Best Christmas Events East of England 2024 – Meet Santa | East Anglia

Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Suzy McCullough

There are some magical events happening this festive period in the East of England 2024 and some are yet to be confirmed. I’ve put them into one big post so you can search for the best Christmas events near you – in the East of England including East Anglia – Bedfordshire – Cambridgeshire – Essex – Hertfordshire – Norfolk – Suffolk where you can meet Santa and more. Don’t forget to book in advance this winter so your festive cheer isn’t left feeling disappointed.

Please double-check the event descriptions on the attraction’s website as the below information could change. It is essential that you read their own information carefully, some venues require you to prebook. There’s nothing like attending an event before Christmas Day and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus many places have some amazing Christmas decorations, previous years have been a testament to that. 

Christmas Events Bedfordshire 2024

Leighton Buzzard Railway – Santa Steam Specials – Bedfordshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – 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. Please note that our Santa trains only operate between Page’s Park Station and Leedon Loop over our suburban section of track, and trains do not travel to Stonehenge Works or Munday’s Hill.

Meet Santa on arrival back at Page’s Park grotto, where children up to 12 will receive an early present. Leighton Buzzard Railway

Address: Pages Park Station, Billington Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TG

When? TBC

Mead Open Farm – Magic of Christmas – Bedfordshire – Tickets on Sale

Experience a magical festive adventure on selected dates in November and December, as the yuletide cheer of the North Pole takes over the farm. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, decorate gingerbread men with Mother Christmas, journey through Christmas HQ and help find the magic. Wander through The Magical Forest and make some Reindeer food to take home ready for Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to visit the Make a Bear Workshop to create your own cuddly toy. Mead Open Farm

Address: Stanbridge Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH

When? Selected dates in December

Shuttleworth – Shuttleworth in Lights – Bedfordshire – Tickets on sale

For 6+ years Shuttleworth has been running the Lights events from the end of November through to mid-December. When the sun goes down our Garden and Hangars are illuminated in a wonderful display of big, bold, colour, showcasing the wonderful natural features of our landscape and heritage. The Shuttleworth Trust is a charity so events like these really do help to keep the magic of aviation, automotive and agricultural history and education alive year on year. Shuttleworth

Address: Old Warden Aerodrome, Hill Ln, Biggleswade SG18 9DX

When? 15th November – 15th December.

Stockwood Discovery Centre – Stockwood Illuminated – Bedfordshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – This December, we invite you to join us for our winter light celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Discover Stockwood like you’ve never seen it before, as you weave your way on a self-guided tour through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of the lush greenery. Stockwood Discovery Centre

Address: Stockwood Park Golf Club, London Rd, Luton LU1 4LX

When? TBC

Whipsnade Zoo – Christmas at Whipsnade – Bedfordshire – Tickets on Sale soon

Info from last year – Santa is stopping by at Whipsnade’s cosy Lookout Lodge this year. Little ones can join in festive crafts before meeting Santa in his magical grotto and receive a very special early Christmas gift to take home.

Plus Breakfast with Santa – Start your day with a little extra Christmas sparkle as you join Santa and his elves for breakfast and a special festive storytelling session, all about how Santa and the elves make Christmas magical for the animals. Visitors will enjoy a warming cooked breakfast and there’ll be craft activities for little ones too, before each child receives a gift from Santa. Whipsnade Zoo

Address: Whipsnade, Dunstable LU6 2LF

When? 23rd November – 24th December.

Wrest Park – Narnia at Wrest Park – Bedfordshire – Tickets on Sale

Step through the wardrobe and explore the snowy magic of Narnia at Wrest Park this Christmas. Wrest Park is bringing Narnia to life with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and scenes inspired by “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Stroll through the beautifully transformed house, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Narnia. Perfect for families and fans of the classic story, it’s a festive experience you won’t want to miss! Wrest Park Plus there is a separate Father Christmas event.

Address: Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4HR

When? 27th November – 22nd December

Christmas Events Cambridgeshire 2024

Anglesey Abbey – Father Christmas – Cambridgeshire – Tickets on sale

Experience a magical, festive encounter this winter as Father Christmas comes to stay at Anglesey Abbey. This immersive Santa experience is put on by The Walking Theatre Company. Make and decorate a Christmas wish in the present room with Pepper Mint the Elf then snuggle up in the decorated scullery to hear a story from Father Christmas. Each session lasts 45 minutes, with time for photographs and a gift from Father Christmas for each child at the end. Anglesey Abbey

Address: Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ

When? 29th November – 23rd December

Nene Valley Railway – North Pole Adventure – Cambridgeshire – Tickets on sale

Address: Nene Valley Railway Ltd, Wansford Station, Stibbington, Cambridgeshire, PE8 6LR

When? Selected dates from 30th Nov to 24th December

Wimpole Estate – Christmas at Wimpole – Cambridgeshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – A magical trail with new lights for 2023 – after-dark festive fun for all the family. Firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Wimpole, Cambridgeshire has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Discover huge feathers floating high into the sky, encounter a sea of light stretching out into the distance, surround yourself with sparkle in the long glowing tunnel and see contemporary Christmas trees in all the colours of the rainbow. Wimpole Estate

Address: Wimpole Estate, Arrington, Royston SG8 0BW

When? TBC

Christmas Events Hertfordshire 2024

Hertfordshire Zoo – Christmas at Paradise – Hertfordshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Santa will be arriving n a beautiful grotto based at our Safari Stage where your little ones can join him safely for a fabulous photo opportunity. Make sure to get a space in the queue early to not miss out, as we cannot guarantee everyone will be able to meet Santa on the day of your visit.

Santa has also brought the winter wonderland with him! There will be a glorious festive fairy light tunnel to walk through and enjoy with your loved ones. Make sure to take some amazing photos and tag us on social media with #paradisewildlifepark so we can join in on the fun too. The festivities do not stop here, however. We shall be decking out the park with a beautiful array of Christmas decorations, complete with our large Christmas tree! Hertfordshire Zoo

Address: White Stubbs Ln, Broxbourne EN10 7QA

When? TBC

Warner Bros Studio Tour – Hogwarts in the Snow – Hertfordshire – Tickets on sale soon

Lined with Christmas trees, the Great Hall will see a festive makeover with the long tables laden with a mouth-watering Christmas feast. A blanket of filmmaking snow will cover the majestic Hogwarts castle model and shop fronts of Diagon Alley as part of the wintery transformation. Warner Bros Studio Tour

Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR

When? 16th November to 19th January 2025

Willows Activity Farm – Santa Spectacular – Hertfordshire – Tickets on Sale

Take a trip through our magical winter wonderland where you’ll find Santa in his amazing Grotto. Santa will give children a key to his Toy Shop where they can choose any gift from the hundreds stacked from floor to ceiling

Visit our Create-a-Cuddle Workshop where children can choose from a range of soft toys to make, name and take home along with a certificate. Get crafty and decorate tasty gingerbread. Write a letter to Santa (don’t forget to add your address so he can reply!).  Pop on 3D glasses to watch our short festive 3D film.  Sit back and enjoy our brand new Polar Bear show with a very special guest and so much more. Willows Activity Farm

Address: Coursers Rd, St Albans AL4 0PF

When? Selected dates in November and December

Christmas Events Essex 2024

Audley End – Father Christmas – Essex – Tickets on Sale

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap. Audley End – Plus a separate Festive Fun event.

Address: Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF

When? Weekends from 20th November – 22nd December

Audley End Miniature Railway – Christmas Special – Essex – To be confirmed

Info from last year – With a Nutcrackers help, this winter you will board the Polar Express and journey deep into the Enchanted woods of Audley End to visit Santa’s winter workshop! Together, with her very helpful elves, Mother Christmas is ensuring all the toys are ready for Christmas eve while Santa comes to visit you in your carriage with a gift for every child.  

When departing the train, you will be greeted by Snowberry the frost fairy who will guide you through our illuminated woodland walk, home to our picture perfect bauble tree, to meet our reindeer keepers Logan and Thorn. Here you can create your own reindeer feed bags to leave out for Rudolph on Christmas eve! and more. Audley End

Address: Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB

When? TBC

Barleylands – Christmas at Barleylands – Essex – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Upon your arrival at the Christmas Barn, you will be met by the head Elf who will get you in the Festive mood! Then you will meet Mother Christmas, who has a fun, festive craft for all to enjoy. Next, you can stroll through our Winter Walkway, which makes for some great photo opportunities. Waiting for you will be Father Christmas himself, in his cosy grotto, ready to find out if you have been naughty or nice this year. His helpful elves can then take your photo with your own phone or camera. Barleylands

Address: Barleylands Farm Office, Barleylands Rd, Billericay CM11 2UD

When? TBC

Colchester Castle Park – Enlightened – Essex – Tickets on sale

For the 3rd year running, the sell-out illuminated phenomenon is returning to the magnificent Castle Park in Colchester this winter. With a new & reimagined trail, Enlightened 2024 is set to be the biggest, boldest and brightest year yet! Enlightened Colchester

Address: High St, Colchester CO1 1UG

When? 6th – 24th December

Colchester Zoo – Enchanted Trail of Light – Essex – Tickets on Sale

Experience a whole host of illuminations along a designated route, featuring an immersive blue ice tunnel, magical rainbow light bridge and life-sized animal illuminations. Plus, you can control the magic with special interactive light zones, all put together by our creative in-house events team. During the trail you’ll also enjoy dancing fountains and a ride on the festive road train to take the weight off your feet as you are transported to more enchanting sights! Colchester Zoo

Address: Maldon Rd, Stanway, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL

When? Selected dates from 30th November – 30th December

Colchester Zoo – Magic of Christmas – Essex – Tickets on sale

Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with our festive activities taking place throughout the day! More information soon. Colchester Zoo

Address: Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL

When? Selected dates in November and December.

Colne Valley Railway – Twilight Christmas – Essex – Tickets on Sale

For three evenings only, visitors have the rare opportunity to experience the railway at night. Visitors can ride on our decorated train and see the Christmas lights around the site. Our new buffet will also be serving hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot food. This is not their Santa Express event. Colne Valley Railway

Address: Castle Hedingham, Halstead CO9 3DZ

When? 7th, 14th and 21st December

Epping Ongar Railway – Santa Specials – Essex – Tickets on sale

Bring the family to see Santa on his special train with the fantastically festive Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials! The experience starts as you join our heritage bus service at either Epping Underground station or in Ongar.

When you arrive at North Weald Station you will get the chance to get in the spirit with something from our festive food stall whilst you listen to our live brass band! As you wait for the train perhaps you will meet our characters who will be walking around the crowds looking for the nice children to make sure that Santa will find them later…read more on their website. Epping Ongar Railway

Address: Station Approach, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9BN

When? Selected dates in November and December

Hylands Estate – Enlightened – Essex – Tickets on sale

Enlightened is a series of magical outdoor light trails hosted at multiple venues throughout the UK each winter. Last year, Enlightened Trails were visited by over 125,000 people and the feedback received was superb. There are installations and interactive elements across all of our trails to make Enlightened 2024 the biggest and brightest season of winter events to date.

Our unique trails are a magical experience for all the family and the perfect opportunity to join together and immerse yourself in the enchanted, illuminated world. Enlightened Hylands Estate

Address: London Rd, Writtle, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ

When? 29th November to 5th January 2024

Kentwell Hall – Dickensian Christmas – Essex – Tickets on Sale soon

Info from last year – Kentwell turns the Christmas clock back to the year 1869 and the age of Dickens to create a rich tapestry of lively and enjoyable activities for all ages. Meet the Hall’s Victorian Bence Family with their children, other relatives and friends together with their household staff and cooks – all busy or active. The Young are anxious to attend an upcoming Christmas Balls and from time to time spend in the ballroom perfecting their waltz and other dance steps…and more. Kentwell Hall

Address: High Street, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9BA

When? 7th-8th & 14th-15th December

Marsh Farm – The Father Christmas Experience – Essex – Tickets on sale

A wondrous journey awaits you, but before you can embark on your enchanted adventure, you’ll need to be granted special access to the North Pole! Don’t worry, our expert Elves in Passport Control will make sure all your papers are in order and send you on your way.

First stop, the Elf Academy! Here you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be inducted as an honorary Elf! Yes, you can learn the spells that could land you a spot on Fathers Christmas’s team…that’s as long as those mischievous Elves can remember how they go! and more (see link above). Marsh Farm

Address: Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham Ferrers CM3 5WP

When? Selected dates from 16th November to 24th December

Christmas Events Norfolk 2024

Bressingham Steam & Gardens – Christmas at Bressingham – Norfolk – Tickets on Sale

Join us for a festive adventure at Bressingham Steam Museum this Christmas! Experience the magic of the season with a visit to our enchanting grotto, where Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, and their elves await to greet children aged 12 and under with special gifts. After your grotto visit, explore our festive exhibition hall, be amazed by a magical show, embark on a scenic Christmas train ride, or indulge in delicious festive treats at our café. Bressingham

Address: Low Rd, Diss IP22 2AA

When? 23rd November – 24th December

Bure Valley Railway – Festive Express – Norfolk – To be confirmed

Hop on board one of our Festive Express steam trains this December. Enjoy a 1-hour experience from our Aylsham Station including festive treats, a 30-minute steam train ride and a visit to see Santa in his grotto. Each child will receive a personalised present from Santa himself. Bure Valley Railway

Address: Aylsham Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham, Norwich NR11 6BW

When? December 2nd – 24th

Church Farm Stow Bardolph – Father Christmas – Norfolk – Tickets on sale

All Father Christmas tickets include entrance to the Farm as well as visiting Father Christmas, so you can stay all day and enjoy everything Church Farm has to offer including the indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, undercover petting pens, Christmas shopping and market and lots lots more. Church Farm Stow Bardolph

Address: Lynn Rd, Norfolk PE34 3HT

When? 30th November to 23rd of December

North Norfolk Railway – Santa Specials – Norfolk – Tickets on sale

Sit back and relax as your train steams non-stop from Sheringham up the whole length of the line to Holt. Get into the festive spirit and make merry with complimentary onboard refreshments served to your table – mince pies and mulled cider for adults and gingerbread and hot chocolate for every child! There are festive children’s activity booklets too, plus entertainers and balloon modellers who will stroll through the train spending time in each carriage for part of the journey.

On the return journey, the train will stop at Weybourne Station where you will make your way through an enchanted Christmas Tree Kingdom with a magical seasonal theme, a snowy model railway and Santa’s friendly helpers before you meet Father Christmas himself who will present every child with a special, wrapped gift before you rejoin the train for the short journey back to Sheringham. North Norfolk Railway

Address: Sheringham Station, North Norfolk Railway PLC, Station Approach, Sheringham NR26 8RA

When? 25th November – 23rd December

Roarr! – Dippy’s Christmas Celebrations – Norfolk – Tickets on Sale

Enjoy the Christmas sparkle that Father Christmas has spread, helped by his friend Dippy at this year’s Dippy’s Christmas Celebration. Wander through the Candy Cane Trail, glide on our open-air synthetic ice-skating rink, and enjoy thrilling rides. Be sure to catch the Dippy & Friends Christmas Show and the Dippy Live Christmas performance. Plus, don’t miss the chance to write your letter to Father Christmas! With all this and our ROARR-some attractions, you’re in for an unforgettable festive adventure! Roarr!

Address: Lenwade, Norwich NR9 5JE

When? Selected date in November and December

Sandringham Estate – Luminate Light Trail – Norfolk – Tickets on Sale

As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the Royal Parkland at Sandringham. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising mile-long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous interactive light play, all set to music. A timeless experience to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike. The courtyard area will have tasty hot food and drinks for before or after the trail. On the route, you will find mulled wine and marshmallows for toasting on fire pits. Luminate Sandringham

Address: Sandringham PE35 6EN

When? 21st November – 24th December

Thursford – Santa’s Magical Journey – Norfolk – Tickets on sale

Your journey takes you from penguins and polar bears to giant sized teddy bears ready to load Santa’s sleigh and then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory with the wonderful wrapping machine. You’ll meet lots of fantasy characters including the snowman’s family but watch out for the snowballs!

After your visit to Father Christmas’s grotto, your journey continues as you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, the Enchanted Journey of Light. With lots of creatures to marvel at – a beautiful, breathtaking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole. Watch out for the naughty mushroom gnomes! Thursford

Christmas Spectacular 2024 is also available at this venue.

Address: Thursford, Fakenham NR21 0AS

When? Selected dates in November and December

Wroxham Barns – The Christmas Experience – Norfolk – Tickets on Sale

A Christmas at Wroxham Barns isn’t just a quick outing. We take you on a journey around Junior Farm & our Fun Park with themed Christmassy activities at every corner. There is so much to do for ALL the family that you can spend the whole day creating special memories.  If that isn’t enough, you will experience a private meeting with Santa in his grotto for you and any family & friends that want to join you as part of your group. With family groups of 2 to 14 people. The more the merrier. Wroxham Barns

Address: Tunstead Rd, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8QU

When? 1st – 23rd December

Christmas Events Suffolk 2024

Easton Farm Park – Christmas Festive Fun – Suffolk – To be confirmed

Info from last year – We’ve got a wonderful winter array of magical activities for you to get involved in:

Winter Wonderland Walk
A Gift from Santa and visit his stables
Mother Christmas’ Kitchen
Craft and cookie decorating
Explore the toy store – Easton Farm Park

Address: Easton Farm Park, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ

When? TBC

Kersey Mill – Santa’s Workshop – Suffolk – Tickets on Sale

Are you ready to immerse yourself into an exciting and truly magical Christmas experience, where children & families experience a mystical Santa’s Workshop in a wonderful charming historical building with beautiful gardens & grounds? Santa & his team cannot wait to make everlasting memories with you. Lots of fun activities include making reindeer food, helping load the sleigh in preparation for Christmas Eve and making Christmas decoration crafts. Children will check Santa’s Good List Scroll with his chief elf for their name. Kersey Mill

Address: Kersey, Ipswich IP7 6DP

When? Selected dates from 30th November – 22nd December

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