Christmas Magic in the heart of Colchester
Get ready to step into the magic of Christmas at Lion Walk. This year promises to be our most spectacular celebration yet. From a show-stopping Christmas Light Switch-On to a beautifully designed Santa’s Grotto, it’s set to be the highlight of Colchester’s festive calendar.
Whether you’re joining us for the big switch-on, meeting Santa with the kids, or ticking off your shopping list during late-night opening, Lion Walk is where Christmas truly begins.
Christmas dates for your diary
Saturday 22nd November:
- Christmas light switch-on
- Santa’s grotto opens – Book your tickets here
- Ride the 82ft Big Wheel until 23rd November
Wednesdays throughout December:
- Late-night shopping
- Free entertainment at Lion Walk Courtyard
Saturday 20th December:
- Pöpinä Christmas party at Lion Walk Courtyard
Monday 22nd December:
- Family festive fun day
Tuesday 23rd December:
- The big Christmas bash
Plus, there’s plenty more to enjoy across Lion Walk and the Courtyard throughout the season: from live music and street food to pop-up performances, special guests and free family entertainment. Full event listings and ticket information here.
The Christmas light switch-on at Lion Walk 2025
Join us on Saturday 22nd November from 5.30pm for a night bursting with live performances, family fun, and festive sparkle.
What to expect
- Joyful harmonies from The Big Sing Choir
- Panto magic from Headgate Theatre’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears
- Frozen favourites Elsa, Anna and Olaf, back by popular demand after last year’s crowd-pleasing show
- A special performance from the Colchester Has Talent winner
- A Santa vs The Grinch parody skit
- Appearances from Shrek, the Town Crier and the Mayor
- The official light switch-on at 7–7.30pm
- When the lights go on, the night sky will light up with a laser show, flames and fireworks
- Yasmin Woods will be performing festive classics and a live set from Cushti in the Courtyard
- Enjoy late-night shopping until 8pm with Primark, Boots, JD, Fenwick and more
- Alongside festive fun, cosplay characters and fundraising from The Rotary
Don’t miss Colchester’s most magical night of the year!
Santa’s Grotto at Lion Walk
Step inside the most beautiful Santa’s Grotto Colchester has ever seen, open daily from Saturday 22 November until Christmas Eve.
Book your Santa’s Grotto tickets now via Lion Walk Courtyard, and make this Christmas truly unforgettable for the whole family.
This year’s Grotto brings the magic of Christmas to life with beautiful decorations, twinkling lights and a cosy, traditional setting that captures the warmth of the season, creating a magical experience for children and grown-ups alike.
What to Expect
- Meet Santa Claus and his friendly elves in a beautifully decorated winter wonderland.
- Enjoy storytelling, sweet treats and photo opportunities to capture the moment.
- Explore the Courtyard’s festive décor, perfect for family photos and Christmas selfies.
- Located in the Courtyard at Lion Walk. Open daily from 22nd November until Christmas Eve.
Ready to visit Santa? Book your tickets now.
More festive events at Lion Walk Courtyard
The celebrations don’t stop there. Throughout November and December, the Lion Walk Courtyard will host a full calendar of festive events, from late-night shopping and family fun days to live music and Christmas parties.
Discover what’s on and book tickets via lionwalkcourtyard.com/events, to enjoy even more of the magic at Christmas at Lion Walk Colchester.
Plan your festive visit
From the Colchester Christmas Light Switch-On to Santa’s Grotto, Lion Walk is the place to celebrate the season in style.
Enjoy live music, fireworks, family entertainment and late-night shopping across your favourite stores, all in the heart of Colchester.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for updates, schedules and sneak peeks behind the scenes as we count down to Christmas at Lion Walk Colchester 2025.