What's On for Families Across the UK?
From Christmas light trails and festive adventures to school holiday activities and family festivals, find inspiration for your next memorable day out.
Explore family events & seasonal ideas
From festive celebrations to weekend plans, choose what your family is in the mood for.
Christmas & Winter
Festive light trails, Santa experiences, Christmas markets and winter days out.
Explore Christmas 2026 →Halloween & Autumn
Pumpkin patches, spooky trails and ideas to save for your next autumn adventure.
See 2026 inspiration →School Holidays
Ideas for the half-term breaks, Easter holidays and fun days off together.
Explore family guides →Weekend Adventures
Discover family attractions, outdoor adventures and places to explore this weekend.
Find weekend ideas →Upcoming Family Events in Essex & Suffolk
Explore real festive days out, Christmas light trails and family experiences for November and December 2026. Follow each link for current times, prices and booking information from the organiser.
Essex Family Events
2026
Audley End Enchanted Railway – Christmas Special
North Essex, near Saffron Walden
A festive train journey through an enchanted woodland, with Father Christmas and a gift for each child.
Official event details →2 Jan 2027
Enlightened at Hylands Estate
Chelmsford, Essex
A winter walk through illuminated landscapes, interactive lights and sound installations at Hylands Park.
Official event details →26 Nov – 30 Dec 2026
RHS Glow at Hyde Hall
Rettendon Common, Essex
Explore colourful festive illuminations and a new glowing route through RHS Garden Hyde Hall.
Official event details →2026
Christmas at The Stables
Hylands Estate, Chelmsford
A festive evening of artisan stalls, live music, shopping and seasonal treats, 5–9pm.
Official event details →Suffolk Family Events
2026
November Nostalgia at Ickworth Estate
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Step back into a 1930s Christmas in the Servants' Quarters at Ickworth Estate. Normal admission applies.
Official event details →2026
Breakfast with Father Christmas at Snape Maltings
Snape, Suffolk
Enjoy a festive family breakfast and meet Father Christmas, with a gift for each child.
Official event details →2026
Christmas in the Park Suffolk
Henham Park, Suffolk
A large festive market with food, entertainment, family activities and Christmas attractions.
Official event details →2026
Carlton Marshes Christmas Craft Fair
Carlton Marshes, Suffolk
A Christmas craft fair hosted by Suffolk Wildlife Trust at the Carlton Marshes reserve.
Official event details →Event details were gathered in November 2026. Dates, availability and prices can change; check the official organiser website before travelling. UK Family Days Out does not sell tickets. Remove or update expired cards after each event.
Make this Christmas magical
Discover festive events and Christmas days out around the UK, including glowing light trails, seasonal markets and special family experiences.
See Christmas events →Find events by area
Start with our Essex and Suffolk event picks. We're expanding the events coverage as new listings are added.
See the festive family events featured above in Chelmsford, Saffron Walden and beyond.
View Essex events → 📍 SuffolkExplore the family events above around Bury St Edmunds, Snape and other Suffolk locations.
View Suffolk events → 🗺️ Across the UKLooking for places to visit in other counties? Browse our attraction locations directory.
Explore UK locations →Plan a brilliant family day out
Looking for a place rather than a dated event? Browse our attraction directory or find inspiration for your area.
📍 Discover days out by area
Explore attractions and family activities around Essex, Suffolk, London and the rest of the UK.
Explore locations →✨ Need more ideas?
Our family guides bring together indoor adventures, free things to do, seasonal inspiration and much more.
Read family guides →Event dates, prices and availability can change. Always confirm details and bookings directly with the organiser. The hero photograph is illustrative.