Mid Essex - Winter Events

Here you’ll find Free Family Events in Mid Essex this Winter. From magical Santa Sleigh visits to local activities and support for families, this is your go-to place for festive fun and helpful resources. Explore what’s happening in your community and make this winter special.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Local organisations are also offering ongoing support, welcoming spaces, and enriching activities all winter long. Whether you’re looking for advice, support, or just a great place to play and learn, we’ve got you covered.

Click on the tabs below to find out what’s going on near you!

Braintree

Special Christmas Events to

Santa Sleigh visit to Black Notley

Santa and his helpers from Braintree Rivers Rotary Club will be visiting Black Notley on December 8

Date and Time: Monday 8^th December at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Ongoing Activities for Young Families (0-10 years old)

Baby Beginnings

A free weekly group for 0–12 month olds and their parents/carers. Includes sensory play, messy play, stories, songs and more.

Date & Time:

Every Monday 9:30am – 11:00am (Harlequin)
Every Tuesday 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Carousel)
Every Friday 9:30am – 11:00am (Silver End)
Every Friday 10:00am – 11:30am (Acorn)

Location: Various Family Hub sites

More Information: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/hubs/carousel-family-hub/

Stay, Play and Learn

A free weekly group for 1–5 year olds (up to 8 in school holidays) and their parents/carers.

Date & Time:

Every Thursday 10:00am – 11:30am (Carousel Family Hub)
Every Wednesday 10:00am – 11:30am (Silver End Family Hub)
Every Thursday 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Harlequin Family Hub)

More Information: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/hubs/carousel-family-hub/

SEND Stay, Play and Learn

A weekly drop-in group for 0–5 year olds with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Date & Time: Every Wednesday, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Location: Carousel Family Hub

More Information: https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/hubs/carousel-family-hub/

Move With Us

A free weekly group for primary-aged children (5–11) and their families.

Date & Time: Every Tuesday 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Location: Carousel Family Hub

More Information/To Book: No booking required https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/hubs/carousel-family-hub/

Health Advice Drop-In-Sessions for 5-19 year olds

Drop-in sessions for advice and support on worries, low mood, stress, bullying, diet, sleep, hygiene, sexual health, and more.

Date & Time:

1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday (Silver End)
4th Monday (Harlequin)
Wednesday 3:00pm – 4:30pm (Acorn)

Location: Various Family Hub sites

More Information/To Book: No booking required https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/hubs/carousel-family-hub/

Spaces and Places to visit

Taste and See

All welcome – FREE lunch and time to socialise with activities for all ages.

Date & Time:

Tuesday 30 Dec 10.30am – 12.30pm (Games)
Wednesday 31 Dec 10.30am – 12.30pm (Dress up and face paint)

Location: Halstead Royal British Legion, 13 The Causeway, CO9 1ET

More Information/To Book: Contact Rachael 07360 592309 or http://facebook.com/crosswayschristianfellowship

Chelmsford

Special Christmas Events

Rotary Chelmsford Mildmay Santa Sleigh

From 15th – 20th December, you can catch Santa on his Sleigh near you! Make sure to check which routes he will be travelling along!

When:

Monday 15th December – The route will be: Little Waltham – Broads Green – Great Waltham – Howe Street

Wednesday 17th December – The route will be: Centenary Way – Wilfred Waterman Way – Robert Finch Crescent – Minns Avenue

Thursday 18th December – The route will be: Goldenacres – Stablecroft – Paddock Drive – Trenchard Crescent – Mountbatten Way – Daffodil Way – Hunters Way – Martingale

Saturday 20th December – Morrisons, Regiment Business Park Time: 9am-6pm

More information: Routes can change depending on the weather, so check for daily updates on mildmayrotary.org.uk or facebook.com/mildmayrotary/

Oi Christmas

Hands-on painting and making Christmas Gnomes, Northern Lights picture, and toy-making time trial. Please note this is a PAID activity

Date & Time: Monday 22nd – Tuesday 23rd December. 10.30am & 1.30pm

Location: Chelmsford Museum

More Information: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on/school-holidays/oi-christmas/

Christmas Open Estate Day - Hylands House

Festive Open Estate Day with Santa roaming the grounds, decorations, Santa’s den, letter writing, headband making, storytelling and more. Please Note – Some Activities will cost.

Date & Time: Sunday 14th December, 10am-3pm

Location: Hylands Estate

More Information: https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/christmas-open-estate-day/