Ho-Ho-Ho Merry Christmas! … too early?

 

Yes it’s not Christmas. Yet. 

but that doesn’t mean you can’t already get into the festive spirit!

 

Southend is currently busting with various exciting events and activities for everyone to enjoy, whether you live locally or are visiting from elsewhere, Christmas is a time for everyone to come together and create wonderful memories to reflect back on and cherish!

Due to the certain circumstances of the previous years, Southend had been restricted from being able to go all out for Christmas, but this year. It’s different, and we are all looking forward to it.

 

The Big Switch On, 19th of November. What a sight. Southend definitely saw and experienced it all: the sensational performances, busy high street markets, the entertaining cultural circus and the thrilling fireworks finale. The event was set in place, In order to mark the coming of Christmas and start of the exciting events to come.

 

Councillor Carole Mulroney, a cabinet member for culture, tourism and the environment, said that “This is the first Big Switch On event since before the pandemic, and it was wonderful that residents and visitors were back enjoying what the high street has to offer at Christmas time. It shows that with the right events Southend is just as popular a destination in the winter as it is in the summer.”

 

But of course, despite the dazzling lights and joyful events, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Santa Claus himself, who else is to bring the presents for everyone to enjoy?

Excitingly, Santa will be in Southend, High Street, to make Christmas even more magical, especially for the little ones. 

If you decide to visit, some of the destinations to keep a look out for are:

 

 The Ironworks (also known as, Santa’s Grotto), this is where the elves will be busy at work while you get to meet the man himself, but before you leave, remember to receive your special gift to complete the visit, (Saturday 19th of November-Saturday 24th of December, 10:30-4:30.)

(£10 per child, book online or upfront, find out more information on the Southend website)

Twenty one (also, Santas Grotto). Christmas is a busy time for Santa and his elves, but he manages to make time to meet us, who eagerly await his arrival, just before he sets off to deliver all the presents. (Every weekend between, Saturday 26th of November-Saturday 24th of December, and on some additional dates during Christmas week.)

(£10 per child, booking essential, find out more information on the Southend website)

Southend Pier and Railway, hop onto the train and trust it’s magic to take you to meet Santa, accompanied by his fellow helpers, after the visit, make sure to head over to his toy shop to pick out a special gift handcrafted by the magical elves themselves. (26th, 27th of November and 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th-23rd of December, 10:30-5:00.)

(Prices range from £20+, find out more information on the Southend website)

Wonderland at Adventure Island, a winter wonderland, busting with the festive spirit, meet Santa Claus and look forward to even more happy surprises (17th-24th of December.)

(Prices range from £20+, each child gets one free parent to join them, tickets comes with 4 additional surprises, find out more information on the Southend website)

 

Eventually, Santa will have to set off around the world, but even when this happens, there are yet so many more activities to enjoy, such as the Snow White Pantomime at Cliffs Pavilion (9th-31st of December), and even make your own Christmas wreath at the Westcliff library (15th of December, 10:30-12:00.)

 

Toys.

We all love them, maybe you have a favourite one. Toys have been around for centuries, maybe not the ones we have today but even so, they represent the many memorable times of our lives especially childhood. Although it's more common, they don’t have to be made of plastic, toys can be made from anything, whether it’s wood or metal. Remember, it's the thought that matters.

Unfortunately, the Christmas Imps have hidden the presents, help Santa to find the lost toys and save Christmas, Join the free reality trail to find the Christmas presents and Imps hiding in the city whilst making fun interactive story choices along the way. Once you have collect all the digital stamps, download your free digital funpack and continue the fun. (19th of November-31st of December)

(Get a leaflet at the Forum Library or Southend Pier Visitor Centre to start your adventure.)


But besides the brilliant events hosted by the local communities and businesses, the High Street is also packed with delicious festive street food, cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, markets, and much more, making every moment in Southend special.

(Events/ Activities/ Other, may require booking, prices range from around £5+)

 

The Toy Drive:

As much as it is important to have fun during Christmas time, it is also important to think about others and if we can, to give, and participating in the toy drive is a great way to do so. Donate gifts to the Civic Centre or the Forum or even purchase gifts from Argosy Toys or Toys ‘N’ Tuck. These gifts are distributed to local children's centres, refuges, food back and charities.

Many vulnerable children and young people do not have the luxury of having as much as we do, therefore we should try our best to donate, even if it’s something small, it might just be enough to spread some joy in someone else’s life, which is what Christmas is all about.

 

You can find out more information about all the exciting things happening in Southend on their website. Give Southend a visit. Everyone is welcome.


 

 

-Zahra Yaqobi