Colchester’s out to impress this Christmas!
With a programme of special events to whisk you away to a magical, festive Wonderland, a unique ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ inspired Christmas lighting scheme is just one of the delights to make this Christmas really exciting…
Late night shopping runs on December Wednesdays from 8am to 9.30pm (last one 21 December). Helped by Colchester Borough Council’s radio campaign to encourage people to shop in the town, shoppers from far and wide will enjoy the festive atmosphere while looking out for special Christmas presents and bargains. The great gifts in Colchester’s shops are not just for visitors – so make the most of them yourself and let your friends and relatives know about the quality and variety of stores in the town.
Parking deals Take advantage of Colchester Borough Council’s special Christmas parking offers at the following car parks: Sundays Vineyard Street, Britannia and Priory Street car parks – 50p all-day parking deal. Wednesdays The same three car parks offer alate-night shopping deal – 50p to park from 3pm to midnight. This extends to every Wednesday late-night shopping (remember -last one 21 December).
Embrace the crisp outdoors at the Christmas Fair and the December Town Markets! Colchester Christmas Fair is on Sunday 11 December at Colchester High Street (closed to traffic).This amazing one day annual event has been making headlines and breaking records for years. Over twelve thousand people came last year. No Christmas Fair would be complete without a visit from Father Christmas ….And other guests include the Mayor and the Town Crier. Watch the Mayor start things off with traditional cake hurling from the Town Hall balcony! There’s a real treat for visitors this year as we’ll have reindeer…. Two radio stations will entertain and there’ll be food and music. December Town Markets Don’t forget to visit Colchester Markets to find that perfect present and to add some tasty treats to the festive larder! From 18 to 22 December Christmas Market times are: Weekdays- 8am-6pm, Sunday- 10.30am-4pm. Friday 23 and Saturday 24December – usual market times.
Christmas Market at the Castle Wednesday 14 December, 3pm till 8.30pm and opened by the Mayor of Colchester. Entry is free. Come along for carols, mulled wine and Father Christmas inside and the annual Christmas Market outside – selling everything Christmassy from cakes to jewellery. Enjoy the fun rides and entertainment too!
At Colchester Zoo Santa’s Magical Enchanted Grotto will open its doors in December on 4,10,11 and from 17 until 24 December 2011. Meet Santa and his wife as well as their real reindeer. On the 3 December 2011 join in the magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo Special Senses Santa Day for children with visual and hearing impairments. Check out the Zoo’s website here for more info.
And back in the warm… Beauty and the Beast pantomime is coming to town from Friday 2 Dec 2011 to 7 Jan 2012. Join in the thigh-slapping fun of this year’s pantomime at the Mercury Theatre. Visit the Mercury’s website here
There is so much going on! Come along, enjoy some festive fun and get that Christmas shopping done!
Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Not just for visitors! Colchester’s VIC has some festive retail deals and offers to help you buy that perfect ‘Colchester made’ gift ! Try your luck with their advent competition to have the chance to win some unique-to-Colchester prizes! To find out more and for all your Christmas information from around the Borough at the VIC…. Website http://www.visitcolchester.com or Phone 01206 282920 Pop in to the Visit Colchester Information Centre in Queen Street for a warm welcome when you’re in town!
