Hyde Hall Festive Light Show, followed by Christmas Dinner

Lose yourself in a captivating, illuminated world filled with memorable moments and immersive experiences to share with family and friends at RHS Hyde Hall Glow.

This year’s brand-new route through our stunning gardens goes in a completely different direction, reaching areas not lit before. Starting with delicate reed lights in the Birch Grove, you’ll encounter striking illuminated willow sculptures, spectacular large-scale installations, playful interactive circles of colour and light, and, of course, opportunities to become the stars of the show.

Designed to amaze and delight, the special effects and illuminations showcase the beauty of nature, mimicking mycelium, bee hives and dandelions, all set to an enchanting ambient soundtrack. But be prepared for some surprises… what’s that in the greenhouse?

Set on a hill in the rolling Essex countryside, our incredible gardens near Chelmsford provide a stunning backdrop for artistic light installations. The vibrant mix of traditional and modern features create dramatic effects of shadow and light for a truly enchanting night out.

Afterwards, we’ll head to the Great Baddow Barn for an early Christmas Dinner.

Pick up: Christ Church car park, Bradford St CM2 0BG

Refreshments: Dinner is provided. Money or payment card for drinks.

Wheelchair access: Accessible but regrettably there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

Held in the Claret Suite of Chelmsford City Football Club, with live music from singing sensation and Whitney Houston tribute: JB Rose.

Featuring award presentations, the never-ending raffle, dancing and a buffet, get into the Christmas spirit with all your friends at Grapevine. First drink free!

Meet at: Chelmsford City Football Club, Salerno Way, Chelmsford CM1 2EH

Refreshments: Buffet meal provided / bring money for drinks and raffle tickets

Wheelchair access: Fully accessible

Get creative at Artisan Alley in St Osyth! Join this hands-on craft workshop where you can explore a variety of fun and artistic activities. Choose from material art, resin decorations, decoupage, card making and ceramic painting, with plenty of opportunities to create something unique to take home.

All materials are provided.

We’ll have lunch at a nearby pub.

Pick up: Christ Church car park, Bradford St CM2 0BG

Refreshments: Pub meal provided / bring money for drinks

Wheelchair access: Accessible but regretably there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

The story of two sisters, fearless and optimistic Anna, and magical and misunderstood Elsa has left worldwide audiences spellbound. After Elsa is crowned Queen, she uses her icy powers to freeze their beloved town of Arendelle. Elsa flees the town and Anna, with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf, sets off on an epic journey to bring her beloved sister home.

Disney's FROZEN is an awe-inspiring, unforgettable musical packed with lovable characters, thrilling surprises and soaring music, including the hits Do You Want to Build a Snowman? For The First Time in Forever, Love Is An Open Door and Let it Go. Full of theatrical magic, mind-blowing special effects, stunning scenery and laugh-out-loud humour, Disney's FROZEN is a powerful tale of acceptance and finding the real meaning of true love.

Bring the whole family to experience this uplifting winter adventure, guaranteed to leave you singing the whole way home! Don’t get left out in the cold, book early to avoid disappointment!

Minibus Transport

Pick up: Bradford Street, Chelmsford CM2 0BG

Refreshments: Packed tea / Money/payment card for drinks and souvenirs.

Wheelchair access: Regrettably, there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what’s the fairest panto of them all? Snow White at Harlow Playhouse, of course!

In a kingdom far, far away, the kind-hearted Snow White finds herself on the run from the wicked Queen, whose jealousy knows no bounds. With a poisoned apple, a magical mirror, and a band of lovable companions, will good triumph over evil and true love save the day?

Get ready to boo, hiss, and cheer as Harlow favourites Jimmy Burton-Iles and Ben Parsley return to the stage, joined by an incredible West End cast and live musicians. 

Expect everything you’ve come to love from a Harlow Playhouse pantomime, laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling costumes, toe-tapping tunes, and jaw-dropping special effects that will literally defy gravity!

Packed with audience participation, family-friendly fun, and plenty of festive sparkle, Snow White is the perfect Christmas treat for all ages!

Minibus Transport

Pick up: Bradford Street, Chelmsford CM2 0BG

Refreshments: Packed lunch / Money/payment card for drinks and souvenirs.

Wheelchair access: Regrettably, there is no room on the minibus for wheelchairs

Dinner and a Show

Dinner at the Leather Bottle in Blackmore followed by a comedy show by the Blackmore Players, held at Blackmore Village Hall

Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy as the Blackmore Players present 

TREASURE ISLAND

Welcome to the Admiral Benbow Inn! Home of the good Widow Sarah Hawkins and her hapless son, Jim. Here, you’ll find a pint of warm ale and a crab-and-banana pie on the house (because no-one wants to buy them). We even serve pirates – just don’t tell the Royal Navy!

Hold on – who’s that old man? Staggering into the bar with the devil in his eye and a black spot on his chest? T’is none other than Billy Bones, the first mate of fearless Captain Flint – scourge of the seven seas! And with him, a map to riches beyond Jim’s wildest dreams…

With help from Squire Trelawney, Doctor Livesey and Rosie the bar-maid (who Jim definitely doesn’t have a crush on, so he says), join our crew this panto season; as we encounter dreadful pirates, dozy ghosts, dancing skeletons – and one castaway with a colossal cheese-craving.

Adventure awaits ye, on Treasure Island!

Meet at: The Leather Bottle, The Green, Blackmore, Ingatestone CM4 0RL

Refreshments: Bring cash for drinks and raffle tickets.

Wheelchair access: Fully Accessible