Free festive things to do in Essex this December
December can be an expensive time of year, with many of us travelling more to see loved ones, buying extra food for family gatherings, and shopping for presents. We’ve rounded up some free or low-cost things to do this season, so that you can still enjoy the festivities without having to reach further into your pocket.
Carol services
Who doesn’t love to sing a merry carol at Christmas time? Chelmsford Cathedral is holding several free carol services in December, including a family-friendly singalong called Christmas Jumper Carols on 23 December. Plus, the Carols by Candlelight services on 15 and 20 December are great opportunities to sing all your favourite carols by the light of the Cathedral Christmas tree.
Garden centres
Garden centres often have a special festive section, and several in Essex are well-known for their displays.
Summerhill Garden Centre in Billericay is hosting one of the largest festive displays in the county, and their award-winning Christmas Wonderland has plenty of great photo opportunities.
Perrywood in Tiptree is famed for its impressive displays, and the theme for their Christmas Shop this year is ‘Magical Moments’. Every Monday from 8.30-9.30am and between 3.30-5pm the music in the Christmas Shop will be turned off to allow those who struggle with loud noise to enjoy the displays.
There’s a German Market running in Wickford’s Meadowcroft Garden Centre up until 23 December, which is free to visit. The market is open seven days a week, and on certain dates both the garden centre and the market is open until 9pm. And don’t miss the live music weekend on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, which is also free to attend.
Festive markets
Find a seasonal market near you and enjoy the decorations, free samples of food and drink, and festive atmosphere.
Ingatestone Christmas Market with Brentwood Connected is returning this year on Sunday 8 December, from 12-6pm. There’ll be festive stallholders, live music and entertainment to enjoy, and free parking will be available at Anglo European School.
On 1 December, head to Hutton Road for the Festive Shenfield event. Entry is free, and there’ll be on-stage performances, festive walk-about acts, and a children’s entertainer, as well as children’s rides and free face-painting.
The Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 7 December, 10am-3pm. Enjoy the stunning architecture of the building and listen to performances from local choirs and musicians while browsing the stalls.
Have a look at this blog from Visit Essex to find a seasonal market near you.
Nayling Road light trail
What’s the festive season without colourful lights? Every year, the residents of Nayling Road, Braintree, decorate their houses spectacularly and raise money for charity. You can stay up to date with what’s happening on the street via their Facebook page.
Light switch ons
Most town centres have a festive light switch on event, which are usually free for the public to attend. These are often in November, but check here to see if your local switch-on has happened yet.
Once the lights are on, why not pack a flask of hot chocolate and have a wander through your nearest town centre to marvel at the displays one evening?
Pantomimes
If a panto is a tradition in your household, there are some that you can watch for free on YouTube for a fun night at home. Check out Cinderella or Jack and the Beanstalk.
Cinemas
With great new releases at the cinemas and the two-week school holiday over the festive period, make sure you take advantage of reduced ticket prices and family deals.
Cineworld and Odeon have deals where adults pay the same price as children, and Cineworld also has £2.50 tickets for some kids’ films. Vue has Mighty Mornings screenings, where adult and child tickets start at £2.49.
Games nights
Big Potato Games has some free downloadable board games, which will be perfect for a wintry night in with some nibbles. If none of these take your fancy, a quick Google search for ‘free downloadable board games’ brings up a selection of websites with printable games.
Cheap eats
Over the school holidays, make the most of some of the offers available for children’s meals.
Morrisons: Different deals every day between 13 and 24 December, plus children eat for free when an adult spends £4.50 or more on a meal.
Dunelm: For every £4 spent in Pausa Café, kids can get one mini main, two snacks, and a drink for free.
Dobbies Garden Centre: Free children’s breakfast with any adult traditional or full breakfast or a free child’s hot meal or pick n mix lunch box with any adult main course.
Keep an eye out for any other discounts over the school holidays so you can enjoy eating out for less.
Festive crafts
Nature has all sorts on offer when it comes to crafting equipment. Why not go for a walk in your local park and collect things like pine cones, branches, and other natural items. You can also use dried oranges, cloves, and twine.
When you arrive home, get creative with your finds. You could decorate them with paint and glitter, arrange them on a circle of cardboard for your own festive wreath, or create garlands with twine. Have a look at this blog for inspiration.
Bake for Santa
Prepare some tasty treats for Santa and his reindeer. You could make ‘reindeer food’ with oats and glitter, or bake something sweet (that you’ll have to sample!) Have a look at these budget-friendly festive recipes to see if something takes your fancy.