Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-audley-end-miniature-railway-saffron-walden"><a href="https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/seasonal-event/christmas-special/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audley End Miniature Railway</a>, Saffron Walden</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Audley End Miniature Railway Father Christmas" class="wp-image-19641" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/1-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>First up for where in Essex to book to see Santa is <a href="https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/seasonal-event/christmas-special/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saffron Walden’s Audley End</a>, hosting its Christmas extravaganza from <strong>21 Nov-24 Dec</strong>. It all kicks off with the Nutcracker Station Master inviting you to climb aboard the Christmas Express and journey into the woods to visit the bearded guy’s workshop. As well as watching Mother Christmas and her elves hard at work there’s reindeers to feed, a stage show, a letter to write to Santa, and, of course, a gift to take home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barleylands-father-christmas-expe-rience-billericay"><a href="https://buy.myonlinebooking.co.uk/barleylands/sessions.aspx?tid=7&amp;_ga=2.105000387.1105992995.1693236079-1483168999.1693236079" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barleylands Father Christmas Expe</a><a href="https://www.barleylands.co.uk/christmas-experience-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rience</a><br>Billericay</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19642" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/2-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This year you&#8217;ve a choice of experiences at <a href="https://www.barleylands.co.uk/christmas-experience-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barleylands</a>. The <a href="https://buy.myonlinebooking.co.uk/barleylands/sessions.aspx?tid=7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Father Christmas Full Experience</a> (<strong>29 Nov-24 Dec</strong>) includes a visit to the Grotto, toy token, decorations to make and gingerbread to decorate plus reindeer food to take home. There&#8217;s also a <a href="https://buy.myonlinebooking.co.uk/barleylands/sessions.aspx?tid=106" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Father Christmas Grotto</a> for 0-12 months at a reduced cost, where little ones meet Santa in his grotto, with an elf on hand for pics. Or there&#8217;s their new <a href="https://buy.myonlinebooking.co.uk/barleylands/sessions.aspx?tid=104" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twilight Experience</a>, which follows the Father Christmas experience but finishes with a flying owl display and family photo with an owl to take home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colchester-zoo-magic-of-christmas-colchester"><a href="https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/event/magic-of-christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Zoo Magic of Christmas</a><br>Colchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19643" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/3-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another on our where in Essex to book to see Santa is Colchester Zoo. A must at any time of year; add seeing <a href="https://www.colchester-zoo.com/event/magic-of-christmas-25th-26th-november/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fat</a><a href="https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/event/magic-of-christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">her C to the equation</a> and your kid can’t fail to be impressed. With already only <strong>23-24 Nov</strong> and <strong>19-20 Dec</strong> dates left, it costs an extra £16 in addition to the zoo entry, but is still well worth it. You&#8217;ll start by stepping into the magical wonderland of the North Pole, journeying through the white woodland, before taking a break at Mrs Claus&#8217; Kitchen. Next, discover how the Zoo&#8217;s very own Wilbur the Woolly Mammoth is made in the Elf Workshop, before visiting the main man himself to receive your gift. Well not yours, obvs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colne-valley-railway-halstead"><a href="https://www.wtm360.co.uk/colne-valley-railway-1562688060-santa-2024.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colne Valley Railway</a><br>Halstead</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/colnevalley.jpg" alt="Where in Essex to book to see Santa Colne Valley Railway Father Christmas 2023" class="wp-image-13714" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/colnevalley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/colnevalley-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/colnevalley-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/colnevalley-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Saint Nick&#8217;s clever being at all these locations at once, isn’t he? All together now; <em>that’s magic</em> (and if you don&#8217;t get that then we&#8217;re oh-so showing our age). Kicking off on <strong>23 Nov</strong> and running on selected dates until Christmas Eve is Castle Hedingham’s <a href="https://www.wtm360.co.uk/colne-valley-railway-1562688060-santa-2024.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colne Valley Railway</a> event. Here your little loves enjoy a train ride before meeting Santa, visiting his workshop to choose a present. You can also stay as long as you like, visiting the model railway, museum, signal box and even getting on board for another train ride. The buffet car&#8217;s also set to be open, serving hot chocolate, mince pies and mulled wine. Splendid stuff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epping-ongar-railway-epping"><a href="https://www.eorailway.co.uk/events/santa-specials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epping Ongar Railway</a><br>Epping</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/4-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19644" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/4-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/4-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/4-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/4-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The bearded guy’s at it again, this time at Epping Ongar Railway. <a href="https://www.eorailway.co.uk/events/santa-specials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa&#8217;s Special Trains</a> (<strong>23 Nov-24 Dec</strong>) starts with you hopping on a vintage London bus at Epping or Ongar.<strong> </strong>Arriving at North Weald Station you can grab something from the festive food stall and listen to a live brass band, before crossing the footbridge to join Santa&#8217;s festive train, taking you on a return journey with Santa stopping by with presents, along with entertainers to keep your kids busy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marsh-farm-father-christmas-experience-south-woodham-ferrers"><a href="https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/father-christmas-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marsh Farm Father Christmas Experience</a><br>South Woodham Ferrers</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/5-7-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19645" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/5-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/5-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/5-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/5-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Marsh Farm&#8217;s renowned for a <a href="https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/father-christmas-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spectacular Christmas show</a> – and this year’s no exception. On from <strong>16 Nov-24 Dec</strong>, the elves in passport control make sure those papers are in order before you&#8217;re all granted access to the North Pole. It&#8217;s then on to the Elf Academy to learn spells and become an honorary elf, before stepping into the Snow Show, filled with a flurry of surprises. Next, check out Mother Christmas’ kitchen and her sweet treats, then it’s off to see her other half to check he’s visiting come <strong>25 Dec</strong>. Kids also get to make a teddy, pick a toy from the Elf Emporium, go ice skating, enjoy a train ride – and take part in all the usual fun that comes with Marsh Farm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-macdonald-s-farm-amp-fun-park-a-christmas-journey-brentwood"><a href="https://www.omdfarm.co.uk/open_animal_petting_farm/kids_days_out_in_essex/fun_things_to_do/tourist_attraction_east_london/educational_visits/special_events/263/A%20Christmas%20Journey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Macdonald&#8217;s Farm &amp; Fun Park A Christmas Journey</a><br>Brentwood</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/6-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Old Macdonald's Farm &amp; Fun Park A Christmas Journey" class="wp-image-19646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/6-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/6-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/6-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/6-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>To Brentwood now for <a href="https://www.omdfarm.co.uk/open_animal_petting_farm/kids_days_out_in_essex/fun_things_to_do/tourist_attraction_east_london/educational_visits/special_events/263/A%20Christmas%20Journey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Macdonald&#8217;s</a> offering. On from <strong>22 Nov-24 Dec</strong>, this experience includes a roaming Santa and meeting massive polar bears (of the dressed up adult variety). Listen to the singing Princesses, enjoy an animated Christmas chicken show, then follow an interactive gingerbread trail. But that&#8217;s not all, as there&#8217;s also a Christmas train ride and parade, Santa&#8217;s post office, arts and crafts and even a roller coaster – and all other rides are also included. Just think; that car journey home with exhausted sleeping kids will be oh-so worth it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wyvernwood-the-enchanted-midwynter-festival-colchester"><a href="https://www.wyvernwood.co.uk/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wyvernwood The Enchanted Midwynter Festival</a><br>Colchester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/7-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Wyvernwood The Enchanted Midwynter Festival" class="wp-image-19647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/7-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/7-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/7-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/11/7-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Last on our where in Essex to book to see Santa is over at Wyvernwood. Hosting their <a href="https://www.wyvernwood.co.uk/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enchanted Midwynter Festival</a> for the second year (<strong>30 Nov-24 Dec</strong>), here you get to enjoy Wyvernwood with a festive theme. There&#8217;s unique Christmas inspired events with the Captain, Princess Arabella, Gurt Lord of the Goblins, Sprocket, Merlin and Tatiana Queen of the Fairies – plus a Secret Festive Grotto (additional £15 fee) where you meet Father Crimbo and Queen Tatiana and receive a £5 voucher to use in the Treasure Trove. All that plus play equipment such as the Enchanted Castle, Galleon, Dragon Karts and Jumping Pillow to enjoy? Sounds good to us.</p>


It’s nearly Christmas: where in Essex to book to see Santa

You may also like