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Essex Christmas Wonderland
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Magical Christmas village with Father Christmas and festive activities.
About
Step into the enchanting Essex Christmas Wonderland for a truly magical festive experience! Families can journey to the charming Christmasville to meet Father Christmas in his cozy cottage, where each child receives a special toy to take home. A child's ticket includes admission for one accompanying adult and access to rides within Funtopia, including The Polar Express Christmas Sleigh ride. Explore the magical toy store, write letters to Santa, and enjoy festive crafts. Meet beloved characters like the Grinch and elves for storytime and games, creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
Christmas Entry starts at £40 per child, including one free accompanying adult. Extra adult tickets are £10. Photo packages and Annual Pass holder discounts are available.
Duration
Full day
Ages
All ages welcome; babies under 6 months are free with a paying family but do not receive a passport. The soft play area is for children aged 10 and under.
Schedule
Wonderland is available on select dates: November 29-30, December 6-7, December 13-14, and December 20-24, 2025. It opens at 10 am daily, with closing times announced on the day. Outdoor rides are not operational during Wonderland days; only Funtopia Indoor Amusement Park rides, the soft play area, and The Polar Express Christmas Sleigh ride are available.
Featured Performers
- Father Christmas
- Mother Christmas
- The Grinch
- Elves
Organizer
Adventure Island
Practical Information
Parking
Parking is available in council-run facilities and street parking bays near the park. Town centre rates are approximately £1.10 per hour, with seafront rates at £3 per hour. All town centre parking is free after 6pm. For parking issues, contact the Council's Parking department at 01702 215003. Electronic payment via the MOBON app is available.
Accessibility
Dedicated wheelchair and pushchair access points are available via the entrance to Funtopia. All park entrances and most ride entrances are step-free. A hearing loop system is onsite. Contact Customer Services for more details. Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are located at various points throughout the park.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Food & Drink
Includes a free Hot Chocolate or Berry Juice for children (Mulled Wine for adults) and a free children's meal voucher for Sands by the Sea and Feelgoods Diner when purchased with a full paying adult. Food trucks and other dining options are available on-site.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot to allow ample time for check-in, collecting your wristband and passport, and settling into the departure lounge before your magical meeting with Father Christmas.
- Take advantage of the included vouchers for Adventure Golf, Sealife Adventure, and Funtopia Arcade games to extend the festive fun beyond meeting Father Christmas.
- Consider purchasing photo packages early if you want to capture memories with Father Christmas, as these are available for purchase on-site.
- Dress children aged 10 and under in comfortable clothing suitable for the 6-storey soft play area, which is included with their passport.
- Check the specific opening and closing times for Wonderland on the day of your visit, as these can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Wonderland booking include?
Each child's ticket includes an exciting festive experience with a special passport to meet Father Christmas, vouchers for holiday treats, free entry to Sealife Adventure, free games at Funtopia Arcade, access to Funtopia rides and The Polar Express Christmas Sleigh ride, access to the soft play area (for children aged 10 and under), a free Hot Chocolate or Berry Juice (and Mulled Wine for adults), and a free children's meal voucher.
What time should I arrive for my visit?
It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot to collect your wristband and passport and get settled before your meeting with Father Christmas.
Are walk-in time slots available?
A limited number of walk-in time slots are available each day. Arriving early is recommended to increase your chances of securing a spot.
Can I change my booking time?
If you need to change your booking time, please contact the Customer Services team by emailing enquiries@stockvale.co.uk or calling 01702 443400.
Are outdoor rides open during Wonderland days?
No, only the Funtopia Indoor Amusement Park rides, the soft play area, and The Polar Express Christmas Sleigh ride are available on Wonderland days. Height restrictions for rides apply.