Southend is overflowing with festive cheer this year, offering families, friends, and visitors an incredible variety of Christmas experiences across the city…
A City Full of Christmas Magic
Christmas Grotto at The Royals
15 November – 24 December — Magical grotto visits with Santa and festive gifts.
Book Now
Wonderland at Adventure Island
29 November – 24 December — Christmas village, rides, treats, festive décor and Father Christmas.
More information
Come and Skate at Garon Park on Ice
11 December – 5 January — Outdoor ice-skating for families and groups under seasonal lights.
Book Now
Santa’s Space Day at Southend Planetarium
21 December — Explore the universe with planetarium shows and meteorite activities for all ages.
Santa’s On His Sleigh! at the Palace Theatre
8 – 24 December — A fun, interactive family show with Santa, elves, Rudolph — plus a meet-and-greet after the show.
Tickets & show info
Cinderella at the Cliffs Pavilion
13 December – 4 January — Festive pantomime full of comedy, dancing and holiday spirit.
Book Cinderella Panto
Celebrate Christmas with The Rat Pack
5 – 12 December — Swing-era glamour and dinner show vibes for a festive night out.
The Snow Queen at the Palace Theatre
13 – 28 December — Magical musical adventure with seasonal storytelling and theatrical thrills.
Book Snow Queen
Father Christmas at Prittlewell Priory
13 – 24 December — A historic grotto setting for crafts, stories, and festive moments with Santa.
New Year’s Eve Seafront Fireworks
31 December – 1 January — Two spectacular free fireworks displays at 6 pm and midnight to ring in 2026.
Explore Even More Christmas Events
This is just a selection — dozens of grottos, markets, concerts, workshops, family days out, and more festive fun across Southend this December and New Year.
👉 Visit the “What’s On” pages for venues like Adventure Island, Garon Park on Ice, Cliffs Pavilion, and Palace Theatre Southend for full schedules and booking info.