East Chelmsford

Glow at RHS Hyde Hall

See the beautiful gardens vibrantly illuminated in a rainbow of colours after dark. This year there are 13 brand-new installations, including mycelium – 2,500 shimmering fibres inspired by the hidden networks of fungi beneath our feet. Booking is essential.

📅 Selected dates until 27 December
📍RHS Hyde Hall
Learn more: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow

Danbury Christmas Fayre

Santa and his elves visit the Danbury Christmas Fayre again this year

Danbury Parish Council presents its Christmas Fayre, complete with an indoor market with unique gifts and seasonal treats and festive entertainment and activities for all the family. There’s a chance to meet Father Christmas in Santa’s Grotto, run by the Danbury & Villages Rotary Club. Free entry and free parking.
📅 Saturday 29 November, 12–4pm
📍Danbury Leisure Centre, CM3 4NQ
Learn more: https://www.danburyleisurecentre.org.uk/council_events/danbury-autmn-craft-market-spooky-halloween-trail/ 

Central Chelmsford

Aladdin at Chelmsford Theatre

Chelmsford Theatre’s much-loved panto begins its run in November

Chelmsford Theatre’s beloved panto is bound to brighten up any festive season and this year, Aladdin flies into town! Expect magic lamps, a flying carpet, exceptional disguises, pure hearts, laughter and whole world full of fantastic adventure in a dazzling new ride through a classic panto tale.  
📅 28 November 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 (various times)
📍Chelmsford Theatre, CM1 1JG
Book tickets: https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/aladdin 

Santa Fun Run in Central Park

Whether you run, jog, walk or wheel, this family-friendly 5km charity event is open to everyone. It’s accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and dogs on leads are welcome too – especially in their best festive outfits for the Best Dressed Dog competition! Adult tickets are £17, children are £3 and carers and under-3s go free.
📅 Sunday 7 December, 9.30am–1.30pm
📍 Central Park, Chelmsford
Sign up here: https://www.farleighhospice.org/events/santa-fun-run-2025  

Carols by Candlelight at Chelmsford Cathedral

Sing carols at Chelmsford Cathedral

Sing your favourite carols in the glow of candlelight. All Cathedral Christmas services are free to attend, but due to the popularity of this festive service, visitors must book free tickets to help manage the numbers attending.
📅 Sunday 14 & Friday 19 December
📍 Chelmsford Cathedral, CM1 1TY
Learn more: https://www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events 

Oi Christmas at the Museum of Chelmsford

Author Kes Gray is the inspiration behind Christmas activities at the Museum of Chelmsford

Join the Museum of Chelmsford for festive fun and frolics all themed on the best-selling Christmas books by Kes Gray! Get hands on, painting and making Christmas Gnomes, create your own Northern Lights picture, and have a go at a toy making time trial. Activities are suitable for 5-10-year-olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult, who can attend for free, including entry to the museum.
📅 22 and 23 December, 10.30am and 1.30pm
📍 Museum of Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ
Lean more: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on/school-holidays/oi-christmas/