The Ultimate Essex Christmas Guide – Festive Days Out, Afternoon Teas and Tree Farms without having to see Santa - save for later. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Essex at Christmas, this round up has everything. Magical light trails in Essex, festive Christmas trains, the top Christmas markets, classic Essex pantos, ice skating, fairgrounds, plus the most Christmassy garden centre displays across the county. There are plenty of festive afternoon teas in Essex too, from The Enchan