Discover Christmas Markets, Winter Breaks and Twixmas in Essex

Now that Halloween has been and gone, it’s time to start thinking about – dare we say it – Christmas!

In the coming weeks, streets will become illuminated with lights, Christmas trees will be popping up around every corner and the smell of mince pies and mulled wine will fill the winter air!

There are lots of exciting seasonal events coming up across the county. Don’t be a scrooge and join in the festive celebrations!

The Visit Essex Team

Explore your favourite festive spots

’Tis the season for pantos, Father Christmas and spectacular decorations! Christmas will soon be upon us, so build your excitement and visit some of the top festive spots in Essex this festive season.

Take a trip to see Santa at Colne Valley Railway
Meet Santa’s reindeers at Colchester Zoo
Experience Westcliff Theatre’s annual Christmas Show
Follow the popular light trail at Hyland’s Estate
Enjoy festive afternoon tea at Down Hall

Take a look at what’s on this festive season.

Christmas shopping made easy!

Gift ideas for your loved ones will love…

It can be difficult to come up with the perfect Christmas gift ideas for friends and family year in, year out. So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of Christmas gift ideas from businesses across Essex;

Colchester Zoo annual pass
Rasul Mud Therapy at Stoke by Nayland
RHS Garden Hyde Hall membership
Tiptree Tea Room gift vouchers
Tour and tasting at Tuffon Hall vineyard

Give the gift of Essex and make memories that last a lifetime!

You will find lots more gift inspiration in our blog.

Christmas shop ‘till you drop…

Mooching around a Christmas market, wrapped up in a scarf with a hot chocolate in hand is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit in the lead up to Christmas day. If you’re looking for a Christmas market taking place in Essex, then look no further.

Read our latest blog to find out more.

Book your Winter break in Essex

Whether it be a stay in a luxury hotel or relaxing in a lodge with a hot tub, there’s plenty of places to stay in Essex this Winter…

Places ideal for winter breaks include Wivenhoe House, a beautiful 18th century manor with first class food and situated near to the pretty quayside village of Wivenhoe. Or for something different Water Lily Lodge in Colchester offers accommodation on a lake in a stunning and peaceful location, the lodge has a log fire and hot tub to keep you warm at night and during the day you can walk through the surrounding woodland. Historic Marygreen Manor Hotel in Brentwood will provide you with that extra sprinkle of luxury you are craving – their popular breaks provide you with everything you need for a much-needed night away.

Any plans for Twixmas?

Twixmas – the period in between Christmas and New Year – is the perfect time to recuperate, stretch those legs and make memories with your loved ones.

Burn off that extra energy with the kids at Colchester Castle or Sealife Adventure in Southend provides another great day out. Why not wrap up warm and venture out along the Essex Coast and estuaries and encounter plenty of diverse natural environments and wildlife along the way. Alternatively to the opportunity to explore the stunning Co nstable country.

For something a little different… step on board one of Topsail Charter’s vintage sailing barges. With a wide range of cruises, suitable for the whole family, there really is no excuse to stay at home this Twixmas.

Look out for the #EssexElves

The Visit Essex Christmas competiton is back! Look at for the #EssexElves over on our social media channels for your chance to win. We’ve got some cracking prizes lined up for some lucky winners.

How to enter…? Just follow us on Facebook and Instagram @visitessex and look out for the competition posts, starting 24 November. Good luck!

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