Enjoy a bumper Christmas programme at Hylands Estate this year

Hylands Estate is getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year with a great programme of festive events to enjoy this November and December. From the return of a beloved shopping evening to brand-new stage shows, there’s bound to be something to make you feel merry!

Christmas at the Stables

Starting off Hylands’ festive activities this year is the popular Christmas at the Stables shopping evening, which returns on Wednesday 26 November from 5pm until 9pm. It’s the perfect festive shopping experience where you can pick up handmade, locally sourced and eco-friendly gifts, while enjoying festive tunes and seasonal treats.

Images from Christmas at the Stables 2024.

Focused on supporting local, homegrown businesses, there’ll be more than 20 traders at this year’s event selling goodies ranging from locally brewed beer to handmade candles. Some newcomers this year include Prabaya Organics (skincare and wellness products), Marvin Designs (knitted and crochet gifts), Brucie Bakes (dog treats) and Choccy Heaven (you guessed it – luxury chocolate!).

In addition, Hylands’ community of artists will be opening their studio doors for the evening, allowing you to explore their creative spaces on the ground and first floor of The Stables. Their dedicated artists’ shop selling all things #MadeAtHylands will also be open for all your gifting needs. You’ll find 3D-printed Christmas decorations, personalised wood engraved gifts and bespoke silver jewellery among other things. Plus, the second-hand bookshop will be open to peruse your next read or pick up a preloved gift!

Find out more: https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/christmas-at-the-stables/

Enlightened

Building on the success of last year’s sold-out event, the stunning light trail, Enlightened, returns to Hylands Estate this year with a brand-new route which is 30% longer than previous years.

This year’s event will feature a whopping 200,000 LED lights across approximately 15 miles of cabling, forming a mesmerising trail of glistening tunnels, illuminated woodlands and dazzling reflections over water.

As you walk the route, you’ll encounter epic laser displays that dramatically sweep across the night sky; enchanting fountains that light up in sync to music; and interactive installations to have a go at.

Along the trail you’ll also discover seasonal food hubs serving up an irresistible selection of festive treats, from artisan hot chocolate and freshly toasted marshmallows to gourmet street food and mulled drinks.

Images from Enlightened Hylands 2024.

Carl Miller, Director of Enlightened Moments, says of this year’s event:

“

“Each year we challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of what’s possible with light and sound. For 2025, we’ve completely reimagined the route, adding more interactive features, larger installations, and a brand-new son et lumière spectacular. The result is a trail that’s not only bigger and longer, but also more emotionally engaging and immersive than ever before.”

Carl Miller, Director of Enlightened Moments

Enlightened Hylands runs from Friday 28 November 2025 – Sunday 3 January 2026, with entry slots every 15 minutes from 4.30pm. Tickets must be booked in advance through Enlightened Moments. The trail will begin from the Writtle entrance to the Park (Greenbury Way, CM2 8FS), with free car parking available for ticket holders. Please note, there will be no event access from the House entrance (London Road).

Find out more and book: https://www.enlightenedmoments.co.uk/events/hylands-2025/

Great Expectations

Going into December, touring theatre company, This is My Theatre, will explore the true meaning of generosity with a brand-new stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story, Great Expectations.

Perfect for the festive season, this retelling of Pip’s rise from humble beginnings to high society brings rich storytelling, live music and a touch of seasonal magic. The performance will take place in Hylands’ lavish Banqueting Room, which will be beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Great Expectations runs at Hylands Estate on 9 and 10 December with performance times of 5pm and 8pm. The approximate run time is 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Recommended for ages 6+, this fresh adaptation offers an evening of Dickensian charm for all the family to enjoy.

Find out more: https://hylandsestate.co.uk/series/great-expectations/

The Snow Queen

Another family show comes to Hylands next month with The Snow Queen on Saturday 13 December at 11.30am and 3pm.

This enchanting stage production of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen follows the fortunes of Gerda as she searches for her dear friend Kay who has been taken by the Snow Queen to her icy palace in the North Pole.

Brought to Chelmsford by Quantum Theatre Company and created by Michael Whitmore, this adaptation blends fantasy, fable and love into a heartwarming Christmas experience.

The Snow Queen is suitable for all ages, with free entry for under-twos sat on laps. Approximate run time is 1 hour and 25 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

Find out more and book: https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/the-snow-queen/2025-12-13/2/

Christmas Open Estate Day

Finally, to top off a week of festive activities, Hylands' Christmas Open Estate Day returns on Sunday 14 December. The day is free to attend and as usual will feature a range of activities to keep you busy.

Tour the elegant House and its meticulously restored rooms at your own leisure – and perhaps you’ll catch Father Christmas wandering about, too! You’ll find the perfect photo op in the Banqueting Room, which will be transformed for the day into Santa’s den. From there, popular storyteller Mike Dodsworth will dramatically share excerpts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Elsewhere in the house, little ones can write a letter to St Nick from the Library and make festive paper headbands over in the Terrace Room.

This year will be Essex Foodies Market’s first Christmas Open Estate Day and they’re sure to impress as usual with a fantastic array of traders offering delicious street food, warming drinks and handmade products. Keep an eye on their Instagram over the coming weeks as they announce December’s traders.

The Christmas Open Estate Day will feature the usual popular food market from Essex Foodies Market.