Rayleigh Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Step into a fairytale at View Garden Centre's Nordic Christmas Market, Essex's most enchanting winter wonderland. From late September to Christmas Eve, immerse yourself in the warmth and traditions of a Scandinavian Christmas. Discover over 30 festive stalls brimming with unique gifts, savor traditional Nordic flavors like spiced gløgg and...

Embark on a truly magical Christmas journey at Marsh Farm's Father Christmas Experience. This enchanting adventure includes a guided tour to the North Pole, where you'll become an honorary elf, meet Mother Christmas, and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Children can create their own teddy bear and receive a...

Get into the holiday spirit at the South Woodham Ferrers Christmas Fayre! This beloved annual event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Discover unique handmade gifts and crafts from local artisans, and savor delicious seasonal treats and warm drinks. It's the perfect opportunity to find special presents and...

Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and seasonal decorations at the Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market. Browse artisanal stalls featuring jewelry, textiles, and gourmet food items, all set against the backdrop of the Cathedral's stunning architecture and a twinkling Christmas tree. Enjoy a moment of festive cheer with refreshments at the pop-up cafe.

Step into a secret world at The Historic Dockyard Chatham for Mission Christmas. Families are invited to help ingenious elves fix Father Christmas's inventions, inspired by maritime history. This interactive adventure culminates in a magical meeting with Father Christmas himself, complete with a special gift for each child. Enjoy festive...

Experience the magic of Rochester Christmas Market, set against the stunning backdrop of Rochester Castle Gardens. This expansive market features over 120 stalls showcasing unique artisan crafts, sustainable gifts, and delicious festive treats. Visitors can savor a variety of food and drinks in the Bavarian Village, enjoy live music on...

Discover the ultimate Christmas shopping experience at the Essex County Christmas Fair, held at the picturesque Braxted Park Estate. Browse over 150 stalls brimming with handcrafted items, unique gifts, artisan food and drink, and festive decorations. Enjoy live music daily, captivating LED performers, and roaming Father Christmas for memorable photos....

Colchester's High Street and surrounding squares transform into a festive wonderland for their annual Christmas Markets. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performers, and a funfair, alongside a wide array of gifts and seasonal treats from local traders. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance, adding to the holiday...

Experience the magic of the Bishop's Stortford Christmas Fayre, a vibrant holiday market filling North Street, Market Square, Potter Street, and South Street. Discover over 100 stalls offering unique handmade gifts, artisanal food products, and festive treats. Enjoy live music, entertainment, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Canterbury Christmas Market 2025. Wander through three vibrant sections featuring over 150 stallholders offering unique gifts, festive treats, and handcrafted decorations. Enjoy the scent of mulled wine, listen to live seasonal music, and meet Santa Claus himself. This expansive market promises a...

Step back in time for an unforgettable 80s Christmas Party Night! This event promises a full evening of nostalgic fun, featuring a live tribute show that captures the essence of the decade, followed by a DJ spinning classic 80s hits until the early hours. Indulge in a delicious three-course meal...

Celebrate the festive season at La Quinta's Christmas Party Night on Saturday, December 6th, 2025. Indulge in a delicious three-course meal, enjoy a captivating live tribute show, and dance until the early hours with a top DJ. This is an over-18s event, promising a night of adult-oriented holiday revelry.

Holiday Inn Southend transforms into a festive wonderland, offering a variety of Christmas celebrations. They host all-inclusive party nights with unlimited drinks, and can also cater to exclusive festive events. Guests can enjoy special festive lunches with scenic views, delightful evening meals, and a grand New Year's Eve party to...

Get ready for a festive explosion of holiday cheer at Christmas Cracker, a jolly gathering full of fun, laughter, and surprises. This event is perfect for spreading joy and creating lasting memories with family and friends, offering a great afternoon and evening filled with holiday cheer and the best in...

Celebrate the festive season at Benton Hall's Christmas Party Nights. Guests can anticipate a delightful evening featuring a welcome drink, a three-course festive meal, and a lively DJ and disco until midnight. It's the perfect setting for intimate gatherings, family reunions, or corporate celebrations.

Prepare for a stress-free holiday season with COOK's extensive Christmas food offerings. They provide a full range of festive meals, from complete dinner bundles for various group sizes to individual gourmet mains and decadent desserts. All dishes are expertly prepared by chefs and frozen for your convenience, allowing you to...

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive party at Tanyard Lane. They offer customizable menus and exclusive drink packages to make your Christmas celebration unforgettable. With availability extending into January, it's the perfect spot for any group looking to enjoy the festive spirit.

Get ready to party this festive season at Hunters Meet with their exciting Christmas 2025 events. They offer a variety of celebrations, from afternoon cabarets featuring a 3-course Christmas lunch and live entertainment, to evening events with a 3-course dinner and performances by drag queen Fanny Galore and live singers....

Experience the magic of the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular House Party, a unique overnight getaway. Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea, explore the castle grounds, and witness a breathtaking fireworks display. The evening continues with reception drinks and a gourmet three-course dinner, followed by a comfortable stay in one of...

Step into a world of sparkle and wonder at Call of the Wild Zoo's 'Glowing Wild' light trail this December. Follow enchanting pathways illuminated by dazzling displays and glowing animal enclosures. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, decorate gingerbread with Mrs. Claus, and create reindeer food. It's a truly magical...

Step into an enchanted world at RHS Hyde Hall's Glow 2025, a magical winter event transforming the garden into a dazzling spectacle of light and colour. Explore new installations, iconic sculptures, and a breathtaking lights show on the lake, all set against a festive backdrop. It's the perfect enchanting experience...

Step into a world of enchantment at Hylands Estate for the 'Enlightened' Christmas light trail. This immersive outdoor experience guides visitors along a magical 1-mile path, illuminated by stunning, newly designed light installations for 2025. Interactive displays and an enchanting soundscape create a truly captivating atmosphere, making it a must-see...

Step into a winter wonderland at Colchester Zoo's Enchanted Trail of Light. Wander through a magical 1-mile route adorned with over 20,000 lights, including a stunning new 40-meter light tunnel. Enjoy dancing fountains, a festive road train, and enchanting animal sculptures. Special appearances by a North Pole guest add to...

Get ready for a magical day in Bexleyheath as they host their annual Christmas Switch On! This festive celebration promises a full day of fun with talented singers, dazzling dancers, and show-stopping acts. Explore a bustling Christmas market with festive stalls and enjoy traditional funfair rides for all ages. Join...

This winter, Leeds Castle transforms into a magical wonderland with the 'Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle' event. Created by award-winning international producers, the trail promises a breathtaking display of twinkling lights and immersive installations. Gather friends and family for an unforgettable evening of festive sparkle and wonder.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Handel's Messiah, performed by candlelight within the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. This intimate concert features the renowned girl choristers and Lay Clerks, accompanied by the period instrument ensemble, The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen, and celebrated soloists. Experience the enduring beauty of Handel's music in...

Step into a festive evening at The Vie Clinics Red Carpet Christmas Launch. This special event offers a unique blend of beauty, innovation, and holiday spirit. Attendees can enjoy exclusive offers and witness live demonstrations, all within a celebratory atmosphere.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Canvey Island Christmas Event! Organized by the Canvey Island Town Council, this festive gathering promises a delightful experience for the community. Immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere and enjoy the seasonal celebrations.

Get into the holiday spirit at Adventure Island's Christmas Experience! Meet Father Christmas and receive a special toy, plus enjoy a free child's meal, a round of golf, and arcade credits. This festive event offers a magical day out for the whole family with seasonal entertainment and crafts.

Step into a winter wonderland at Barleylands for their enchanting Father Christmas Experience. Children can visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto and receive a special gift, creating lasting holiday memories. The farm park offers a delightful setting for festive family fun, with opportunities to explore and enjoy seasonal activities.

Embark on a magical Santa Safari adventure, journeying through the zoo to a enchanting winter wonderland to meet Father Christmas himself. If you've been good, he might have a special present waiting for you. Your ticket includes a full day of zoo entry, allowing you to explore and see animals...

Unleash creativity at Maidstone Museum's Family Art Day, where little ones can craft two personalized Christmas decorations. This festive workshop offers a delightful way for families to create special ornaments for their tree or room, with plenty of inspiration and materials provided. Limited spots are available per session, ensuring a...

Get into the Christmas spirit by attending a festive wreath-making workshop at Maidstone Museum. This event is perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters looking to develop new skills and create a stunning seasonal piece. All materials are provided, ensuring a fun and creative experience.

Unleash your creativity this festive season at the Air Dry Clay Decorations workshop. Led by ceramic artist Lizzie Croucher, this fun, hands-on session teaches simple techniques for shaping and decorating clay. Children can craft stars, trees, or entirely unique holiday ornaments to take home and personalize, creating cherished keepsakes or...