Christmas stuff for children in N/E London or Essex?

[TheYearOfSmallThings]

I can't find anything!

Normally we would do a lights walk, a few Christmas fairs (schools, church), a panto, a Santa grotto, a Carol service (DS won't miss that if I'm honest) - generally lots of bits and pieces over the course of a month.

This year I just can't find anything that hasn't been cancelled (most) or booked out (the rest).

I'm sure to there must be stuff I'm missing? Advent trails, decorated walks, Christmas skating, anything! Doesn't have to be fancy.

We live in East London but we're willing to travel. Which is lucky, since the only festive thing I can find is in Southend.

Audley End Railway Christmas Special
Colchester zoo
Hylands Park
Epping Ongar Railway
Clone Valley Railway
East Anglian Railway Museum
Lakeside lakeside-shopping.com/events/christmas-wonderland

Might be too far but there's a drive thru winter wonderland in Kent Showground

Thanks guys! audley End is fully booked, Colchester grotto is cancelled. The Epping trains only have the option left that costs hundreds. East Anglia Santa is cancelled, but Colne Valley is still on, with some spaces left, so thanks for finding that.

I'll take a look at the Kent one - for some reason we rarely venture into Kent!

Just published a post with lots of Christmas things still to book across London. It includes free lights, light trails, art walks, activity trails, theatre, and at home festive activities. Hope it's useful!
museummum.com/2020/12/01/christmas-in-london-2020-things-to-do-with-kids/

I live v close to London. A local black cab driver is offering a COVID secure trip to see all the lights. May be something to see if they do in your area?

I had the same idea as CatsGoPurrrr - we are inner NE London and there’s loads of black cab taxi drivers on Nextdoor offering Christmas lights tours.

There’s also ice skating at Ally Pally but not sure of availability.

Same boat - a big lights event we booked for months ago was cancelled. We don’t normally do much Christmas stuff so all looking forward to it. All similar lights trails at national trust properties etc have been cancelled. Instead our plan is to pack up a backpack with mince pies and treats, get the tube to Oxford Circus, see the lights on carnaby st, regent st, picadilly and end up on Trafalgar Square to see the big tree from Norway. If Libertys isn’t heaving I’d like to show the kids and let them choose a bauble or two. The open top bus tour people are doing a Christmas lights thing but it was quite expensive for 45 mins so we thought we’d just do it on foot instead!

Loads of black abs offering tours from outer south London as well - kind of wish I'd booked one now as photos look fab. More lights than the usual Oxford / regent street ones I see just by walking.

Wow Museummum, you have certainly done your research! The plays in particular are something I assumed wouldn't be happening, so that's great news.

Thanks everyone, some really useful ideas.