Colchester Castle is thrilled to announce its fantastic festive line up of Christmas events is now on sale.
This November and December, visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas with some enchanting experiences including Grotto visits and an exclusive fun packed evening with Father Christmas and friends.
Grotto Experiences with Father Christmas
Children are invited to meet Father Christmas and his helpers in his magical Castle Grotto. With four unique Grotto experiences to choose from; Meet Father Christmas, Starlight Grotto, Tiny Tots Grotto - plus a Nursery Grotto, exclusively available to nursery groups, each experience is guaranteed to bring festive joy to all.
Meet Father Christmas
A wonderful opportunity for children to meet Father Christmas and his Castle elves to share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. The beautifully decorated Grotto filled with seasonal cheer provides the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable festive memories.
Price just £12 per child including gift, adults £1.
Starlight Grotto
The Castle’s enchanting Grotto with a special twist returns for 2025! Father Christmas and his Castle helpers will bring Christmas joy to the children of Colchester in a beautifully illuminated setting. Each child gets a chance to speak with Father Christmas and the whole family can tuck into a delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine topped off with a sweet mince pie or cookie. £15 children, £6 adults.
Nursery Groups - Meet Father Christmas
Father Christmas has set aside times specifically for nursery and pre-school groups to meet him and his helpers. The Castle’s youngest visitors are invited along to enjoy a calm and welcoming environment designed to put them at ease. There will also be storytelling, festive songs and playful activities led by Father Christmas' helpers!
£7 per child. Group size max 25, minimum of 8 children.
Tiny Tots Grotto
Father Christmas has set aside times for children aged 5 years and under to meet him this December. Designed specifically to give its youngest visitors the chance to share their Christmas wishes in a calm and welcoming environment, so even the youngest visitors feel comfortable. Storytelling, festive songs, and playful activities led by Father Christmas's helpers are included creating moments designed to captivate young minds and create lasting memories. £8 children, £2.50 adults.
An Evening with Father Christmas
Join Father Christmas and his elves for a fun packed evening of craft, games, and Christmas magic! It's the perfect start to your festive celebrations. Enjoy games, a family quiz, craft fun and mulled wine, hot chocolate and cookies! Tickets £22.50 children, £12 adults.
Councillor Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “Christmas is a magical time of year, and Colchester Castle’s festive experiences are the perfect way to celebrate. With options to cater to everyone's needs, the Castle promises the most enchanting and memorable moments for visitors of all ages, creating lifelong memories for both the young and the young at heart."
“Christmas at Colchester Castle is always special, and this year promises even more festive magic for the whole family. From timeless traditions to exciting new experiences, including our brand-new Tiny Tots Grotto designed especially for little ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Dates and time slots for all our festive events can be booked online.
For more information and to book online visit www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
Page last reviewed: 18 September 2025