Christmas 2023 in Essex and Suffolk

Christmas for 2023 has come to an end, but stay tuned for information on Christmas 2024!

There's so much to see and do across the Hedingham and Chambers network this Christmas! Why not take advantage of the £2 single fare scheme for your festive outings this year?

Click here to view our Christmas and New Year schedule.

Essex Christmas Events

Colchester Christmas Market Sunday 26th November and 10th December

To get into the Christmas spirit, why not check out Colchester Christmas Market where you will find 80 stalls selling festive food, drink and gifts. There’s loads of fun to be had with fairground rides, street performances, live music and even Santa himself, so there’s something for everyone! Christmas Market  · Colchester City Council

Enlightened Colchester 1st – 31st December

The beautiful outdoor light trail, Enlightened, is back at Colchester Castle Park for the month of December! The interactive and immersive features of this mile-long walk make it a truly unique experience for all the family. Tickets must be booked in advance at www.enlightened-colchester.co.uk and slots are available daily from 5pm.

Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo. Weekends from 25th November and all week 16th-24th December

This event is a must-see for both animal and Christmas-lovers alike! There’s so much on offer, including a Christmas road-train, festive scenery in the Enchanted Woodland, an Elves’ Workshop, face-painting, and even an opportunity to meet Santa! Book your tickets in advance at www.colchester-zoo.com/whats-on/events/

Enchanted Trail of Lights at Colchester Zoo. Select dates from 2nd December

Colchester Zoo will re-open its gates after hours this December to offer a magical light trail to brighten the dark evenings including fountain displays, fairies and stunning illuminations. Pre-booking is required at www.colchester-zoo.com/whats-on/events/

Christmas at the Pier – Clacton. Weekends from 25th November and daily from 21st December – 3rd January

Christmas has come to Clacton Pier! Immerse yourself in the festive season at Santa’s Grotto, meet the reindeer, snowmen and take home your very own cuddly toy! Why not also grab a Christmas Cracker deal which offers a game of golf, a ride on the wheel, a 4D Santa’s Sleigh Ride and much more! Tickets are available here: www.clactonpier.co.uk/book-online/

Christmas on the Quay – Walton and Frinton Yacht Club, Walton-on-the-Naze Saturday 2nd December 12-5pm

Everyone is welcome to the Christmas Bazaar at Walton and Frinton Yacht Club! You can pop along to enjoy a mulled wine, a selection of bar snacks, Christmas stalls and face-painting, with a guest appearance from Santa! https://wfyc.co.uk/events/christmas-on-the-quay

Halstead Christmas Fayre Saturday 25th November 9am-5pm

Head down to Halstead High Street for a fun-filled day of live music, children’s entertainment, song, dance and merriment, ending in the town’s Christmas lights switch-on and a reading of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at St Andrew’s Church. The full itinerary can be found here: https://www.halsteadtowncouncil.org.uk/events/halstead-christmas-fayre/

Harwich Stars Christmas Trail Friday 1st December – Tuesday 2nd January

Visit Harwich this Christmas to enjoy the beautiful trail of handmade stars crafted by local schoolchildren. Download the online trail map and enjoy a bit of Christmas magic in local businesses whilst you shop for your loved ones. More information and the trail map can be found here: https://www.harwichtowncouncil.co.uk/noticeboard/harwich-stars-christmas-trail-2023/

Aladdin at Princes Theatre, Clacton, 9th December - 1st January

Whisk the whole family away on a magic carpet ride this Christmas! Tickets for performances of Aladdin at Princes Theatre, Clacton, are available at various times throughout the festive period and can be purchased in advance here: https://princestheatre.co.uk/event?i=873642124

Sleeping Beauty at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, 25th November - 14th January

Can Princess Luna be saved from the curse of everlasting sleep by a true love's kiss? Can her friends find her Prince before it's too late? Bring the family to join in the rescue this Christmas before time runs out! Various dates and performances are available and advance tickets can be purchased here: https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/sleeping-beauty/ 

Plan your family Christmas days out by bus this year here!

Suffolk Christmas Events

Bury Christmas Market - Thursday 22nd until Saturday 24th November 

The iconic Christmas market returns to Bury St Edmunds this weekend, with over 50 stalholders from across Suffolk, showcasing their products. Doors open from 10am until 4pm. 

Christmas Market at St Edmundsbury… | Bury St Edmunds & Beyond (visit-burystedmunds.co.uk)

Lavenham Winter Market - Saturday 24th November

Enjoy a winter craft and farmers market this weekend, with over 40 stalls displaying their handmade festive goods inside the village hall

Lavenham Two Day Winter Craft Market | Bury St Edmunds & Beyond (visit-burystedmunds.co.uk)

Sudbury Christmas Window Display Trail from Friday 24th November

Celebrate this Christmas by supporting the local high street! From Friday 24th November follow the trail map to enjoy the festive displays created by local businesses along Sudbury high street then vote for your favourite design online! https://www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/christmas

Dickensian Christmas Guided Tour of Sudbury Saturday 2nd December 11am

Immerse yourself in Sudbury’s history with a Dickensian Christmas twist! Join Scrooge and Mrs Scratchit on a festive wander around the streets of Sudbury to learn more about Dickens’s connection with the town. Tickets are available here: https://www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/product-page/dickensian-christmas-tour-saturday-2nd-december

The Sudbury Christmas Tree Festival 6th-10th December 10am - 4pm        

Come along to Sudbury Arts Centre (St Peter’s) and feast your eyes on the enchanting display of unique and ornate Christmas trees designed by local charities, businesses, schools and individuals. All proceeds raised will be reinvested into the community to support fantastic local causes: https://www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/christmas

Peter and the Wolf Live at Abbey Gardens Bury St Edmunds Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th December

Experience the magic of Peter and the Wolf Live with Orpheus Sinfonia. The orchestra brings the beloved classic tale to life with an animated film by Suzie Templeton. The concerts will take place in a covered auditorium suitable for all weathers and a selection of food and drink will be available in Abbey Gardens. Tickets are available here: https://visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/events/peter-the-wolf-live

Why not download the Hedingham and Chambers mobile app to plan your journeys, purchase tickets and track your bus?

 

Hedingham and Chambers have provided you with suggestions of places to visit by bus this Christmas but do not have any affiliation with the organisers of these events and therefore are not responsible for any changes to times or venues. We recommend that you check the event websites before you begin your journey