It's the last weekend before Christmas, so if you're not up to your eyeballs in Christmas shopping (or wrapping), there's plenty to do in Essex.
Why not take the youngsters out to have fun this weekend, providing you have everything done!
See the full list belowUPDATEDue to Thursday's tragedy at Oaklands Park one of the events which had been published below, has been cancelled and removed from the list.
SANTA AT THE ZOO COLCHESTER ZOOColchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, CO3 0SL. Thursday, December 18 through to Wednesday, December 24. 9.30am – 4.30pm. Tickets: Adults and kids over 3 £14.24 (when bought online).
Visit www.colchester-zoo.com
Where better to meet Santa than surrounded by all the animals of the world? As well as meeting Father Christmas in his Enchanted Grotto, you can also meet his reindeer, enjoy a mini staff pantomime and rock with Rudolph to some favourite Christmas tunes. Make some tasty treats in The Elves' Kitchen and make xmas crafts in their busy workshop. Each paying child will get a gift from Santa.
CHRISTMAS FUN MARSH FARM ANIMAL ADVENTURE PARKMarsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP. Thursday, December 18 through to Wednesday, December 24, from 1am-6pm. Tickets: Adults £10, children £24.95.
Visit www.marshfarm.co.uk
Collect your Elf passport and then make your way around the farm, meeting some fabulously festive guests along the way. There's the real reindeer, Mother Christmas making gingerbread men, a magic Elf, and of course, the man himself. You'll get a wonderful build-a-bear gift and the chance to decorate a cookie.
FUN ON THE FARM BARLEYLANDS FARMBarleylands Road, Billericay CM11 2UD. Thursday, December 18 through to Wednesday, December 24. Tickets: Adults £6, children 2-16 £12.95, under 2s £10.35.
Visit www.barleylands.co.uk
The magic of Christmas returns to Barleylands where young visitors will get to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and much more. Play a seasonal snowball game, have a family photo taken in the sleigh, follow the golden reindeer to the elves; toy shop where children can pick their own gift. And there's Christmassy crafts too.
MEET SANTA FATHER CHRISTMAS AT CRESSING TEMPLECressing Temple, Witham Road, Braintree CM77 8PD.
Saturday , December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 11am – 3pm. Cost: £9.99 including a prize and the cost of one adult ticket. Additional adults tickets are £2. Pre booking essential – call 0845 6037624
Come and see Santa in his magical Christmas grotto for the whole family to enjoy. Meet Father Christmas and his reindeer friends and see the elves at work as they magically prepare for Christmas.
Visit www.visitparks.co.uk/ places/cressing-temple to find further information.
ALL ABOARD STEAM WITH SANTAColne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex. Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21. Various times from 10.45 am – 3.30pm. Tickets: Adults £10, children £9, all kids under 3 £3.50.
Visit www.colnevalley railway.co.uk
Hop on board this lovely old train as it gently steams along the one-mile track. Just when the kids are at their most excited, Santa appears with a gift and personal chat to each child. Light refreshments are available. Visitors can also have extra rides in the Diesel Railcar and view the miniature and garden railways.
SAVE SANTA SAVE CHRISTMAS TRAILWeald Country Park, South Weald, Brentwood CM14 5QS. Every day until December, 31. 10am – 4pm. Tickets: £3 per booklet.
Visit www.visitparks.co.uk/ places/weald-country-park
Kids and grown-ups need to go on a mission to save Christmas. Grab a trail booklet from the visitor centre and follow the clues around the park to find all the presents that Jack Frost has stolen. This is a self-guided trail so you can start it any time. Suitable for under 12s. Remember to dress warmly for winter. No need to book.STORYTELLINGElves and the Shoemaker and Other Stories Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester
Tuesday, December 23, from 10.30am to 1.30pm (tickets £4.95)
A magical new Christmas show from Silly Boys (creators of The Tallest Horse On Earth) and co-produced by Colchester Arts Centre, this is a hilarious, wacky and heartwarming take on some of the world's favourite fairytales. Re-imagined using puppetry, live music and a giant dose of silliness! The perfect Christmas treat for all the family.
