Colchester Castle is thrilled to announce its fantastic festive line-up of Christmas events is now on sale.
This December, visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas with some enchanting experiences including Grotto visits and an exclusive fun packed evening with Father Christmas and friends.
Grotto Experiences with Father Christmas
Meet Father Christmas
Dates: 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19-23 December 2026
Times: 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm
A wonderful opportunity for children to meet Father Christmas and his Castle elves to share their Christmas wishes and receive a special gift. The beautifully decorated Grotto filled with seasonal cheer, provides the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable festive memories. Suitable for all ages.
Tickets are £12.95 per child including gift and £1 per adult.
Starlight Grotto
Dates: 21 and 22 December 2026
Times: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
The Castle’s enchanting Grotto with a special twist returns for 2026! Father Christmas and his Castle helpers will bring Christmas joy to the children of Colchester in a beautifully illuminated setting. Each child gets a chance to speak with Father Christmas and the whole family can tuck into a delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine topped off with a sweet mince pie or cookie.
Tickets are £15 per child including gift and £5 per adult.
Nursery Groups - Meet Father Christmas
Dates: 14–18 December 2026
Father Christmas has set aside times specifically for nursery and pre-school groups to meet him and his helpers. The Castle’s youngest visitors are invited along to enjoy a calm and welcoming environment designed to put them at ease. There will also be storytelling, festive songs and playful activities led by Father Christmas' helpers!
£8 per child. Group size max 25, minimum of 10 children.
Tiny Tots Grotto
Date: 17 December 2026
Times: 10.30am to 11.15am
Father Christmas has set aside times for children aged 5 years and under to meet him this December. Designed specifically to give its youngest visitors the chance to share their Christmas wishes in a calm and welcoming environment, so even the youngest visitors feel comfortable. Storytelling, festive songs, and playful activities led by Father Christmas's helpers are included, creating moments designed to captivate young minds and create lasting memories.
Tickets are £8 per child and £2.50 per adult.
Merry Quizmas at the Castle
Date: 18 December 2026
Time: 6.30pm
Celebrate the festive season with a unique adults-only evening at Colchester Castle on Friday 18 December. Enjoy a guided tour of the Castle’s Roman foundations, take part in a fun Christmas quiz, and explore the museum galleries after hours with a welcome drink and festive nibbles included. Perfect for a seasonal get-together with friends or an alternative office Christmas celebration.
Tickets £25 per person (Ages 18+ only)
An Evening with Father Christmas
Date: 19 December 2026
Times: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Join Father Christmas and his elves for a fun packed evening of craft, games, and Christmas magic! It's the perfect start to your festive celebrations. Enjoy games, a family quiz, craft fun and mulled wine, hot chocolate and cookies!
Tickets £22.95 per child and £12.50 per adult.
Councillor Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “Christmas at Colchester Castle is always a magical experience, and we're delighted to be bringing another fantastic programme of festive events to families this year.
"From meeting Father Christmas in his enchanting Castle Grotto to enjoying our much-loved Starlight Grotto and a fun-filled evening of Christmas entertainment, there are experiences designed to suit visitors of all ages. Our Tiny Tots Grotto provides our youngest visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of Christmas in a calm and welcoming environment.
"Whether you're young or simply young at heart, Colchester Castle promises festive memories that will last a lifetime."
Dates and time slots for festive events can be booked online, with the exception of the Nursery Groups, who need to contact Colchester Museums directly to book.
For more information and to book online visit www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events