FREE (and low cost) Festive Family Christmas Events in Essex 2025
- Essex Parks
- Nov 12
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 22
Welcome to the Free Festive Things to do in Essex 2025 Guide
Christmas is right around the corner! There are plenty of events happening to spread the Christmas spirit in Essex. We have found some brilliant FREE Christmas Days Out.
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 Trails (including the NEW Stick Man Chritmas Trail), Christmas Lights Switch On, Christmas Markets in Essex and a Santa Fun Run. Read on for some inspiration of free and low cost things to do with children in Essex this Christmas 2025.
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.
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 of Bedfords park. The deers are fenced off but come right up to the fencing.
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.
📍Colchester Castle, Castle Park, CO1 1UG
10th December 2025, 3pm - 8pm
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 2025
Hylands House will open its doors for the monthly open day, this month there is a Christmas themed! Essex Foodies Festival have a delighful Christmas Food Gift Market just outside the House! Inside the Grand Pavilion there will be an indoor craft and gift market. 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.
FREE Christmas Light Switch On Events
📍Southend High Street
15th November 2024, 12-7.45pm
Southend city centre will come alive with a day long extravaganza featuring a diverse array of performances, an artisan market and festive activities before the 6pm switch on. Family activities include the storytelling bus at Royals Square, crafting fun at the Forum and a fireworks finale.
📍Brentwood High Street
22nd November 2025, 12-6pm
Join the fun around Brentwood High Street! Live performances across multiple stages, market stalls, food, drink, gifts, funfair rides, festive walkabout acts and entertainment, the return of the Giant Christmas Bauble, Santa’s Grotto, free face painting, a Santa Parade (11.45am) and the Christmas lights switch on (5pm).
📍Maldon High Street
26th November 2025 5-9pm.
This exciting community event promises to illuminate Maldon High Street with festive cheer, bustling with street stalls, charming indoor craft markets, Santa's Grotto and entertainment by local performers. The lights will be switched on at 6pm.
📍The MICA, High Street, Mersea
6th December 11am - 6pm
Indoor stalls, street market, entertainment, live music, food and Santa will be in his log cabin. Free gaming bus and free soft play.
📍Shenield
14th December 2025, 12-6pm
Head to Hutton Road, Shenfield for entertainment and walkabout acts, live music performances, funfair rides, traditional Christmas market stalls, a Santa's Grotto, free face painting, along with food, drink and festive activities from a wide range of Shenfield businesses.
FREE Christmas Markets in Essex
📍Langdon Nature Discovery Park Lower Dunton Road, Basildon, SS16 6EJ
23rd November 2025
Browse stalls featuring local makers and eco-friendly products inside and outside Langdon Nature Discovery Centre. Christmas Carols from Basildon Choral Society Whilst you are visiting, take around the nature reserve or Peter Rabbit Trail. Plus Christmas craft activities for children for just £3.50 which must be pre-booked here. This market is free to attend, but the Essex Wildlife Trust welcome donations of £2 for parking.
📍Harlow Town Park
22nd November 2025
Visit this FREE farm in Essex and check out the Christmas Market. Home made gifts, decorations and sweet treats!
📍 Hadleigh Park
29th November 2025
Browse over 30 artisan food, gift and craft stalls, Santa's double decker grotto, free family activities and Nativity 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.
📍Tiptree Tea Room, Jam Shop & Museum, Tiptree, CO5 0RF
29th and 30th November 2025
Explore a delightful range of unique gifts from local businesses, delicious food vendors, children's activities, real Christmas trees for sale, iconic Tiptree Bus serving festive drinks. Santa's Grotto, come meet the man himself! Dog-friendly, bring your festive furry friends!
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30th November 2025
Promenade Park is hosting its first ever Christmas Market. This brand-new festive event will be free to attend and is suitable for families of all ages. Visitors can enjoy a variety of stalls including food and drink, and entertainment throughout the day, with performances from choirs, musicians, and community groups. There is tonnes to do at Prom Park including several play areas, a petting zoo and miniature golf. Check out our Prom Park Guide.
📍Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG
22nd 23rd November 2024
Free entry to the Arboretum, Gardens and Market. Artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats.
📍Ingatestone High Street
7th December 2025
Festive activities including entertainment and walkabout acts, live music performances, 25+ traditional Christmas market stalls selling food, gifts and a wide selection of handmade items, along with food, drink and festive fun from Ingatestone businesses, a Christmas Toy Trail, free face painting, plus indoor community market (organised by and located at the Ingatestone Community Centre) with a Santa’s Grotto.
📍Thames Chase, RM14 3NS
29th 30th November 2025, 10am - 3pm
Discover unique gifts, handmade crafts, festive decorations, and delicious local produce. Enjoy festive refreshments and live music. Join in with festive craft activities.
📍Hainault Forest Country Park, Romford Road, Chigwell, IG7 4QN
29th 30th November 2025
13 unique vendors offering silk painted gifts, perfumes, gourmet dog treats and more. From the 1856 cafe enjoy hot chocolates, mulled wine, and sweet treats– Gingerbread man icing kits to take home and decorate together as a family,
📍 Danbury Leisure Centre, Main Road, Chelmsford, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4NQ
29th November 2025
From unique gifts and seasonal treats to festive entertainment and activities for all the family, it’s an afternoon filled with holiday cheer. Crafts for children. Festive face painting (local fee applies).
LOW COST Family Friendly Christmas Events in Essex
(Less than £6 per person)
📍Thames Chase Community Forest, RM14 3NS
Essex has a brand new Stick Man Trail and its Christmas themed! It is the perfect way to get in the festive spirit. Can you help Santa deliver the final present? The Thames Chase Stick Man Christmas Trail consists of several interactive boards with tasks to complete. You do not have to pay to complete the Trail. However Stick Man Activity packs are available, which increases the experience. Activity packs cost £4 from the Forest Centre.
📍Thames Chase Community Forest, RM14 3NS
6th December 2025
Walk, jog or run around Thames Chase and help raise money for the Thames Chase Community Forest Charity. 1 lap - 1.8 miles, 2 laps - 3.6 miles, 3 laps - 5.4 miles Entries are a £4 donation each. Each paid entrant will receive a Santa hat and a finisher’s medal as a reward.
📍Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park, South Green Road, Colchester, Essex CO57DN
21st December 2025
Join the Ranger for a guided walk exploring the seasonal highlights the reserve has to offer. Be prepared to walk for up to 1.5 hrs, £4 per person or £8 per family. Booking Advisable, 01206 729678.
📍Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, RM11 1JU
27th November - 1st January
Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham will transform and illuminate the ‘secret garden’ next historic Harrow Lodge House, into a unique and immersive festive experience of magic and enchantment! There will be 1000s of stunning lights, decorations and Christmas scenes, a delightful Santa’s Grotto and a children's ride. Entry into the Walk is from £5 per person. Babies under 2 go free.
Don't forget to check the Park Directory for more park inspiration -
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