Essex Christmas Delights: Best Lights, Markets, and Festive Activities (2024)
As Christmas 2024 approaches, Essex comes alive with an array of festive experiences that will delight people of all ages.
From enchanting light trails to bustling markets and family-friendly events, the county offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a magical winter walk, find unique gifts at local markets, or treat your kids to a Christmas experience they’ll never forget, Essex is the place to be this holiday season. Here’s an extended guide to the best Christmas markets, lights, and festive events you can enjoy in Essex this year.
Enlightened at Hylands Estate, Chelmsford
One of the most spectacular Christmas experiences in Essex is the Enlightened Light Trail at Hylands Estate in Chelmsford. Taking place from November 29th, 2024, to January 4th, 2025, this breathtaking light trail leads you through beautifully illuminated woodlands and gardens, with interactive displays and immersive soundscapes. New for 2024, additional installations and festive surprises will be added to the trail, making it even more magical for returning visitors.
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Location: Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, Essex
More Info: Enlightened 2024
Guests can enjoy festive food and hot drinks from vendors along the trail, perfect for keeping warm on chilly winter evenings. With family-friendly appeal and romantic charm, Enlightened at Hylands Estate is ideal for both couples and families looking to enjoy a night of Christmas magic.
Christmas at Colchester Castle: A Festive Wonderland
Colchester Castle is transforming into a magical festive destination this December, offering a variety of exciting Christmas-themed events for all ages. Visitors can explore Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Father Christmas in a cozy, decorated setting. On December 22nd, the exclusive "Evening with Father Christmas" provides a special opportunity to hear festive tales and enjoy seasonal activities. Additionally, the Christmas Open Evening on December 6th features free entry, with the castle adorned in holiday lights, live music performances, and seasonal refreshments for all to enjoy.
Dates: December 2 - December 23, 2024
Location: Colchester Castle Park
More Info: Colchester Events
For history enthusiasts, the ongoing "Gladiators: A Day at the Roman Games" exhibition adds an extra dimension to the visit, blending Colchester’s rich Roman heritage with the festive spirit. The combination of these events creates a unique holiday experience, making Colchester Castle a must-visit for families and history lovers alike during the Christmas season.
RHS Glow at Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
The Glow Light Trail at RHS Garden Hyde Hall has become a highlight of the Essex Christmas calendar. Taking place from November 22nd to December 28th, 2024, this stunning trail illuminates the garden’s most scenic areas, including the famous Hilltop Garden and the Dry Garden. This year’s trail promises new and innovative light displays, all of which will be complemented by the sounds of festive music.
Dates: November 22 – December 28, 2024
Location: RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
More Info: RHS Hyde Hall Glow
Visitors can indulge in warm drinks, festive food, and seasonal treats from various stalls dotted around the estate, making it a perfect winter’s evening for families, couples, or groups of friends. The garden’s natural beauty and festive décor combine to create a magical outdoor experience.
Barleylands Farm Park Light Trail, Billericay
Barleylands Farm Park, located in Billericay, offers a unique Christmas experience with its Enlightened Light Trail, running from December 1st to 24th, 2024. This trail transforms the farm park into a festive wonderland, where twinkling lights and interactive displays bring the festive season to life.
Dates: December 1 – December 24, 2024
Location: Barleylands Farm Park, Billericay
More Info: Enlightened at Barleylands
Perfect for families, the trail offers plenty of opportunities to explore the farm’s festive atmosphere. There’s also a chance for little ones to meet Santa in his grotto, ensuring a truly magical experience for children. With seasonal refreshments and festive stalls, Barleylands makes for an ideal family day out during the Christmas season.
Christmas at Markshall Estate
Markshall Estate's Christmas Market is set to bring holiday cheer to the heart of Essex with a weekend filled with festive delights. Taking place on November 30th and December 1st, 2024, the market will feature over 60 stalls offering a wide array of unique, locally crafted gifts, artisan products, and festive treats. Visitors can explore the beautifully decorated grounds while browsing for holiday treasures, including handmade crafts, jewelry, and seasonal food and drinks.
Dates: November 23 - November 24, 2024
Location: Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG
More info: Father Christmas at Markshall
This Christmas market also provides the perfect opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Markshall Estate, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland. With twinkling lights and festive decorations throughout the estate, visitors can soak in the holiday atmosphere as they shop, making this a must-visit event for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit.
In addition to the market, the estate’s beautiful gardens and woodlands will be open for visitors to explore, offering a peaceful and scenic backdrop to the bustling festivities. Seasonal refreshments will also be available, adding to the festive experience with delicious hot drinks and treats that are perfect for enjoying while you wander through the grounds.
Epping Ongar Railway Christmas Express
For an unforgettable Christmas train ride, hop aboard the Epping Ongar Railway. Running from late November to mid-January 2025, the Lights Express is a beautifully decorated train featuring hundreds of Christmas lights and stunning displays along the route. This is a truly magical experience as the train weaves through the countryside, lighting up the night sky.
Dates: November 2024 – January 2025
Location: Epping Ongar Railway
More Info: Epping Ongar Railway
In addition to the Lights Express, the railway also offers a Santa Special train on weekends throughout December. Families can meet Santa onboard and enjoy Christmas carols while traveling through the scenic Essex countryside.
Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo
For a truly festive family day out, head to Colchester Zoo for the Magic of Christmas event, running on weekends from November 23rd to December 24th, 2024. Visitors can enjoy the zoo’s animals while also taking part in festive activities like the Christmas Road Train, reindeer stables, and craft-making workshops in the Elves’ Workshop.
Dates: Weekends from November 23 – December 24, 2024
Location: Colchester Zoo
More Info: Colchester Zoo Magic of Christmas
Kids can visit Santa in his woodland grotto and take part in storytelling sessions, making this event a favorite among families. With twinkling lights and Christmas decorations throughout the zoo, this is a fantastic way to combine a love for wildlife with the joy of the holiday season.
Audley End Christmas Special
The Audley End Railway in Saffron Walden offers a truly magical experience for families with young children. From November 18th to December 24th, 2024, the Audley End Christmas Special transforms the railway into a festive wonderland. Kids will love boarding the Santa Express, where they can visit Father Christmas in his magical woodland home, receive a gift, and take part in festive activities like writing letters to Santa or making reindeer food.
The event also features a festive dance performance and other seasonal treats that make it a memorable experience for young children.
Dates: November 18 – December 24, 2024
Location: Audley End Railway, Saffron Walden
More Info: Audley End Christmas Special
Essex is bursting with festive delights during the 2024 Christmas season. From the enchanting Enlightened Light Trails at Hylands Estate and Markshall Estate to the bustling Colchester Christmas Market, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, family-friendly events, or simply want to experience the magic of Christmas lights, Essex offers a host of events that will make your holiday season unforgettable.
Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar, grab your friends and family, and immerse yourself in the Christmas magic Essex has to offer in 2024.
Related articles
