What’s On This Christmas in Essex and Hertfordshire: Family-Friendly Activities Near Roydon Marina Village

Whether you’re staying at Roydon Marina Village or simply visiting, this beautiful region is filled with fun, family-friendly activities to make your Christmas memorable. From twinkling lights to seasonal markets and exciting events for kids, here’s what you can enjoy this Christmas near Roydon Marina Village.

1. Hertfordshire Zoo's Christmas Experience

Located in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, just a short drive from Roydon Marina Village, Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park) offers a truly magical Christmas experience. This year, the zoo is transformed into a festive wonderland, with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and exciting activities for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights is the magical Christmas Grotto, where children can meet Santa Claus himself. Kids can share their Christmas wishes, receive a small gift, and capture a keepsake photo—all included in the price of your day ticket. In addition to meeting Santa, visitors can enjoy festive treats, explore beautifully decorated animal enclosures, and experience the holiday spirit in a unique setting.

This enchanting Christmas adventure at Hertfordshire Zoo is a perfect family outing, offering seasonal joy and unforgettable memories.

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2. Lee Valley Santa Claus Experience

There’s plenty of festive fun for the whole family at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park with their charming Santa Claus Experience. This magical day out is packed with seasonal cheer and delightful surprises, making it a must-visit during the Christmas season.

The experience begins with an enchanting Elves’ Magical Show, straight from the North Pole. With festive tricks and cheeky pranks, the elves are sure to have everyone laughing and filled with holiday spirit. The mischievous elves will then guide visitors to Mrs. Claus’s kitchen, where she’ll welcome everyone with a dazzling kitchen show. Under her expert guidance, children will get the chance to decorate their very own gingerbread person to take home—or eat on the spot!

Next, families will visit Santa's Grotto, where kids can check if they’ve made it onto the nice list. With festive photo opportunities and special Christmas goodies for the children, this part of the experience is sure to create magical memories.

Before the day ends, don’t miss the Elves’ Teddy Bear Market, where each child can choose their favorite cuddly toy, fill it with love, and place a wishing heart inside to take home as their very own forever friend.

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3. Meet the Grinch at Rye-Assic Adventure Park

Get ready for a festive day full of laughter, mischief, and holiday cheer! The one and only Grinch will be making a special appearance at Rye-Assic Adventure Park in Hoddesdon. Known for his mischievous antics and heartwarming transformation, the Grinch is sure to bring fun and excitement to your holiday celebrations. This event promises an afternoon packed with smiles, making it a perfect outing for families this Christmas season.

Children will have the rare chance to meet the Grinch up close in a memorable meet and greet experience. This isn’t just a quick photo opportunity—it’s an interactive encounter where little ones can engage with their favourite green character. Watch as the Grinch’s playful personality brings joy and laughter, while creating special moments your family will cherish for years to come.

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4. Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens

Step back in time this Christmas at Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden, where the historic estate transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with twinkling light trails, Christmas markets, and seasonal performances. It’s an enchanting setting for families, where you can meet Santa, enjoy mince pies, and explore the stunning grounds filled with holiday cheer.

Join Father Christmas for a magical storytelling session, then enjoy the chance to meet Father Christmas in person, take photos, and make treasured memories. Each child will also receive a traditional present from Father Christmas himself, adding a special touch to the experience.

For adults looking for a creative festive activity, don’t miss the Wreath Making Workshops held in the magnificent Great Hall on select dates from the 3rd to the 12th December. Guided by the Head Gardener, you’ll learn to craft a beautiful wreath using festive fruits, spices, and greenery sourced from the estate itself. The workshop includes a delicious lunch in the Housekeepers Room, with hot drinks available throughout the day. Please note that this workshop is not suitable for children.

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5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

For those staying at Roydon Marina Village, a festive day trip to London’s famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an unmissable holiday experience. Thanks to easy access to London from Roydon, it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of one of the UK’s most iconic Christmas events.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping thrills on the fairground rides, skating around the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, or enjoying the festive delights of the Christmas markets, this event is packed with activities for a full day of festive fun. There are also live shows, including circus performances and the dazzling ice sculpture displays at the Magical Ice Kingdom.

From Roydon Marina Village, a short train journey will whisk you directly into the heart of London. With easy public transport options, you can enjoy a stress-free day of festive fun before returning to the peace and quiet of Roydon Marina. For families, couples, or groups of friends, a visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland makes for a truly magical day out, combining festive entertainment with the joy of exploring London during Christmas.

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6. Hyde Hall's Christmas Glow

This Christmas, RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex invites you to experience the magic of their spectacular Glow Winter Illuminations. Perfect for a festive evening with family and friends, the gardens are transformed into a dazzling wonderland packed with sparkling new features for 2024.

As you follow the Glow trail, you’ll be immersed in breathtaking displays of light, music, and colour. Wander through the illuminated gardens, where shimmering mirror balls, twinkling Christmas trees, and swirling snowflake lights guide your way. Highlights include the stunning Upper Pond fountains, choreographed to festive music, and the vibrant Australia and New Zealand Garden, where trees and plants burst with color. Don’t miss the extraordinary light show on Clover Hill, and be sure to capture a memory under the twinkling star arch—a perfect spot for festive photos.

For a truly immersive experience, walk along Millennium Avenue, where an animated carpet of light and music fills the night air, creating a feast for the senses. The entire garden is alive with festive cheer, making it a wonderful destination to create lasting memories with loved ones.

After exploring the trail, warm up in the Thatched Barn with a winter meal or enjoy hot street food by the lake. To keep you cosy, the Clover Café offers hot drinks, including mulled wine, adding to the festive atmosphere.

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7. Winter Walks & Workshops at Hatfield House

This Christmas, Hatfield House invites you to explore their festive themed Woodland Walks, a magical journey through the beautifully decorated grounds. Along the trail, you’ll discover stunning hand-crafted creations by the talented Park and Gardens Team. As you wander through the wintry woodlands, keep an eye out for unique tokens hidden along the way, adding a sense of adventure and discovery to your festive walk.

Once you’ve completed your walk, head to The Motor House in the Stable Yard, where your forest-found tokens can be exchanged for authentic materials sourced directly from Hatfield Park. Use these special items to create your own personalised Christmas decorations—a perfect memento to take home and remember your festive day out.

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8. Ware Dickensian Evening

Step into a classic Christmas story at the Ware Dickensian Evening in Hertfordshire. This beloved annual event transforms the streets of Ware into a festive wonderland, complete with Victorian-style decorations, lively street performances, and a charming traditional Christmas market.

As the evening unfolds, visitors can enjoy a vibrant parade, join in with Christmas carols, and browse through numerous market stalls selling seasonal treats and unique gifts. The festive atmosphere, filled with the sights and sounds of a Dickensian Christmas, makes this a perfect family day out to create unforgettable holiday memories.

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9. Christmas Fair at Knebworth House

The Knebworth Christmas Fair returns to the Barns and Marquees at Knebworth House for a three-day event from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th November 2024. As the region’s largest festive shopping event, the fair is packed with Christmas gifts, presents for all ages, and a variety of delicious festive food and drink, offering something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to kickstart your holiday season, with a festive atmosphere and plenty of unique gift ideas.

New for 2024, the event will feature outdoor shopping marquees with wider aisles, enhancing the shopping experience and making it even more enjoyable for visitors. With a range of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to seasonal treats, this year’s Knebworth Christmas Fair promises to be the best yet. Please note, dogs are not permitted at the Knebworth Christmas Fair.

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Stay at Roydon Marina Village this Christmas

With luxury lodges, peaceful surroundings on the Essex and Hertfordshire border, and easy access to central London, it’s the perfect base for a magical Christmas getaway. After a day of festive fun, relax in one of our luxurious hot tub lodges, where you can unwind and soak in the tranquility of the countryside.

Make your Christmas season one to remember with these fantastic family-friendly activities near Roydon Marina Village!

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