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Essex Parks

FREE (and low cost) Festive Family Christmas Events in Essex 2024

Welcome to the Free Festive Things to do in Essex 2024 Guide


Christmas is right around the corner! There are plenty of events happening to spread the Christmas spirit in Essex.


Free festive christmas events in essex

You don't need spend a lot of money to make memories this Christmas. Here at Parks of Essex we have put together a list of free and low cost things to do across Essex this Christmas. This Christmas in Essex Guide features deer feeding, Christmas Lights Switch On, Christmas Markets in Essex, Festive wreath making and a Santa Fun Run. Read on for some inspiration of free and low cost things to do with children in Essex this Christmas.




Don't forget to also check out our Guide:



FREE Family Friendly Christmas Events and Things to do in Essex


Deer Feeding at Weald Country Park

📍Weald Country Park, Brentwood, CM14 5QS

Open all year ⁣

At Weald Country Park in Brentwood there is an enclosed deer park. The deer call Weald their home all year round but it is especially lovely to visit them at Chrismtas time. The deer at Weald Country park can be found close to the car park and visitor centre.


Free Deer Feeding Weald Country Park
Feed the Deer at Weald Country Park

The friendly herd can be fed via feeding funnels or by holding fruit and vegetables through the fence. The deer love chopped fruit (not citrus) and vegetables, but please do not feed them bread or meat. Food for feeding the deer and ducks can also be bought from the visitor’s centre which is located by the car park, for £1 per bag.



Whilst you are at Weald Country you can also check out the Stick Man Trail, based on the Julia Donaldson classic. Check out our Guide: Everything you need to know about the Stick Man Trail. There are also two adventure play areas at Weald Country Park, making this a great family day out.


📍Bedfords Park, Romford, RM4 1QH

Open all year ⁣

The friendly deers are a real highlight o Bedfords park. The deers are fenced off but come right up to the fencing.



Deer feeding at Bedfords Park
Deer feeding at Bedfords Park


The playground at this park is also great! There is balancing equipment and a large wooden climbing frame. There is also a small maze, baby swings and a nest swing. There are plenty of things to climb on and jump off.



📍Foxburrows Farm, Hainault Forest

23rd December 2024

Make special “gifts” for the animals to enjoy on Christmas day. Using natural materials and treats, you’ll create exciting surprises for the furry and feathery friends to open. No need to book – just drop in!




📍 Cudmore Grove

📍 Belhus Woods

📍 Danbury Country Park

📍 Great Notley Country Park

📍 Cressing Temple Barns

📍 Hadleigh Country Park

📍 Thorndon Country Park

📍 Weald Country Park

1st December - 5th January

Pick up or download a free Animal Mysteries Trail. Find and count the winter animals hiding in the park. Wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air.




📍Southend High Street

16th November 2024, 12-7.45pm

Southend city centre will come alive with a day long extravaganza featuring a diverse array of performances, special guests, and festive activities before the 6pm switch on. Family activities include children's rides and storytelling.



📍Colchester Castle, Castle Park, CO1 1UG

11th December 2024, 3pm - 8.30pm

Soak up the festive atmosphere whilst seeing over 2,000 years of amazing history at the historic Colchester Castle. With the Castle decked out in Christmas cheer, it promises to be a great way to get in the spirit of the season! Booking not required, simply drop in.


If you are looking for a unique Santa Grotto experience in Essex, you can also meet Father Christmas at Colchester Castle. The Grotto experience, including a small gift costs £6.


There is also a great play area to suit children of all ages at Colchester Castle Park.



📍Hylands House, CM2 8WQ

15th December

Hylands House will open its doors for the monthly open day, this month there is a Christmas themed! Urban Food Fest have a delighful Christmas Food & Gift Market! There will be a number of stalls inside the Grand Pavilion, full of gift ideas. Kids will also love the Castle Fort themed play area at Hylands Park on the Hylands Estate, making this a great family day out in Essex.


Festive Open Day at Hylands House
Festive Open Day at Hylands House

📍Thames Chase, RM14 3NS

23rd 24th November 2024, 10am - 3pm

Head to the Thames Chase Forest Centre for a fabulous festive Christmas Market Weekend! The Heritage Barn and Education Room will be full of stalls selling homemade and bespoke gifts, food and live music.


During the Christmas Market there will also be the option for a bookable festive themed craft session. Children can make a Snowman, with a body made from a plant pot. Craft sessions can be booked in advance and cost £4 per child.



📍Hainault Forest, Chigwell, IG7 4QN

24th November

Visit Hainault Forest this Christmas season for a magical celebration at the Christmas Market. Stroll through the barn and be delighted by selection of small local business stalls. The craft units will be open for some christmas crafting fun! Event will be held in Foxburrows Barn and surrounding café and craft courtyard.



📍Harlow Town Park

23rd November 2024

Visit this FREE farm in Essex and check out the Christmas Market. Home made gifts, decorations and sweet treats!



📍Brentwood High Street

23rd November 2024, 12-6pm

Join the fun around Brentwood High Street for food, gifts and entertainment. Don't miss the Santa Parade at 11.45am and the Christmas Light Switch-On at 5pm. Free entry



📍Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

23rd 24th November 2024

Free entry to the Arboretum, Gardens and Market. Over 50 stalls at the market! also visit the Christmas hat trail loop. LIve music on the morning of 24th November, and bell ringing in the afternoon.



📍Maldon High Street

28th November 2024, 5-9pm.

This exciting community event promises to illuminate Maldon High Street with festive cheer, bustling with street stalls, charming indoor craft markets, and entertainment by local performers. The lights will be switched on at 6pm.



📍Shenield

1st December 2024, 12-6pm

Head to Hutton Road, Shenfield for live music, food & drink, family fun and festive entertainment.



📍 Hadleigh Park,

30th November

Browse over 30 artisan food, gift and craft stalls, Santa's grotto, free family activities and Christmas trail. Animals from Hadleigh Rare Breeds Centre. Enjoy the festive menu at the Hub cafe. Sing-a-long with the Hadleigh Temple Salvation Army Band.


Hadleigh Christmas Market


📍Hollytrees, Castle Park, Colchester, CO1 1UG

7th December

Hollytrees Museum opens its doors for a free-entry day with activities for the whole family. Step inside this historic setting and enjoy a day filled with fun and discovery. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Hollytrees Museum at no cost!



Mersea Lights Up

📍The MICA, High Street, Mersea

7th December

A great programme of events including kids rides, games and stalls. There will be indoor and outdoor entertainment. Lights and Tree Turn On from 5pm. Free soft play and free games bus. Elf Hunt! Pop into the MICA Reception to pick up your free hunt form.


Mersea Lights Up 2024

Mersea Elf Hunt

📍The Tiptree Tea Room, Factory Hill, Tiptree, CO5 0RF

7th 8th December 2024, 10am - 3pm

Explore a delightful range of unique gifts from local businesses. Enjoy a cup of mulled wine with a splash of Tiptree Damson Gin Liqueur, meet Father Christmas and his cheerful Tiptree elves, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.



📍Ingatestone Community Centre, 7 High Street, CM4 9ED

8th December 2024

The outdoor event at Ingatestone Community Centre will be a winter wonderland where you can get into the Christmas spirit, visit festive stallholders, enjoy live music and entertainment. Free entry and free parking at Anglo European School (Willow Green, Ingatestone CM4 0DJ).


📍Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea

22nd December 2024

Join The Southend Band for a free community carol concert at Priory Park Bandstand.  They will be performing festive favourites plus some audience carols. Read More about Priory Park.




LOW COST Family Friendly Christmas Events in Essex

(Less than £6 per person)


📍Thames Chase Community Forest, RM14 3NS

30th November 2024

Take part in the Thames Chase Community Forest Santa Fun Run. Walk around Thames Chase and help raise money for the charity. The event will be opened by Mrs Claus and Jingle the Elf. Dress up as Santa, an elf, a reindeer or anything festive and receive a medal at the end of the event. Entries are a £3 donation each. Each paid entrant will receive a Santa hat. This event is suitable for all ages and abilities and is taking place on the accessible Forestry England paths suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.



📍Hainault Forest, Chigwell, IG7 4QN

24th November

Get create and craft your own festive cone-shaped Christmas tree in this fun, hands-on art activity for all ages! Drop in anytime between 11am and 2pm to join the holiday crafting fun.

Taking place in the craft courtyard, CappARTcino art studio behind the Woodland Trust Visitor Centre. £5



📍Southend Central Museum & Planetarium, SS2 6EW

1st December 2024

Join the intrepid, intergalactic team in Southend Central Museum this December for special seasonal planetarium shows, magical meteorite handling and spaceman storytelling sessions. Tickets from less than £4.



📍High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester, CO45JR

8th and 15th December 2024

Spend the morning crafting your own Christmas wreath out of natural materials found around High Woods Country Park. £6 per participant. Prebooking required.



📍Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, South Green Road, Colchester, Essex CO57DN

8th December 2024

Join the Ranger for a guided walk exploring the seasonal highlights the reserve has to offer. An informal ramble: we will talk about anything and everything that we see or you ask about! £4 per person or £8 per family. Booking Advisable, 01206 729678.



📍The Hive Nature School, Garon Park, SS2 4FA

14th - 15th December 2024

A very special Christmas woodland trail. Hidden along the trail will be our collection of fairy houses, specially decorated for the celebrations - find them all and receive a present! Head to the elves workshop where you can make a Christmas decoration to take home. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and kids treats are included in your ticket. £16 for a family ticket (of up to 5), or £7 per child (over 2) and £1 per adult. Read More about Garon Park.



📍Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, RM11 1JU

27th November - 1st January

Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham will transform and illuminate the ‘secret garden’ next to our historic building: Harrow Lodge House, into a unique and immersive festive experience of magic and enchantment! Entry into the Walk is from £4.50 per person. Babies under 2 go free.



Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration -


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