Our guide to Things to Do in Essex this Christmas
Posted: 1 Oct 2026If you’re often at a loss for what to do throughout the festive season or you’re not sure where is suitable to take the kids or for a festive lunch with friends, then look no further! We’ve unveiled our ultimate guide for things to do this festive season right here in Essex!
We’ve proudly collaborated with other Essex businesses, so you know you’ll be supporting local as well as having plenty to do over the Winter Season.
Meadow Croft German Market
We couldn’t make a list of things to do at Christmas without talking about our German Market!
Open daily from September 10th – December 23rd the Meadow Croft German Market hosts more than 30 handcrafted stalls. Every stall is adorned with handmade, high-quality artisan products.
What’s On?
NEW for 2026 - Market Tavern (serving draught beer, Raclette cheese and Antipasti)Bratwurst Hut & Schokohut
Bavarian Curling
Late night shopping evenings every Thursday between November 12th – December 10th
No ticket needed, free entry & free parking!
For more information, visit our German Market page
The Party Kingdom Christmas Experience
Step into Christmas at The Party Kingdom Christmas Experience in Latchingdon, Essex.
Open daily from 28th November – 23rd December 2026. Requires a booking.
Families can choose from three different Christmas Experiences – Silver, Gold and Platinum – offering different levels of Christmas magic and options to suit different family budgets.
Depending on the Experience chosen, families can:
Meet Father Christmas
Visit Santa’s Toy Store
Explore our magical Winter Wonderland
Ride Santa’s Train
Travel in a Magical Elevator
Meet fabulous elves and Christmas characters
Create some wonderful Christmas memories to treasure
The Platinum Christmas Experience lasts approximately 60–75 minutes and includes even more Christmas magic.
Children visit the Elf Workshop where they create their very own bear to take home, before continuing their journey through experiences including the Winter Wonderland, Magic Mirror, Wish Bar, Santa Express, Magical Elevator and a personal visit with Father Christmas. Their adventure continues with our 3D sleigh ride, Santa’s Toy Store and a visit to Mother Christmas for their reindeer food.
Full details, prices and booking availability can be found at:
Mad Dogs and Englishman Presents A Frozen Afternoon Tea
Journey into an enchanted kingdom of ice and snow, where shimmering palaces, sparkling snowflakes and frosted forests create a magical winter escape. Indulge in snow-kissed sweets, icy-inspired treats and festive delights, all served with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.
Open from Saturday 7th November 2026 - Sunday 3rd January 2027. Requires a booking.
Wednesday - Thursday - 12pm
Friday - Sunday - 12pm or 2:30pm
Weekday - £55.00 per guest plus service
Weekend - £60.00 per guest plus service
Can be booked via the website: https://www.maddogsandenglishmeninteriors.co.uk
Call of the Wild Zoo Santas Grotto & Grotto After Dark
Your festive adventure begins as you journey through an enchanted forest of Christmas trees, winding your way towards Santa’s Grotto.
At the end of the trail, the big man himself will be waiting! Step inside Santa’s cosy grotto for a special Christmas visit, where every paying child will receive a gift to take home.
Open from 21st November - select dates and times available to view online.
As night falls, the Zoo comes alive with Christmas magic…
Journey through our illuminated enchanted forest as you make your way to Santa’s Grotto, where the big man himself will be waiting! Every paying child will receive a special Christmas gift to take home.
Open from 21st November - select dates and times available to view online.
All bookable via the website: www.callofthewildzoo.co.uk
Meadow Croft Kitchen Festive Afternoon Tea with Santa
Join us for a magical Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas!
On arrival, children can enjoy festive table activities while everyone settles in. Tuck into a delicious afternoon tea before Father Christmas joins us for a special hour of memorable interactions with every family. A wonderful way to make magical Christmas memories together!
Can be booked via our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/meadow-croft-garden-centre-104082516021
