What's On: Festive activities in Chelmsford 2024

This Christmas, Chelmsford is buzzing with events that capture the festive spirit and offer plenty of ways to make memories with loved ones. From vibrant markets and enchanting workshops to cosy meet-and-greets with Father Christmas, here’s your guide to all things merry and bright happening locally this season.

Christmas fairs and markets

Get into the holiday mood with Chelmsford’s charming markets, perfect for finding unique gifts and sampling seasonal treats:

• Christmas at the Stables – Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November 2024 at Hylands Estate. The cosy Christmas event is back for another year, offering the chance to explore local artisan stalls selling beautiful, handcrafted items, from gifts to holiday treats. Enjoy festive food, mulled wine, and a joyful holiday atmosphere with a variety of unique vendors – perfect for gift shopping in a magical setting.
  
  
• Cathedral Christmas Market – Saturday 7 December at Chelmsford Cathedral. Held in a historic setting, this market is ideal for finding special gifts, from crafts to artisan foods.
  
  
• Mini Market Beaulieu – Sunday 1 December, 11am to 4pm. Enjoy music, food, and a Santa’s Grotto alongside local small businesses offering handmade and unique Christmas items.
  
  
• South Woodham Ferrers Christmas Market – Saturday 30 November, 10am to 3pm at Market Square, CM3 5XF. This bustling market will feature local stalls with an array of holiday crafts, food, and decorations.
  
  
• Meadowcroft German Market and Christmas Fair – Ongoing at Meadowcroft Garden Centre. Discover an authentic German holiday experience with festive stalls, mulled wine, and traditional German fare.
  
  
• The Christmas Cabins – Friday 6 December until Sunday 22 December, from 11am (closing times vary). Pop along to Tindal Square outside Chelmsford's Shire Hall this December to find 16 cabins offering a mix of delicious street food and treats, as well as local businesses and creators with gifts perfect for Christmas.

Creative workshops

Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch to your holiday décor or simply want a fun, creative outing, Chelmsford’s festive workshops won’t disappoint:

• Festive Wreath Making at Chelmsford Museum – Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, with sessions at 10am and 2pm. Join talented willow artist Deb Hart and gardener Jo Sylvester to create a wreath that embodies holiday charm. Tickets are £65, with premium materials provided, plus a hot drink, glass of prosecco and mince pie.

• Christmas Wreath Workshop at Little Waltham Memorial Hall – Wednesday 27 November and Friday 6 December, 7.30–9.30pm, and Saturday 14 December, 1–3pm. Craft a beautiful wreath with guidance from Art & Sip’s skilled instructors. Priced at £49, all materials are included.
  
  
• Beaulieu Community Centre Wreath Workshops – Saturday 30 November, two sessions at 5pm and 7.30pm. An intimate wreath-making session featuring seasonal materials, festive music, baked treats, and a reception drink to start the evening off right. Tickets are £40. 

Christmas activities

Find a festive local activity to bring some magic and joy to the season:

• Chelmsford's Christmas lights switch on – Sunday 24 November, various events from 10am, light switch on from 5pm. Kick off the festive season with the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights, plus plenty of other day time activities within the high street hosted by Chelmsford For You! With entertainment, live music, and plenty of festive cheer, it’s the perfect way to start the countdown to Christmas with friends and family.

• Enlightened at Hylands Estate – 29 November 2024 to 4 January 2025. Enlightened returns for another year at Hylands Estate providing a captivating and interactive light trail to mesmerise all ages. Tickets cost from £12.50 per adult and from £9 per child. Infants are free. Book in advance.

• RHS Glow at RHS Hyde Hall – 22 November to 28 December 2024. See the much-loved gardens awash with colour after dark. Pre-booking is essential. Tickets start from £7.95 for adult members and £13.95 for adult non-members.

• The Yuletide Stride – Thursday 12 December 2024, 7pm, meeting from 6.30pm. Join a guided walk around Chelmsford to see the twinkly Christmas lights. A £5 suggested donation covers event costs with the rest going to the Mayor’s chosen charities. This gentle walk will start at the Lord Ashcroft Building and is kindly hosted by Anglia Ruskin University. Register online to take part.

• Blesma Christmas Carol Service – Thursday 12 December, 7pm at Chelmsford Cathedral. This special carol service brings the community together with beautiful choral performances. Entry is free, making it an accessible, heart-warming way to celebrate the season.
  
  
• Carols by Candlelight at Chelmsford Cathedral – Sunday 15 December, 6–7pm and Friday 20 December, 7–8pm. A wonderful opportunity to sing your favourite Christmas carols by the light of the cathedral's Christmas tree. All Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas services are free to attend and seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Meet Father Christmas experiences

For little ones (and the young at heart), meeting Santa is a highlight of the season:

• Father Christmas at ‘The Snug’ at Chelmsford Museum – Saturday 30 November to Sunday 1 December and Saturday 7 December to Sunday 8 December (various times). Book a visit to meet Father Christmas and his friendly elves at the ‘Snug’ nestled within Oaklands Park which will be decorated as the perfect place for a festive photograph. Tickets cost from £25, including a child’s gift. It's nearly sold out so be quick!

• Santa’s Tea Party at John Lewis, Chelmsford – Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 December, various times. Kids can share tea with Father Christmas and enjoy treats while parents relax with tea and cake. Ticket prices start at £17.50 per child and £6 per adult.
  
  
• Marsh Farm's Father Christmas Experience, South Woodham Ferrers – from 16 to 24 December, various times. Enjoy an immersive experience that takes children on a magical journey through a series of festive activities, including meeting Santa in his grotto. This two-and-a-half-hour experience includes activities like a “Sparkle Snow Show” and a teddy bear-making station, with all-inclusive pricing and access to rides at the farm​. Tickets cost from £20 upwards depending on membership. 
  
  
• Mace Playce Chelmsford – from 17 December, various dates and times. Celebrate Christmas with a festive family party at Mace Playce! This special event includes a delicious meal and juice, along with exciting character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and a gift for each child. Get ready for singing, dancing, and holiday cheer in a lively atmosphere designed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Tickets cost from £20 per child.

Festive performances

Celebrate the season through music with Chelmsford’s beloved holiday pantomimes and shows:

• Snow White at Chelmsford Theatre – from Friday 29 November, various dates and times available. This year’s pantomime combines enchanting sets, lively music, and a reinvention of the classic tale of Snow White for a performance full of fun, laughter, and surprises for all ages. Expect cheeky characters, lively music, and plenty of audience interaction that makes panto season so special! If you’re quick, there’s also a special opportunity to book a limited backstage tour, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic of panto is made.

• Aladdin by The Danbury Players – running from 11 to 15 December. With a lively mix of humour, adventure, and traditional panto fun, this family-friendly show will enchant audiences of all ages as they follow Aladdin’s journey from rags to riches.
  
  
• Jack and the Beanstalk – The South Woodham Ferrers Pantomime Society presents Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas season at William de Ferrers School on Friday 20 December. With a delightful blend of comedy, music, and magical moments, this classic tale of Jack’s adventure up the beanstalk promises fun for all. 

• Cinderella by Shooting Stars at Christ Church URC, Chelmsford. This take on the Cinderella story is one of the first of the festive season, performed on Saturday 23 November at 1.30pm. All tickets are £9.

• Dear Santa – This family-friendly show brings Raymond Briggs’ classic Dear Santa to life on stage, making it a perfect outing for young audiences and their families. The story follows Santa’s quest to find the perfect present, delivering lots of laughs and festive cheer along the way. Daytime tickets are still available for several dates in December, but they tend to go quickly, so early booking is recommended.

• Christmas WiFi Wars – For something a bit different, Christmas WiFi Wars will bring an interactive, tech-driven gaming experience to the stage. Perfect for older kids, teens, and families who enjoy digital games, this evening show involves the entire audience using their smartphones to participate in live gaming battles. There are currently plenty of seats left for the evening show.

With so many events to choose from in Chelmsford this Christmas, it's set to be unforgettable. From shopping for handcrafted gifts to making your own holiday decorations and sharing tea with Santa, there’s festive fun for everyone in the family.