At a Glance
- Southend is hosting a full programme of festive events this December.
- Highlights include Father Christmas at Prittlewell Priory, lantern tours, film screenings and Santa’s Space Day.
- Free festive parking is available every Sunday in December.
- New Year’s Eve fireworks return with two displays: family-friendly at 6pm and midnight celebrations.
Southend-on-Sea is set to sparkle this festive season with a fantastic line-up of activities and events for residents and visitors alike.
From seasonal screenings to lantern tours, there’s something to make everyone’s Christmas magical.
Father Christmas at Prittlewell Priory – 13 and 14 December
The highlight of the season returns! Father Christmas will be visiting Prittlewell Priory, bringing seasonal cheer and plenty of presents for children. Families can enjoy a festive activity trail, creative crafts, and storytelling sessions in the Priory’s historic surroundings.Accompanying adults and children under three attend for free. Pre-booking is essential as tickets sell fast. Book your tickets here.
Miracle on 34th Street – 10 December
Enjoy a cosy screening of this festive favourite in the Victorian Parlour at Prittlewell Priory. Book here
Scrooged – 11 December
Beecroft Cinema Club’s ‘Cult Classics’ series brings a modern, edgier festive twist with Bill Murray in Scrooged. Book here
Santa’s Space Day – 21 December
Join festive-themed planetarium shows and magical meteorite handling at Southend Central Museum and Planetarium. Book here
Lantern Tours – Throughout December
Step back in time and explore Prittlewell Priory after hours with your own lantern, discovering Christmases of the past. Book here
New Year’s Eve Seafront Fireworks
Celebrate the New Year in Southend with two dazzling seafront fireworks displays – one at 6pm for families and another at midnight to welcome 2026 in style. Both shows are free and set against the stunning backdrop of Southend’s coastline, making it the perfect way to mark the occasion. Full details here.
Free Festive Parking
To support local shopping and small businesses, Southend-on-Sea City Council is offering free parking every Sunday during December. Participating car parks include Alexandra Street, Clarence Road, Elm Road Leigh, Hamlet Court Road, and more across the city.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said:
“Southend-on-Sea is a city full of festive spirit, and this season we’re excited to welcome families to enjoy everything from magical lantern tours to meeting Father Christmas at Prittlewell Priory. Our local businesses and community groups make the city shine, we hope everyone will come out to celebrate, shop locally, and share in the pride of what makes Southend such a special place to live, work, and visit this Christmas.”