10 Things to Do in Essex with Kids This Christmas (2026)
Trying to plan Christmas outings with the children? Essex has plenty to choose from in 2026. You could ride a train into an enchanted forest, spend an evening among the lights or settle into a theatre seat for a pantomime.
Here are ten ideas across the county to help you find a day out that suits your family.
1. Journey to Father Christmas’s woodland village at Audley End Enchanted Railway
Near Saffron Walden | 21 November–24 December
Christmas at Audley End Enchanted Railway begins with a train ride through the Enchanted Forest. At Father Christmas’s woodland village, children meet Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their elves, and receive a special gift.
There’s more to explore around Fulfen Forest. Follow the light trail, make reindeer food at the Craft Lodge, write a letter to Father Christmas and find the Fairies and Elves in their festive homes. Little Acorn Village and the Adventure Playground give children time to play, too.
Good to know: Booking is essential. Marshmallow toasting and the carousel cost extra. Read our guide to the Christmas Special to plan your visit.
2. Walk among the lights at RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Near Chelmsford | Selected dates from 20 November
If your family enjoys an evening outdoors, RHS Glow at Hyde Hall transforms the gardens with illuminated displays. Wrap up warm, take the trail at your own pace and enjoy seeing a familiar landscape after dark.
It’s a good option when you want the lights to be the main event.
3. Celebrate Christmas at Colchester Zoological Society
Colchester | Selected dates from 21 November
Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoological Society adds festive activities to a day visiting the animals. It’s an appealing choice for children who would enjoy a zoo trip as much as the Christmas celebrations.
Good to know: The Santa Experience requires a separate ticket and advance booking; it isn’t included with standard admission to Magic of Christmas.
4. Visit Father Christmas at Marsh Farm
South Woodham Ferrers | Selected dates
At Marsh Farm’s Father Christmas Experience, the visit to Father Christmas is part of a larger family adventure. It’s one to explore if your children would enjoy a Christmas experience with several activities rather than a brief grotto visit.
Check the booking page for the current dates, times and what’s included with your chosen ticket.
5. Board the Lights Party Express at Epping Ongar Railway
Epping and Ongar | Selected dates from November
For a festive trip with music and plenty of energy, take a look at the Epping Ongar Lights Party Express. This heritage railway combines a train ride with lights and entertainment.
If you have train-loving children, it offers a very different evening from a walk-through light trail.
6. Make a seaside trip to Christmas Wonderland
Southend-on-Sea | Selected dates from late November
A Christmas visit can come with sea air, too. Christmas Wonderland at Adventure Island offers a festive family outing in Southend, including a journey to meet Father Christmas.
It’s a fun choice if you’d like to pair a Christmas activity with a trip to the seafront. Check the event page for its selected 2026 dates before traveling.
7. See Sleeping Beauty at Saffron Hall
Saffron Walden | 21–29 December
If a family pantomime is part of your Christmas tradition, Saffron Hall’s Sleeping Beauty brings the festive fun to Saffron Walden this year. Expect a fairy-tale adventure with songs, costumes and plenty of chances to cheer for the heroes and boo the villain.
There are performances before and after Christmas Day, including daytime options for families. Check the times and choose one that works for your children.
8. Follow the Enlightened light trail at Hylands Estate
Chelmsford | 27 November–2 January
Enlightened at Hylands Estate takes families along an illuminated route through Hylands Park, with light, sound and interactive installations after dark.
It runs beyond Christmas, so it could also give you something to look forward to during the school holidays after Boxing Day.
9. Meet Father Christmas at Clacton Pier
Clacton-on-Sea | Selected dates in November and December
For another Christmas outing by the coast, Clacton Pier’s Santa’s Enchanted Grotto gives children the chance to meet Father Christmas and his festive friends.
Choose a timed visit in advance, then see what else you’d like to do at the pier while you’re there.
10. Plan a family cinema trip to Saffron Screen
Saffron Walden | Check the Christmas programme
Sometimes the best Christmas outing is simply settling into a cinema seat together. Saffron Screen is a local option for families near Saffron Walden who want a film trip during the festive season.
Keep an eye on its What’s On listings for suitable screenings as Christmas approaches. Once the 2026 programme is announced, we can update this entry with a specific film and date.
Which Christmas day out will your family choose?
If you’re planning more than one outing, you could mix a daytime adventure with a light trail or a pantomime later in the season. It’s worth checking what each ticket includes, whether Father Christmas needs to be booked separately and how much time to allow for the visit.
If a woodland train ride and a full day of Christmas activities sound like your family’s kind of celebration, explore Audley End Enchanted Railway’s Christmas Special and choose your train time.
Dates, activities and availability can change. Check each organiser’s website before booking or traveling.
