at Meadow Croft Garden Centre

Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU.

Open from 14th September to 24th December 2023. The German market opening times are: 

Monday – Saturday: 9am – 4:30pm and Sunday: 10am – 3:30pm.

The German Market hosts more than 30 stalls adorned with handpicked, high-quality artisan products including carved wooden decorations, delicate glassware and baubles, traditional cuckoo clocks, Scandinavian gonks plus much more.

At the heart of the German Market, they serve lots of mouth-watering, specialist German foods such as Frankfurter, Sauerkraut, Waffles, Apple Strudel & the incredibly popular Schokokusse (chocolate kisses). They also serve German bottled beers, homemade spiced apple drink and Glühwein.

The Christmas Market is free to attend and open 7 days a week during our opening hours. No tickets are needed to visit during these times. They have German Market evenings with live music on select dates from 5:30pm to 9pm.

They have also added a Bavarian Curling game to enjoy one of the oldest winter sports £10 per game.

No booking required, plenty of free parking. For further information visit Meadow Croft Garden Centre’s website.

Christmas Wonderlands and Fairs

Winterland at Bluewater, Kent (just outside Essex)

Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9ST. Running from 11th November, 2023 to 7th January, 2024 on selected dates.

It’s a magical extravaganza, with winter-themed rides, games and attractions galore – not to mention plenty of festive treats and drinks, including mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate. This year, they welcome the new Observation Wheel for unbeatable views above Bluewater and Kent! It’s beautiful from ground level, too, with an impressive LED display that makes for some dramatic festive photos. 

Booking required. Entry is £3 per person. Ride tokens are £20 for 25 when booked online. Children under 18 months can enter for free but require a free ticket at the point of booking. For more information or to book visit Winterland at Bluewater website.

Lakeside Christmas Wonderland, Lakeside Shopping Centre Quay

The Lakeside Christmas Wonderland is festive fun for all the family. Open from the 16th November to the 3rd Jan. There is lots to do with Fairground Rides including a Ferris Wheel, Elf coaster and Carousel, Street Food, Dessert Stalls, Toasting Marshmallows, Bars, Ice skating on the real Ice Rink (boasting the largest rink outside of London), and MUCH More! They are open from 3pm till 8pm week days, Fri 3pm till 10pm, Sat 11am till 10pm and Sun 11am till 8pm.

It is FREE to enter, booking is required for Ice skating. Plenty of free parking. For more info visit the Lakeside Christmas Wonderland website.

Essex Christmas Wonderland Garon Park Southend

The Essex Christmas Wonderland a Christmas Spectacular for all the family. Open from the 10th December to the 2nd Jan. There is something for everyone with Fairground Rides, Street Food, Bars, Real Ice Rink, Christmas Market and MUCH More! They are open from 12pm till 11pm EVERY DAY.

It is FREE to enter, but a ticket is required to watch the Christmas Spectacular Show or Ice skating. Tickets available for event parking.

For information visit the Essex Christmas Wonderland website.

Garden Centres with Christmas Displays

Garden Centres can offer a great Christmas Day out in Essex without santa. They often have brilliant themed and festive displays and a good opportunity for some Christmas photos. The displays keep the kids entertained and you get to do some shopping for some pretty decorations or simply get some inspiration for your Christmas tree. Here are some the best Garden Centres with Christmas Displays to visit:

Alton Garden Centre, Wickford

Altons Garden Centre, Arterial Road (A127), Wickford, Essex, SS12 9JG. As well as festive themed displays, Alton have a new VR experience magical sleigh ride and grotto if you wish to visit Father Christmas. They also have an extensive festive miniature village display.

For more information visit Altons Garden Centre website.

Summerhill Garden Centre, Billericay

Summerhill Garden Centre, Pipps Hill Road North, A127 Arterial Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UJ.

Summerhill’s are famous for their Christmas displays. Their Christmas department is one of the largest in the area, from gonks, to nutcrackers, trees and wreaths, lights and all the baubles in between, they have all you need to transform your home into a Christmas wonderland. Keep an eye out for selfie spots throughout the department and create some special seasonal memories.

For more information visit the Summerhill Garden Centre website.

Perrywood, Tiptree

Kelvedon Road, Inworth, Tiptree, Essex CO5 9SX.

Perrywood’s is rated as one of the best Christmas shops in Essex. The whole shop is like a grotto, with their ‘Step Back in Time this Christmas’ display in their shop there are plenty of photo opportunities available.

For more information visit the Perrywood website

Hockley Market Garden Centre, Hockley

Lower Road, Hockley, SS5 5JU.

Hockley Market Garden Centre has an amazing shop with fantastic Animated Area for the kids & adults. Open 8am-5pm everyday.

For more information visit Hockley Market Garden Centre’s facebook page.

CHERRYLANE AT RIVERSIDE, HOCKLEY

Just up the road from Hockley Market Garden Centre is Riverside, so you can do them together and get twice as much Christmas visiting time in!

Cherry Lane – Riverside Garden Centre, Lower Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 5LE. A great reasonably prices garden centre with some lovely Christmas displays. They also have the singing reindeer and a lovely cafe, called the Garden Room, so a great place to stop for a slice of cake or some lunch. They also have a large shop with all sorts of home and food items.

Visit CherryLane at Riverside’s website for more information.

Poplar Nurseries, Colchester

Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex CO6 1HR.

Poplar Nurseries have a wonderful Christmas showroom with festive photo opportunities and animated Christmas displays. They also have a miniature railway ‘Santa Express’ that runs through the gardens, a grotto and offer breakfast with Santa.

For more information visit Poplar Nurseries website.

Scotts of Southend, Southend

Scott’s of Southend Garden Centre SS4 1LQ. Explore gifts, decorations, food & drink in their Victorian Festive Christmas Market. You can enjoy a variety of tasty food and drink from the Festive Food Hut!

For further information visit Scotts of Southend’s website.

Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Battlesbridge

Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU.

Aswell as their christmas shop they have a German Christmas Market with more than 30 stalls adorned with handpicked, high-quality artisan products including carved wooden decorations, delicate glassware and baubles, traditional cuckoo clocks, Scandinavian gonks plus much more.

For further information visit Meadow Croft Garden Centre’s website.

ELM FARM, BILLERICAY

London Rd, Crays Hill, Billericay, CM11 2UZ.

Elm Farm offer an Aladdin’s Cave of Christmas decorations and some gorgeous handmade Christmas wreaths, garlands and Christmas home decor items. They have a vast selection in a range of themes and they also have a whole host of lovely gift ideas. Plus they have 4 brand new Selfie Stations to make those special Christmas Memories!

For more information visit Elm Farm facebook page.

Forests, Farms & Animals

The Christmas Trail at Lathcoats Farm, Chelmsford

Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8LX. Running 9th to 24th December.

A magical self-guided sensory walk through the beautifully decorated animal area and stables at Lathcoats Farm. Collect your advent activity sheet from the farm shop and then follow the trail. Seek out 12 days of Christmas on your journey whilst exploring your senses along the way. Complete your activity sheet and then return to the farm shop to collect your prize.

£4.50 per participant – recommended but not exclusive to under age 11. Visit Lathcoats website to book.

Only 2 adults or non-participants per paying participant (excluding babes in arms).

Eden Oasis Animal Experiences, Chelmsford

Eden Oasis Animal Experiences at Old Southend Road, Howe Green, CM2 7TB.

Animal Discovery Christmas Special

21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th Dec.

• 90 minutes of Christmas fun
• 8 cute animals to meet
• Themed arts and crafts
• Reindeer food
• All this for just £12.99 per person!
• Only 18 spaces per session. Everyone in attendance will require a ticket.
• PLUS for the little ones –
• Toddler specials (adult free!)
• 60 minutes of Christmas fun
• 4 cute animals to meet
• Christmas Story
• Christmas messy play!

Sessions will run for 1hr 30 minutes at 10.00am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Also this year they are holding animal discovery sessions – 60mins – £8.99 per person 27th, 28th, 29th, 2nd & 3rd.

Pre booking is essential. Free on site car park and toilets on site.

A Christmas Journey at OLD MACDONALDS FARM & FUN PARK

Old Macdonalds Farm at Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY are running Christmas Journey from 24th Nov, open each Fri, Sat & Sun then every day from Sat 16th Dec to Sun 24th – Dec 10am – 5pm.

Activities include:

• Singing Princesses, The Ice Sisters
• Festive entertainment and magic shows
• Ride the beautifully illuminated Carousel
• Interactive Gingerbread Trail
• Climb aboard the Christmas train ride
• Collect special letter from Santa’s Post office
• Christmas Arts & Crafts
• Brand new Reindeer ride
• Roller Coaster open every day
• All inclusive rides (as many times as you like)
• See over 200 animals
• Father Christmas is roaming the park.

Tickets must be prebooked online. Prices from Adult – £21.50, Child (2-15) – £22.00. Under 2 – FREE.

A Magical Christmas at Woodstock Farm

Location: Woodtsock Farm, St Stephens Road, Cold Norton, CM3 6NP

On various dates throughout December on a ‘pay on entry’ basis, with NO booking required. Woodstock Farm are running their ‘A Magical Christmas Event’.

You will all get to meet Santa’s helpers around the farm… the elves will give everyone a bag of animal food on entry to enjoy interacting with the farm animals. There will be an elf waiting for you with Santa’s Rabbits & Guinea pigs for children to have a magical cuddle.

They will also be opening santa’s grooming barn for the Children to fuss the ponies. There will be festive pony rides also on offer for just £5 extra per ride too.

The elves Christmas craft workshop will be open too for you to warm up and listen to some Christmas festive songs and you’ll be able to write Santa a letter and post it in our letter box ready for the big day. Refreshments are available in our farm shop…hot drinks, festive hot chocolates and much more. Visit the Woodstock Farm page for more info.

Christmas at Daisy May’s Farm

Location: Daisy May’s Farm, Hall Road, Elsenham, CM22 6DN

Open 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th and 17th December 2023.

Festive fun on the farm with the opportunity to meet and feed the wonderful farm animals, ride Santa’s Sleigh Train, explore the Winter Woodland Wonderland and enjoy a story time around the fire, with Santa’s helpers.

The big man himself drives the Sleigh Train and all children can enjoy a gift, as well as photo opportunities and the chance to write a list to Santa!

Child tickets include;

• Entry to the farm + animal food
• Story time around the fire
• Hot Chocolate & cookie
• Festive art activity
• Woodland Wonderland Hunt – with prizes
• Meet Santa’s Helpers
• Photo opportunities with Santa

Extras;

• Face painting
• Santa’s Sleigh Train
• Ollie’s Food Hut

Book online at Daisy May’s Farm website. Tickets are £10.60 for children and £5.30 for adults.

Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Locations: Sawyer’s Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, CM15 9BZ.

Running from 2nd to 23rd December 2030. Get in the festive spirit of Christmas at Ho-Ho-Hopefield!

Complete with:

• Letter Writing to Santa
• Visit from Santa with gift
• Christmas Trail
• Free Mince Pie & Mulled Wine (warm squash for children)
• Miniature Christmas Village
• General Admission to the Sanctuary
• “Elfie” Station

All activities are included with every child ticket. Book online at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary.

Essex Wildlife Trust Christmas Events

Bedfords Park

Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre, Havering-atte-Bower, Essex.

Bedfords Park Mrs Claus Event
Saturday 2 December 2023 10 – 10.15, 10.25 – 10.40, 10.50 – 11.05, 11.20 -11.35, 11.45 – 12.00, 12.10 – 12.25, 1pm-1.15, 1.25 – 1.40, 1.50 – 2.05, 2.20 – 2.35, 2.45 – 3.00, 3.10 – 3.25
Mrs Claus. has come to visit Bedfords Park! All children will receive a small gift, alongside a craft and feeding deer.

Thameside

Thameside Nature Discovery Park, Stanford-Le-Hope.

Mother Christmas at Thameside – 19, 20, 21, 22 December 2023 10:30-12:30 & 13:30-15:00.
Mother Christmas meets and greets young festive goers in her unique grotto.

Thorndon

Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre, Brentwood, Essex.

Thorndon Children’s Christmas Wreath Making. Saturday 9 December 2023 10pm – 12pm.

A chance for children to create their Christmas wreath using natural materials.

Thorndon Neurodivergent Festive Forest Fun
Saturday 16 December 2023 10:00am – 2:30pm. A festive special of our popular Neurodivergent Forest Fun sessions.

Belfairs

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre , Leigh on Sea

Belfairs Christmas Crafts for Children – Thursday 21 December 2023 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm.
Join our festive christmas craft workshop!

Fingringhoe

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, Colchester, Essex

Fingringhoe Woodland Christmas Craft
Sunday 3 December 2023 10:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-3:30pm. Join our festive Christmas decoration workshop in the woods!

Abberton

Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Colchester, Essex.

Abberton Christmas Doors Trail
Saturday 16 December 2023 – Sunday 7 January 2024 10am- 4pm. The Christmas doors are back! See what the elves have been up to this year.

Ingrebourne

Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre, Hornchurch

Ingrebourne Christmas Decoration Craft Morning. Saturday 2, 9, 16 December 2023 10am – 12pm. A morning of creative festive fun!

Naze

Naze Nature Discovery Centre, Walton-on-the-Naze

Naze Festive Family Event. Saturday 9, 10 December 2023 10am-11am, 11.15am-12.15pm, 1pm-2pm, 2.15pm-3.15pm. Join Santa for a festive story, receive a gift to take home and visit our Christmas craft station.

Chigwell Meadows

Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve, Chigwell, Essex.

Chigwell Meadows Christmas Forest Fun. Saturday 16 December 2023 1.30pm-3.30pm. Celebrate winter in the woodland.

Ice Skating

Riverside Ice Rink, Chelmsford

Riverside Leisure Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1FG.

This December, get into the festive spirit and ice skate in the magical Christmas winter wonderland at Riverside ice rink. Skate in the snow in the beautifully decorated rink, soak up the festive atmosphere and sing along to your favourite Christmas songs. Then warm up afterwards by enjoying some festive treats at our mezzanine café. You can enjoy skating in our winter wonderland from 4 December right the way through to New Years Eve.

For more information or to book visit Riverside Leisure Centre website.

Lakeside Christmas Wonderland, Lakeside Shopping Centre Quay

Ice skating on the real Ice Rink (boasting the largest rink outside of London). They are open from 3pm till 8pm week days, Fri 3pm till 10pm, Sat 11am till 10pm and Sun 11am till 8pm.

It is FREE to enter, booking is required for Ice skating. Plenty of free parking. For more info visit the Lakeside Christmas Wonderland website.

Essex Christmas Wonderland Garon Park Southend

Ice skating on a real ice rink. They are open from 12pm till 11pm EVERY DAY.

It is FREE to enter, booking is required for Ice skating. Tickets available for event parking.

For information visit the Essex Christmas Wonderland website.

Bluewater Ice rink

They have an ice skating rink open until 7th January, 2024. Located outside The Village, the rink sits under a clear roof, making it the perfect activity come rain or shine this festive season!

Offering plenty of fun for guests of all ages, the Ice Rink will be running quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones, as well as bob skates to help guests stay steady.

Visit the Bluewater Ice Rink website to book or for more information.

Braintree Ice skating Rink

Open from 10th November until 7th January at Braintree Village. Completely undercover and featuring real ice, the enchanting ice rink is a stunning winter wonderland where you can soak up the glittering atmosphere, show off your skating skills and make some memories!

A fantastic activity that’s perfect whether it’s sunny or snowy outside, the 45-minute-long ice skating sessions are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.  Running quiet sessions, in addition to parent and toddler sessions for wobbly starters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones, as well as bob skates to help guests stay steady.

Book online on the Braintree Village website.

Museums

Elf on the Shelf at Harlow Museum

Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, Muskham, Road, Harlow, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2LF

Dates; 2 Dec 2023 – 30 Dec 2023.

Mischievous elves are hiding around Harlow Museum. Each elf represents an important figure in Harlow History. Pick up a trail and see if you can find them all. FREE event. More information visit Harlow Museum website.

Panto

Beauty and The Beast at Harlow Playhouse, Harlow

1st Dec – 7th January 2024.

Playhouse Square, Harlow, Essex CM20 1LS.

To book visit Harlow Playhouse.

Sleeping Beauty, Colchester

Sat 25 Nov 2023 – Sun 14 Jan 2024.

Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT.

To book visit Mercury Theatre.

Dick Whittington at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch

23rd Nov – 31st Dec 2023.

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT.

To book visit Queen’s Theatre website.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Thameside Theatre, Grays

2nd Dec- 3rd Jan 2024.

Thameside Complex, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DX.

To book visit Thameside Theatre website.

Sleeping Beauty at The Billericay Theatre, Billericay

8th – 24th December 2023.

34 Radford Way, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0BT.

To book, visit The Billericay Theatre website.

Aladdin at Princes Theatre, Clacton

9th Dec – 1at Jan 2024.

Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

To book visit Princes Theatre.

Peter Pan at Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

9th – 31st Dec 2023.

Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA.

To book visit Cliffs Pavillion Website.

Cinderella at Towngate Theatre, Basildon

24th Nov – 2nd Jan 2024. Read my review of Cinderella. I was really impressed this year, it was amazing!

St Martins Square, Basildon, SS14 1DW.

To book tickets, Towngate Theatre.

Cinderella at Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden

23rd to 30th Dec 2023.

Audley End Rd, Saffron Walden CB11 4UH.

To book tickets, visit Saffron Hall website.

Cinderella at The Bocking Arts Theatre, Braintree

14th-24th Dec 2023.

15 Bocking End, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9AE.

To book visit The Bocking Arts Theatre Website.

Let is Snow! at Brentwood Theatre, Brentwood

15th – 24th Dec 2024.

15 Shenfield Road Brentwood Essex CM15 8AG.

To book visit Brentwood Theatre Website.

The Little Mermaid, Brookside Theatre, Romford

8th – 23rd Dec 2023.

Romford War Memorial, 21a Eastern Road, Romford Essex RM1 3NH.

To book visit Brookside Theatre Website.

The Railway Children at The Victoria Hall Theatre, Harlow

20th – 31st Dec 2023.

Bury Road, Old, Harlow CM17 0ED.

To book visit Victoria Hall Theatre Website.

Festive Afternoon Teas

There are so many wonderful venues offering Christmas Afternoon Teas this year in Essex. Check them out in my list of The Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in Essex.

Thank you for reading ‘Christmas days out in Essex without Santa’.