Hurry, Hurry! Lots of places are selling out fast for their Christmas events so it’s time to get booked. There are quite a few magical events happening this Christmas 2020 in the East of England. I’ve put them into one big post so here you will find the best Christmas events in the East of England including East Anglia – Bedfordshire – Cambridgeshire – Essex – Hertfordshire – Norfolk – Suffolk where you can meet Santa and more – Not all events include Santa. Don’t forget to book in advance where possible.
This post was updated on the 26th November 2020 with up-to-date information.
Things to do Christmas 2020 Bedfordshire – Cambridgeshire – Essex – Hertfordshire – Norfolk – Suffolk
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Please keep up-to-date with government guidance before booking or visiting. I am unsure of the following attractions policies on cancellations of events, please consider this before booking and check with them in advance. It may also be an idea to check with the attraction that everything is as advertised the day before you visit.
Audley End – Christmas Adventure Quest – Essex – Event still going ahead
Join our festively-fun adventure quest which will allow you and your family to explore and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened! Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and lead you to a small reward. It’s a great way for the whole family to get out and about in Christmas week.
English Heritage
Address: Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
When? 26th December 2020 until 3rd January 2021
How much? Free for members of English Heritage. An adult ticket costs £20.90 and £12.60 for a child age 5-17. Under 5’s are free, other pricing options are available. Prebooking is essential.
Audley End Miniature Railway – Christmas Special – Essex – Event still going ahead
Our Christmas Special is the most magical, family, Christmas experience. The time you book for is your train ride where your enchanted experience will begin, please be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your slot so you have plenty of time to prepare. Once you’ve checked in you will board upon the Santa Express where our driver will navigate you through the Estate Woodland. You will arrive at Father Christmas’s Winter Wonderland where you and your family will meet Father Christmas himself, along with his very helpful Elves, receive a special gift and also watch a Christmas dance!
Audley end miniature railway
Address: Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB
When? Selected dates from 3rd December.
How much? Adults and children over 92cms from £18-20. Other pricing options are available. Prebooking is essential.
Bressingham Steam & Gardens – Christmas visits at Bressingham – Norfolk – Event still seems to be going ahead
For 2020, there will be no live entertainment in the Village Hall, Santa will be in his grotto where you will be able to see and speak with him, and receive a present – however you will not be able to enter the grotto and sit with him.
This year Santa is including:
Bressingham
A ride on the Steam Train on the Fen Railway for everyone.For those up to the age of 12 a visit to Father Christmas and a present from him. Rides on the Gallopers are included too.The Dads Army Exhibition will be decorated for Christmas.
Address: Low Rd, Diss IP22 2AA
When? Selected dates in December
How much? Adult (advance) tickets are £12.50#. Children (advance) 3-12 £15.50#. under 3’s (advance) requiring a present are £8.00#. #Tickets on the day will be £1 per person more than in advance – if there are any still available.
Bure Valley Railway – Festive Express – Norfolk – Events still going ahead
Arrive at Aylsham Station 20-30 minutes before your train departs to collect your boarding pass and festive refreshments to enjoy on your journey. You will have your own heated private compartment for your party.
Once everyone has boarded, the train will depart our brightly decorated station to Brampton. Wave to your Steam engine as it turns around before returning.
As you make your way back to Aylsham Station Santa will be waiting to greet you on his sleigh. Stay seated in the warmth of your carriage as he makes his way down the train giving all the children a personalised present.
Bure Valley Railway
Address: Aylsham Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6BW
When? Selected dates from 5th to 24th December
How much? Prices from £12 per person. Prebook to assure your ticket.
Church Farm Stow Bardolph – Father Christmas – Norfolk – Santa will still be visiting but some other events have been cancelled
This year Christmas will be a little bit different at Church Farm, but it will also be bigger and better!
All Father Christmas tickets include entrance to the Farm as well as visiting Father Christmas, so you can stay all day and there will be lots of extra Christmassy things for everyone to enjoy.
Church Farm
Address: Lynn Rd, Norfolk PE34 3HT
When? Selected dates from 3rd until 23rd December
How much? Adults £7.90, children £10-15 depending on when you visit. Prebook your visit online in advance.
Colchester Zoo – Christmas – Essex – No official yes or no but event still seems to be going ahead
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 we are unable to host our usual, ever-popular, Magic of Christmas events. However, the festivities are far from cancelled as we have put together a host of activities for everyone to enjoy safely!
You can enjoy festive fun during your day out at Colchester Zoo as well as the chance to see our Magical Animal Illuminations as we remain open for the early evening. Further details about Christmas at Colchester Zoo will be released as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Colchester Zoo
Address: Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL
When? Selected dates in December
How much? TBC
Colne Valley Railway – Santa Specials – Essex – Event still going ahead
We are pleased to say that Santa is visitng us again this year. We have worked hard with Santa and the Elf and Safety team to ensure that your visit to him will be as enjoyable and safe as we can make it. Things will be different this year. You will meet Santa in his grotto before travelling on our diesel train to collect your present from Santa’s Toy Shop.
To comply with Covid19 measures and social distancing you will be booking an arrival time slot, Please arrive during this time slot. Groups must contain no more than 6 as per Government instructions, as in force at this time.
Colne Valley Railway
Address: Castle Hedingham, Halstead CO9 3DZ
When? Selected dates in December
How much? Prices start at £40 for 2 people up to £90 for 6 people. Prebooking is essential.
Epping Ongar Railway – Santa Specials – Essex – Event still going ahead as planned
Santa’s special trains will operate a little differently in 2020. We have curated a special programme that still preserves the joy and wonder of seeing Santa himself at this special time of year.
Whilst it will not be possible to meet Santa in the traditional way, there will still be opportunities to see him, and get those memorable photographs. All good children will receive a personal present from Santa; these will be distributed during the journey whilst the train is stopped in a station, by the elves who will leave them at the end of your coach for you to collect.
Epping Ongar Railway
Address: Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9BN
When? Selected dates in December.
How much? Compartment for up to 6 people £175
Framlingham Castle – Christmas Adventure Quest – Suffolk – Event still going ahead
Join our festively-fun adventure quest which will allow you and your family to explore and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened! Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and lead you to a small reward. It’s a great way for the whole family to get out and about in Christmas week.
English Heritage
Address: Church St, Framlingham, Woodbridge IP13 9BP
When? 26th December 2020 – 3rd January 2021
How much? Awaiting prices
Event Cancelled – Holkham Hall – An Audience with Father Christmas – Norfolk
Christmas at Holkham has built a magical reputation and a loyal following over nearly a decade of celebrations. This year sees our 10 year anniversary of Christmas at Holkham and most of the celebrations will be going ahead, however we have paused sales while we tweak our offer and finalise plans to ensure that the events adhere to social distancing measures and Covid secure guidelines. So please watch this space as we expect to be able to go on sale with these events at the end of September.
Holkham Hall
Address: Holkham Rd, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AB
When? TBC
How much? TBC
LaplandUK – Berkshire – Event still going ahead
LaplandUK is an original adaptation of the Father Christmas story and the secret world of the elves brought to life through a 4-hour immersive experience of unprecedented scale and quality, as well as stories and interactive activities.
LaplandUK
Address: Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Rd, Winkfield Row, Ascot SL5 8BD.
When? 14th November until 24th December
How much? From £79 to £115 per person.
Leighton Buzzard Railway – Santa Steam Specials – Bedfordshire – Event still going ahead
Take a 25-minute steam-train ride over a historic narrow-gauge railway that’s more than 100 years old, and run by enthusiastic volunteers.
Meet Santa at Page’s Park grotto, where children up to 12 will receive an early present. And to help you with your present-hunting, our shop at Page’s Park station has the best selection of Thomas products, and much more besides.
Full details will be announced in the Autumn.
Leighton Buzzard Railway
Address: Pages Park Station, Billington Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TG
When? Selected dates in December
How much? Adults £9, children £9.50. Under 2s with present £5.
Mead Open Farm – Enchanted Christmas Journey – Bedfordshire – Event still going ahead
Join Santa at his Rooftop Ramble Show! Everyone has a thinking spot. A place to go to where you can concentrate and let your mind wander. When your mind wanders, that’s when you have the best ideas and come up with the best stories! Santa has lots of ‘thinking spots.’ Every single one of them is up on a roof, where he can see the stars above and the people below. He can imagine all of the adventures in the whole world from up there. He’d like to share one of his favourite stories with you too. It’s all about Mead Open Farm…
Mead Open Farm
Address: Stanbridge Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH
When? Selected dates from 12th December
How much? Prices from £16.50 to £26 per person. With discounts for annual members. Prebooking is essential.
Nene Valley Railway – Santa Steam – Cambridgeshire – Event still going ahead
Your Santa Steam experience starts with a welcome from our station staff and badge team, entertainment is provided. This is followed by seeing Santa in our heated Christmas marquee where each child will receive a special present from our elves collection point. Following a short wait it is time to join the steam hauled, decorated train for a fun-filled ride to Peterborough and return. Please arrive 45 minutes before your departure time to allow for parking, booking in and passing through the Christmas marquee to see Santa and board the train. Please ensure at all times you follow our one way system and social distancing rules. Please note due to reduced capacity this year we will be unable to transfer any late-comers to a later train.
Neve Valley
Address: Wansford Station, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6LR
When? Selected dates in December
How much? Prices start from £15 to £25 per person. Prebooking is essential.
North Norfolk Railway – Santa Specials – Norfolk – Still going aheead
Relax in the comfy compartment seats aboard the train with festive treats. Why not make a party of it and add one of Santa’s Selection Platters to your table? Each of these platters which serve 4 people are lovingly handmade and are made up of freshly made sandwiches, savoury bites, cakes and of course sweet treats!
During your visit to Santa’s Station, wonder around our unique festive walk-through kingdom filled with over 100 Christmas trees, light displays, decorations and much more. You are well on your way to meeting the man in red himself where every child will receive a carefully chosen, quality gift.
North Norfolk Railway
Address: Sheringham Station, North Norfolk Railway PLC, Station Approach, Sheringham NR26 8RA
When? Selected dates from 28th November until 24th December
How much? Tickets from £20-24 per person. Under 1 year £10. Platter of food £25.
They are also hosting a Norfolk lights Express.
Sandringham Estate – Luminate Light Trail – Norfolk – Event still going ahead
As darkness descends, join us on an enchanting journey, a captivating light trail weaving through the Country Park. Immerse yourself in a mesmerising mile long trail, with interactive stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.
Sandringham
Address: Sandringham PE35 6EN
When? Selected dates in December and January
How much? Members will receive an early bird discount. Adult tickets are £14-16 and £10-12 for children. Under 3’s and carers are free. Family ticket £44-52. Tickets must be prebooked.
Thursford – Enchanted Journey of Light – Norfolk – Event still going ahead
Your journey will begin in the main auditorium, an all new indoor Wonderland Trail: a maze of engines, fairy-tale characters and an immersive experience of light and sound including one of the UK’s biggest kinetic light displays. Wander through an enchanted trail partitioned by magical steam engines and marvel at the vast decorations covering each corner of the building!
Next your journey will progress into the Santa’s Magical Journey Building (sadly Santa is currently ICE-olating so will not be attending the event). You will travel past the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears! Get ready to see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh, then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine!
Thursford
Throughout your journey you’ll meet lots of fantasy land characters including the snowman family, make sure you watch out for their snowballs!
Address: Thursford, Fakenham NR21 0AS
When? Selected dates in December and January
How much? Tickets from £15 each. Prebooking is essential.
Warner Bros Studio Tour – Hogwarts in the snow – Hertfordshire – Event still going ahead
Join us to experience Christmas in the Wizarding World as Hogwarts in the Snow returns to the Studio Tour. The festive transformation will begin in the Great Hall, which will be lined with Christmas trees decked with golden baubles and topped with witches on miniature broomsticks. The long dining tables will be dressed as they were for seasonal feasts at Hogwarts, complete with Christmas puddings surrounded by real flames.
Warner Bros
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
When? 3rd December until 17th January 2021
How much? An adult ticket is £47 and £38 for a child age 5-15. Under 5s are free, other pricing options are available.
Event cancelled – Willows Activity Farm – Santa Spectacular – Hertfordshire
Christmas is coming!
Our elves are working hard to complete the plans to adapt our Santa experience to ensure it’s covid-secure and the scheduling of our tickets supports social distancing.As soon as this is complete tickets will be on sale, initially to our Members and then on general sale for everyone.
Please bear with us and keep an eye on our social media and before you know it we’ll be counting down to Christmas!
Willows activity farm
Address: Coursers Rd, St Albans AL4 0PF
When? TBC
How much? TBC
Wrest Park – Christmas Adventure Quest – Bedfordshire – Event still going ahead
Join our festively-fun adventure quest which will allow you and your family to explore and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened! Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales and lead you to a small reward. It’s a great way for the whole family to get out and about in Christmas week.
English Heritage
Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4HR
When? 26th December 2020 until 3rd January 2021
How much? Free for members of English Heritage. Adult ticket £12.60, child 5-17 £7.60, other pricing options are available. Prebooking is essential.
Wroxham Barns – The Christmas Experience – Norfolk – SOLD OUT – Event still going ahead
We are SO excited to say, the Christmas Experience is back this year and Covid safe. Visit in your family bubble, and move through our immersive 2 hour experience. We’re planning all the details as we speak and tickets will be on sale soon, so watch this space!
Wroxham Barns
Address: Tunstead Rd, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8QU
When? TBC
How much? TBC
If you are looking for Halloween events across East Anglia please check out – Best Halloween Events East of England 2020 | Things to do | East Anglia +