Christmas has arrived at Colchester Castle and the team cannot wait to welcome families throughout December for plenty of festive fun.
From meeting Father Christmas in his magical Christmas Grotto, to an extra special Enchanted Christmas experience, we have something to suit everyone.
Meet Father Christmas – various dates in December
Visiting Father Christmas is a tradition for many families and firmly marks the start of the festive season. This year, Father Christmas will once again be stopping his sleigh in Colchester and heading to the Castle’s magical grotto to meet Colchester’s children. Together with his Castle helpers, he is looking forward to spreading plenty of Christmas cheer and handing out some rather special presents to those that come to see him. A trip to meet Father Christmas will cost £8.95 per child and will include a gift. Timed booking slots will be in operation throughout December and need to be pre-booked by calling 01206 282939.
Christmas Open Evening – 8 December
As an extra special festive treat, Colchester Castle’s FREE Christmas Open Evening is back for 2021. It will be taking place on Wednesday 8 December from 3 - 8pm. Come along and soak up the Christmas atmosphere with entertainment and festive fun! You can also meet Father Christmas in his special open evening grotto. Entry to the Castle will be free, however if you want to meet Father Christmas and receive a small gift there is a £6 charge. No need to book, simply turn up.
An Enchanted Christmas – 19 December
In this two-hour experience you will get the opportunity to meet our magical and majestic gentle Snow Lion and his Snow Queen, take part in some fun Castle craft activities, discover the Castle displays and interactive exhibits, and enjoy the Castle’s new exhibition, Decoding The Roman Dead. When you are all tired out, revive yourself with a festive mulled wine or hot chocolate and munch on a yummy mince pie!
Christmas Storytelling – 22, 23 December
Storytelling appeals to all ages, but especially children and there is nothing more magical than a Christmas tale or two. So, settle back and enjoy one of our festive storytelling sessions with Father Christmas’s Elves when you visit Colchester Castle on the 22 and 23 December. There is no need to book just drop into one of our sessions between 10.30-12,30pm and 2-4pm on a visit to the Castle and get ready to be captivated. The Elves will present each child with a small Christmas gift in the session. £3 per child.
Councillor Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Heritage, said: “Christmas at Colchester Castle is a magical time of year. This year, Christmas is back and better than ever. With festive events planned for the whole family to enjoy we cannot wait to start helping families create wonderful memories.”
For full details of all Christmas at the Castle events please visit the website at www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events
Please call 01206 282939 to book events.
Page last reviewed: 16 November 2021