Christmas is Coming
Since Christmas is coming, it’s now less than a month away (gulp), you might want to get up to date with some events (Castle, Zoo, Cressing & New Hall) and other Christmassy news (free park & ride).
Events at Colchester Castle
Meet Santa in his Grotto
Colchester Museums are offering a unique opportunity this festive season. Families will be able to meet Santa in the historic setting of Colchester Castle.
From Friday 9 to Sunday 11 December and from Friday 16 to Friday 23 December, the Castle’s ancient Lucas Vaults will be transformed into a magical grotto where families can visit Santa, take in the decorated surroundings and receive a gift from the man himself.
Prices vary from £5 – £8.50 depending on numbers and whether you simply visit Santa or also follow the Children’s Christmas trail. More details online here.
Free Castle Entry for Special Christmas Open Evening
Colchester Castle opens its doors for its annual Christmas Open Evening on Wednesday 14 December from 3pm – 8:30pm.
A seasonal treat as Colchester Castle opens its doors for FREE! Come and soak up the Christmas atmosphere with carols, mince pies, entertainment and an opportunity to meet Santa before his busy night.
Booking not required. Free entry to the Castle, entry to Santa’s grotto £3.50 per child. Suitable for all ages.
Colchester Zoo
Magic of Christmas
Meet Santa’s beautiful reindeer in their stables and travel through the farmyard to meet Santa’s friends. You can join the elves and friends for a very merry Christmas party! Or why not make Christmas crafts at the Elves’ Workshop.
More details online here.
Starlight Nights
Visit from 9.30am until 8.30pm on the 17th & 23rd December! As well as fantastic daytime events you will be able to stay after dark as the festivities continue into the evening beneath the Christmas lights!
The extended opening will give you even more time to see Santa’s beautiful reindeer and take part in The Santa Experience! PLUS from 5pm you can take a ride on the Christmas train and check out special evening encounters!
More details online here. The Zoo is offering other Christmas activities as well so well worth visiting their website.
Cressing Temple
Guided by a friendly elf, your group will explore Father Christmas’s busy Christmas base at Cressing Temple Barns. Learn the secrets of the wrapping machine, magic mailing systems and landing pad. After passing through these magical rooms, families go on the meet Father Christmas himself in his traditional Grotto with full size sleigh ready for photos.
Whisper your Christmas wish and then head onwards to the toy shop where an elf will help you choose the perfect Christmas gift to take away as a memento. Here your guided tour ends, but there is so much more to see! The site is accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, except for the Grotto itself which is on the second storey (although Santa will come down to visit those who can’t manage the stairs).
More details online here.
New Hall – Vineyard Winter Wonderland
Taking place on 3rd & 4th December from 10am – 5pm, at New Hall Vineyard, Purleigh, CM3 6PN.
A winter wonderland combining a great atmosphere, Santa’s Grotto (foc), children’s craft area and free refreshments including mince pies, sausage rolls, hot chestnuts and mulled wine. A great opportunity to taste wines and stock-up before Christmas. All wine is discounted and personalised labels can be printed for free while you wait. All donations go to Maldon Carers.
Shop ’til you drop on Small Business Saturday
Heading into Chelmsford or Colchester for your Christmas shopping? Essex County Council are offering a helping hand by making Park and Ride travel free on Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday should see many small businesses offering special deals in the spirit of Black Friday. Take advantage of the free Park and Ride offer on Saturday 3rd December.