With Christmas fast approaching, Father Christmas seems to have his diary rather full in Essex this year – will he really get all his presents ready on time for the big day?! This year there are plenty of opportunities to go and see Father Christmas in Essex and we have put together a guide about some of the very best experiences you can take your little ones too.
Christmas tree with presents
NEVENDON MANOR – An Elf’s Wish
A magical adaptation of a traditional Father Christmas story. You will embark on a unique trail around the grounds, guided by our resident clumsy elf ‘Brumble’, who needs your help to make a Christmas wish come true. You will, no doubt bump into plenty of quirky characters along the way (perhaps even the big man himself!) as you discover that there’s more to Christmas than just presents and Turkey!
When is it?
23rdNovember – 24thDecember (Weekends Only)
Where is it?
Nevendon Manor, Borwick Lane, Wickford. Essex SS12 0QA
How much is it?
£18.50 – £29.95 depending on the date you go.
MARSH FARM– The Father Christmas Experience
From passport control to entering Father Christmas’ grotto, your children will certainly love the journey that lies ahead at Marsh Farm. With lots of wonderful surprises before entering Father Christmas’ Grotto. They’ll have to be checked on the Naughty or Nice list before meeting the real Father Christmas all the way from the North Pole. But the excitement doesn’t end there! The children then enter the toy workshop to make a special furry friend take home.
When is it?
November 16 – December 24 from 9 am -5 pm each day
Where is it?
Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham, Ferrers, CM3 5WP
How much is it?
Prices vary depending on the date you book, the closer to Christmas the more expensive the tickets.
Child (non-member) From £25.50 to £52.00
Adult (non-member) From £12.95 to £21.50
Child (member) From £16.95 to £37.50
Adult (member) From £5.50 to £10.95
Father Christmas at Marsh Farm
AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY, AUDLEY END
It is a fun place to take our kids and even adults. Perfect for the whole family. It is one of the best 1.5-mile ride I’ve ever experienced. You’d get the chance to see Teddies that relive in the woods. Explore their Tree Houses and see tiny fairies and elves.
When is it?
November 23 – December 24
Where is it?
Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Audley End Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JB
How much is it?
£11-£16 per person.
0-24 Months and Carers go free.
ADVENTURE ISLAND, SOUTHEND
Adventure Island is such a fun experience in Essex. You can see the grotto of “Christmasville” and get a chance to meet Santa in Adventure Wonderland.
When is it?
December 7 – December 8
December 14 – December 15
December 18 – December 24
Where is it?
Adventure Island, Western Esplanade, Southend on Sea, SS1 1EE
How much is it?
Non-pass holders:
Wonderland Entry (online) – £40
Wonderland Entry (on the day) – £50
Additional Adult – £10
CRESSING TEMPLE BARNS
I love the beautiful and unique buildings, the garden is so stunning. SO many great attractions. The place has a historical feel. There so many things to enjoy, especially the Tiptree Tea Room.
When is it?
Saturday 23rd November 2019 and Sunday 24th November 2019
Saturday 30th November 2019 and Sunday 1st December 2019
Saturday 7th December 2019 and Sunday 8th December 2019
Saturday 14th December 2019 and Sunday 15th December 2019
Wednesday 18th December 2019 to Tuesday 24th December 2019
Where is it?
Cressing Temple Barns, nr Braintree
How much is it?
Tickets are £4 online or £5 on the gate.
Children and young people under the age of 18, who are accompanied by an adult, are free.
EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY – Santa’s Special Trains
The experience starts at North Weald Station where you can get in the Christmas spirit looking at the festive food or sweet stalls and listen to our live brass band whilst adults can enjoy a free drink and Christmas treat! All children will receive a present from Santa aboard the train and entertainers will be around to keep you busy. The children will find time to write a letter for Santa or enter our drawing competition. When you return to North Weald there should be time to get a quick picture of the train with the big man himself.
When is it?
Saturday 30th November 2019 and Sunday 1st December 2019
Saturday 14th December 2019 and Sunday 15th December 2019
Saturday 19th December 2019 to Thursday 24th December 2019
Where is it?
Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9BN
How much is it?
Standard fares for 2019 are £18.00 or £21.00 depending on day and time of the train. There is no premium for travelling on Christmas Eve.
BERNARDS MINIATURE RAILWAY SANTA EXPRESS, WEST HORNDON
On arrival at Barnards Farm, 30 minutes before your train departure time, You will begin by enjoying complimentary refreshments in our warm and festive cruck framed barn, whilst our young guests have fun at our craft table, whilst waiting for the Santa Train.
Once aboard, the train will make its way through woodland and over the Mardyke stream to the Belvedere Station, where Santa and his Elf will be waiting for you in his lodge. You will disembark here and each child will visit with Santa, collect a present and have time for that all important photo opportunity on Santa’s 1902 De Dion.
When is it?
All the below dates are bookable online from October 12.
Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8
Saturday, December 14
Sunday, December 15
Where is it?
Barnard’s Miniature Railway, Barnards Farm, Brentwood Road, West Horndon, CM13 3LX
How much is it?
£16 per person plus booking fee
Babies (under 12 months) are free
COLCHESTER ZOO
See Santa’s beautiful reindeer in their stables, get crafty at the Elves’ Workshop, hear our Christmas tale and enjoy some festive treats! PLUS all those who purchase a ticket to take part in this year’s Santa Experience will also get to take home their very own ‘Luna the Husky’ soft toy!
When is it?
30thNov, 1st, 7th, 8thDecember
14th– 24thDecember
Where is it?
Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd, Colchester CO3 0SL
How much is it?
There are lots of different options so please take a look on their website for further info.
WHITE ELM, BICKNACRE
A beautiful Garden Centre that allows you to get in touch with nature. Offers an indoor and outdoor spacious play area for your kids. The atmosphere is amazing and looks very vibrant to relax and unwind especially during Christmas. You’ll be more exciting to see Santa’s Grotto and you can enjoy breakfast with Santa!
When is it?
Thursday 5th December we are open for Late Night Shopping the Garden Centre, Tea Rooms & Shopping Village will all be open until 8 pm.
Saturday 30th Nov & Sunday 1st Dec, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd dates in red the Grotto is open from 9am until 5pm, dates in green the Grotto is open from 11am until 5pm.
The Grotto is closed on Christmas Eve.
Where is it?
White Elm Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford CM3 4LR England
How much is it?
The grotto will be open from 5 to 8 pm, tickets are pre-booked only and available to book online only for £12.99 per child.
Breakfast with Santa Prices 2019
Child (2 and over) £15.99
Entry into the Petting Farm for Breakfast with Santa, plus a Grotto ticket to visit Santa and receive a quality present.
Adult (16 and over) £8.99
Entry into Petting Farm, breakfast bap & hot drink
Under 2’s (Babies in arms free with paying siblings but no gift in a grotto) £10.99
Other Father Christmas Experiences
If you have heard of, or been to any other exceptional Father Christmas experiences in Essex for children, then please do let me know in the comments – we are always looking for more to recommend next year!
With Christmas in mind, you may like to take a look at some of our gift guides too!
If you have enjoyed this, then why not stay in touch with us Facebook to find out what we get up to this festive season!
Father Christmas passing a present
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