Celebrate the sound of Christmas this year with our round-up of carol concerts, festive performances and magical musical events happening across Essex in 2025. From candlelit choirs and traditional classics to big band swing and Irish celebrations, there’s something for every music lover and family to enjoy this festive season.
1. Cliffs Pavilion – A Fairytale For Christmas
Location & Date: Cliffs Pavilion Main Auditorium, Southend – 1st December
‘Tis the season to be jolly as the ultimate Irish Christmas concert is back for 2025! After four sell-out tours across the UK, USA and Europe, A Fairytale for Christmas blends festive favourites like Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town and O Holy Night with Irish classics such as The Galway Girl and The Irish Rover. Think St Patrick’s Day — but on Christmas Day!
More info: Visit Website
2. Palace Theatre – Dickens Theatre Company Presents: A Christmas Carol
Location & Date: Palace Theatre Main Auditorium, Southend – 17th – 19th November
Celebrating 10 years of touring success, the Dickens Theatre Company returns with a dynamic two-person performance where Charles Dickens and his tour manager bring over 30 characters to life in this witty, heartwarming adaptation of the Christmas classic.
More info: Visit Website
3. Saffron Hall – Christmas with Chamber Choir of London
Location & Date: Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden – 6th December
Dominic Ellis-Peckham’s professional chamber choir heralds the season with a rich mix of traditional carols and contemporary classics — from Gabriel’s Message to The Twelve Days of Christmas. Expect beautiful harmonies, reflection and plenty of festive cheer.
More info: Visit Website
4. Saffron Hall – Glenn Miller Orchestra
Location & Date: Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden – 7th December
Swing into Christmas with the Glenn Miller Orchestra! Enjoy big band hits, timeless tunes, and festive classics performed by the legendary Moonlight Serenaders in this nostalgic Winter Wonderland of music and joy.
More info: Visit Website
5. Cliffs Pavilion – Celebrate Christmas With Celtic Christmas Lunch
Location & Date: Cliffs Pavilion Main Auditorium, Southend – 2nd December
Enjoy a festive three-course lunch followed by the spellbinding sounds of A Celtic Christmas — a show blending traditional carols and folk melodies performed on hauntingly beautiful instruments. Featuring Joy to the World, The Holly and the Ivy and more.
More info: Visit Website
6. Saffron Hall – Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
Location & Date: Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden – 13th December
Experience Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, a powerful sequence of sacred choral cantatas performed by the Britten Sinfonia. A magnificent evening of music filled with reflection, reverence, and the true spirit of Christmas.
More info: Visit Website
7. Felicitas Chamber Choir – Christmas Choral Contrasts
Location & Date: Waltham Abbey Church, EN9 1D – 6th December
Celebrate the beauty of Christmas music with contrasting works from Poulenc and Palestrina, performed by the acclaimed Felicitas Chamber Choir. A moving concert blending Renaissance harmonies and modern choral brilliance.
More info: Visit Website
8. Headgate Theatre – The Jazz Duo Gets Festive!
Location & Date: Headgate Theatre Auditorium, Colchester – 19th December
Get into the swing of the season with Laura Wyatt and Darrel Mayhead performing festive jazz favourites by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald — with mince pies served in the interval!
More info: Visit Website
9. Headgate Theatre – A Christmas Carol
Location & Date: Headgate Theatre Auditorium, Colchester – 21st December
Anthony and pianist Jamie Cunliffe bring Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life in a powerful, word-perfect performance that captures Scrooge’s journey from greed to generosity. A classic Christmas tale retold with warmth and music.
More info: Visit Website
10. St James’ Church – Candle-lit Christmas Carol Concert
Location & Date: St James’ Church, East Hill, Colchester – 4th December
Join Essex & Herts Air Ambulance for a magical evening of carols, readings, and mince pies. This candle-lit concert is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while supporting a fantastic local charity.
More info: Visit Website
11. Layer Marney Tower – Messiah
Location & Date: Layer Marney Tower, Nr. Colchester – 14th December
The Wild Arts Ensemble return with a stunning performance of Handel’s Messiah inside the beautiful surroundings of Layer Marney Tower — an uplifting and elegant way to experience the spirit of Christmas.
More info: Visit Website
12. Chelmsford Cathedral – The Christmas Orchestra
Location & Date: Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, CM1 1TY – 8th December
Following a sold-out season in 2024, The Christmas Orchestra returns with another dazzling show of festive favourites — bringing together exceptional musicians and an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
More info: Visit Website
13. Chelmsford Cathedral – Carols By Candlelight
Location & Date: Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, CM1 1TY – 20th December
Join Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund for their Carols by Candlelight Christmas Concert on 20th December. Enjoy classic carols and seasonal readings in one of Essex’s most spectacular venues.
More info: Visit Website
With these wonderful Christmas events, there’s plenty of holiday cheer to enjoy across Essex this season. Whether you’re singing along to carols or soaking in the festive atmosphere, these gatherings are sure to make your holiday memorable. Don’t forget to explore our website for more Christmas inspiration, including articles on festive markets, Father Christmas meet-and-greets, and magical light trails across Essex. Here’s to a season filled with joy, music, and cherished moments!
