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.
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.
FREE Family Friendly Christmas Events 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 o 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
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.
📍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.
If you are looking to make a day of it, Thames Chase is also home to the Gruffalo Party Trail - The Newest Gruffalo Trail in Essex. The Gruffalo Trail is also FREE, although trail packs are available from the visitor centre for a small charge.
📍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
📍Shenield
1st December 2024, 12-6pm
Head to Hutton Road, Shenfield for live music, food & drink, family fun and festive entertainment.
📍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!
📍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)
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).
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.
📍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! 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 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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