20 Things To Do In Essex: Events for November 2026

Looking for things to do in Essex in November 2026? From exclusive dining experiences and independent makers’ markets to creative workshops, contemporary art, unusual evenings out and the first hints of festive magic, I’ve rounded up 20 ways to make the most of Essex this month. Think beautiful handmade finds, interesting places to eat, experiences worth booking ahead for and a few local gems you might not have discovered yet!

I always find November is that lovely in-betweeny month when autumn starts giving way to Christmas, and there’s PLENTY happening across Essex if you know where to look. Whether you’re planning a creative day out, an atmospheric evening, a foodie experience or simply want to discover somewhere new, here are the Gracefulblog picks for things to do across Essex this month…

1. Experience a Six-Course Italian x Polish Dining Experience

Saturday 21st November | Braintree

Taking diners on a journey from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, Duo Solan’s Agata & Giorgio are bringing something really rather special to Braintree this November! This exclusive six-course tasting menu celebrates the meeting of Italian & Polish influences, with a fine-dining experience created by the superstar chef duo. It’s a chance to explore an unexpected combination of culinary traditions without having to venture into London to find something a little different.

Why I’d go: I LOVE discovering unusual food experiences, and this is exactly the sort of thing I want to see more of in Essex. A six-course tasting menu with a distinct point of view, created by a chef double-act? Absolutely up my street. This has such an interesting story behind it too.

Find the menu and booking details here: Duo Solan at In Residence Dining

2. Look to the Stars at Little Easton Manor

Saturday 7th November | Little Easton Manor, Great Dunmow

Stargazing is the perfect way to spend a November evening. Little Easton Manor is hosting a family stargazing experience with an introduction to astronomy and the opportunity to explore the night sky through telescopes. Set within the beautiful grounds of the manor, it’s a chance to discover more about the stars and planets in a beautiful setting, with the expert guides of North Essex Astronomical Society.

Why I’d go: This one is a perfect chance to look at familiar things differently! Fingers crossed for clear skies as these stargazing events are always super special.

Find out more and book here: Family Stargazing at Little Easton Manor

3. Get Back to Nature at a Family Forest School

Saturday 7th November | Danbury Country Park

Embrace a woodland adventure with Danbury Country Park’s family forest school session. Expect plenty of outdoor exploration, campfires, hammocks and rope ladders. It’s an outdoor experience designed to encourage curiosity, confidence and a little muddy fun!

Why I’d go: I love seeing events that make the most of the beautiful spaces we have on our doorstep. There’s something especially refreshing about an activity that encourages everyone to slow down, explore & get a little more connected with the outdoors. A lovely one for families looking for something a bit different!

Find out more and book here: Family Forest School at Danbury Country Park

4. Get Hands-On with Colchester’s Natural History Collection

Selected dates from 4th–27th November | Colchester Museum

Wild About Essex is offering a rather unusual opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes with Colchester Museums’ natural history collections. November’s sessions are focusing on birds! These free, hands-on sessions allow participants to handle and investigate specimens rarely seen by the public, while helping with tasks such as photographing, labelling and sorting the collection. Note these sessions are for adults 18+.

Why I’d go: This is exactly the sort of little-known experience I often attend solo and then my friends text asking to join me next time… I love that Essex has these opportunities to get involved with the work that goes on behind the scenes and discover something you wouldn’t normally get to see.

Find the available sessions and booking details here: Wild About Essex: Hands-on with Birds

5. Shop Small at ACANTEEN’s Winter Market

Saturday 7th November, 10am–5pm | Acanteen, Chelmsford

One of my FAVOURITE Chelmsford spots is bringing back its Winter Market, celebrating independent makers, local artists, small businesses and all things creative (me to a T, right?!). Expect a curated mix of handmade gifts, jewellery, ceramics, art, homewares and unusual finds, alongside Acanteen’s food, drinks ‘n’ trademark tunes. It’s a great chance to discover local talent and get a head start on all your Christmas shopping without resorting to the usual high-street offerings! Keep your eyes peeled for my fav Olivia & Gray bags there too.

Why I’d go: I’ve always loved Acanteen, and I applaud independent venues creating platforms for other small businesses. This sounds like a very good way to spend a Saturday.

Find out more: Acanteen – What’s On

6. Make Your Own Luxury Christmas Candles at a Masterclass

Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November | Great Dunmow

If you fancy learning a new skill and coming away with something lovely for your home, Elan Home Fragrances is hosting a festive candle-making masterclass in Great Dunmow. Across their 2.5-hour sessions, you’ll learn how to make & pour two luxury scented candles, choosing from seasonal fragrances including Christmas Spice, Fireside, Winter Wonderland and Christmas Crumble. There are several afternoon and evening sessions available across the two dates, with tickets currently at £75 per person.

Why I’d go: I’m always drawn to experiences where you get to learn something new and make something beautiful to take home! Scent is so important, so choosing your own signature festive scents sounds like a lovely way to spend a few hours.

Find out more: Christmas Candle Masterclass

7. Learn the Art of Stained Glass at Hylands Estate

13th–15th November, 10am–5pm | The Stables, Hylands Estate

If you’re looking for a proper crafty day out, Hylands Estate has a Christmas stained glass workshop taking place across three November dates. You’ll be guided through the process of safely cutting glass, choosing your colours/patterns, and learning the techniques involved in creating your own stained glass decorations. It’s a chance to try a traditional craft and leave with something you’ve made yourself!

Why I’d go: I’ve never tried this before and stained glass is such a beautiful craft, so I’d love the opportunity to understand more about the process behind it. This feels like a brilliant way to spend a day doing something completely different.

Find out more and book here: Hylands Estate November workshops

8. Dance the Night Away at a 90s Silent Disco

Friday 20th November, 6.30pm–9pm or 9.30pm–midnight | Chelmsford Cathedral

A 90s silent disco inside a cathedral? Now this is not something you see every day! Silent Discos in Incredible Places is returning to Chelmsford Cathedral, transforming the historic space into an illuminated dancefloor for a night of decade-defining hits. With three music channels to choose from through LED headphones, you can switch between DJs and sing along to all those 90s classics. There are two sessions to choose from, and it’s strictly 18+.

Why I’d go: Trust me, a cathedral fillllled with people singing along to 90s anthems is a BRILLIANT night out – I went last year and we had the absolute best time.

Find out more and book here:
90s Silent Disco at Chelmsford Cathedral

9. Watch Love Actually at a Drive-In Cinema

Friday 27th November, 9.15pm | Moonbeamers Drive-In Cinema, Barleylands, Billericay

Forget the sofa for your pre-Christmas film night. Moonbeamers is bringing Love Actually to its giiiant 36-foot outdoor screen for a proper drive-in cinema experience. Settle into your car, tune the sound through your radio and enjoy one of the season’s most-loved festive films under the night sky! Popcorn is included with your ticket, with additional food and drinks available to order and delivered straight to your car. There’s also an Elf screening earlier in the evening if you fancy making a night of it!

Why I’d go: This is such a fun alternative to a standard cinema trip, especially if you’re looking for a festive date night or something a bit different to do with friends. And Love Actually is practically compulsory viewing in Nov/Dec!

Find out more and book here: Love Actually Drive-In Movie

10. Make Your Own Jewellery at Bead & Brunch

Saturday 14th November, 10am–12.30pm | Fête Grays Yard, Chelmsford

A little jewellery making followed by brunch? YES please! Hosted by Make Space at Fête Grays Yard, this creative morning gives you the chance to design your own bespoke beaded jewellery using semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals from the Make Space Bead and Charm Bar. You’ll be guided through the process, with the option to create a bracelet, necklace or earrings, before enjoying a delicious Fête brunch. No previous experience is needed and all materials are included.

Why I’d go: I LOVE this place, so getting creative there over brunch sounds perfect to me. I particularly like the idea of choosing my own stones and designing something completely individual.

Find out more and book here: Make Space workshops

11. Experience the Meadow Croft German Market After Dark

12th, 19th & 26th November, 5pm–9pm | Meadow Croft, Battlesbridge

Of course, the absolutely brilliant Meadow Croft German Market is open throughout the festive season, but their late-night shopping evenings are when things get particularly atmospheric! Browse more than 30 artisan stalls, discover traditional decorations and gifts, and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a German-inspired Christmas market. There’ll be live music, Bratwurst, beer, Wintersecco and warming seasonal treats, with the Market Tavern adding raclette and other festive favourites.

Why I’d go: I loved this market but I visited in the daytime so these evening sessions sound particularly lovely. I love the idea of their artisan stalls after dark, with a warming drink and something delicious to eat!

Find the dates and details here: Meadow Croft German Market

12. Spend an Evening Around the Christmas Camper Firepit at Bakehouse

28th November | Bakehouse Coffee Shop, Essex

Bakehouse is bringing back its Christmas Camper Firepit evenings, offering a wonderfully different way to enjoy a seasonal night out. I’m yet to tick this off my list! You can expect a cosy firepit atmosphere, toasting marshmallows and something warming in hand. It’s a lovely alternative to the usual festive activity, particularly if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed with friends or family.

Why I’d go: The camper and firepit combination sounds like a lovely way to ease into the festive season, especially with good company!

See the available dates and book here: Bakehouse Christmas Camper Firepit

13. Get Creative at Heidi’s Sip & Paint Night

Tuesday 24th November | Heidi’s, Runwell

Fancy a change from the usual midweek dinner or drinks? Heidi’s in Runwell is hosting a sip-and-paint evening, combining a relaxed creative session with the venue’s food & drinks. It’s a lovely excuse to try something new, have a go at painting and spend an evening doing something a little different!

Why I’d go: I love a painting session, and my friends prefer when there’s no pressure to be particularly good at it! This one’s more about switching off, having a laugh and getting creative than producing a masterpiece.

Find out more and check booking details: Heidi’s Runwell

14. Try Something Different at Patch’s Sketchface

Thursday 26th November, 6pm–8pm | Patch, Gray’s Yard, Chelmsford

This one’s a very cool cultural drawing movement in Chelmsford! In their all-ages creative get-together at Patch (the co-working space in Chelmsford), attendees will pick up a pencil, get drawing and enjoy a little creative time together. Whether you’re a confident doodler or someone who hasn’t drawn since school, it’s an opportunity to have a go and enjoy making something without overthinking it.

Why I’d go: If you know me, you know I love a chance to get creative. I find sometimes the best creative sessions are the ones where you simply turn up and just see what happens!

Check the Patch Instagram for this event & more like it: Chelmsford events

15. Swap the Usual Evening Out for Men’s Movember Yoga & Curry

Friday 27th November | The Practise, Birch

Yoga followed by curry and beers? It’s certainly not the combo you see every day but god I wish we had more events like this in Essex! The Practise is bringing men together for a 60-min yoga class, followed by food & drinks in the Tin Shed. Complete beginners are welcome, and their evening is run on a donate-what-you-can basis, with all proceeds going to Movember to support men’s health – how brilliant is that!

Why I’d go: I love seeing wellbeing events that challenge the idea that yoga is only for a particular type of person. Combining movement, food and a chance to connect with others feels like a brilliant way to encourage more men to give it a go, while supporting a really important cause. And the Chicken Tikka Tadasana / Downward Facing Dhansak wordplay deserves a mention in itself! That made me laugh out loud.

Find out more and book here: Men’s Movember Yoga & Curry Night

16. Meet the Owls at Hedingham Castle by Candlelight

Selected Sundays, 1st–29th November, 7pm–10pm | Hedingham Castle

For something a little more magical, Eden Falconry is bringing its Owls by Candlelight experience to the magnificent medieval keep at Hedingham Castle. This super special series of events is an evening spent with these beautiful birds, a flight display, the chance to meet and handle the owls, and plenty of opportunity to chat with their expert falconers. Tickets include entry to the 12th-century Norman keep, a welcome drink and a guidebook too. It’s an intimate experience in a truly atmospheric setting, with tickets currently priced at £40 per person.

Why I’d go: This one sounds absolutely magical. The combination of the historic castle, candlelight and getting up close to these incredible birds makes this one of the most unusual experiences I’ve come across this month.

Find out more and book here: Owls by Candlelight at Hedingham Castle

17. See RHS Garden Hyde Hall in a Whole New Light at Glow

Selected dates from 26th November to 30th December | RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Rettendon

One of the most atmospheric events in the Essex festive calendar, RHS Glow returns to Hyde Hall with an immersive trail of light, colour and sound! Their 2026 route includes brand-new installations, interactive moments and illuminated areas of the beautiful gardens, completely transforming the landscape after dark. There’ll also be seasonal food and drink, firepits and the opportunity to browse the garden centre and gift shop. If you need it, they’re also doing a separate SEN session too.

Why I’d go: I’ve spent SO much time at Hyde Hall this year since becoming a member, and it’s become one of my favourite places to explore. I’m particularly excited to see somewhere I know so well in a completely different way.

Book your tickets here: RHS Glow at Hyde Hall

18. Laugh the Night Away at a Candlelit Comedy Night

Friday 20th November, 7pm–9pm | Layer Marney Tower, Colchester

The beautiful Layer Marney Tower is swapping its usual historic grandeur for a night of stand-up comedy, with Candlelit Comedy returning for a one-night-only event. Set in the barn at the foot of England’s tallest Tudor gatehouse, the evening features three comedians, with the line-up to be announced. Tickets are currently £30 per person.

Why I’d go: What a special venue for a comedy night! This one’s a little more intimate and atmospheric than your usual comedy club – Layer Marney Tower is a pretty spectacular backdrop.

Find out more and book here: Candlelit Comedy at Layer Marney Tower

19. Find a Little Calm at a Mindful Writing Workshop

Sunday 22nd November, 10am–11am | Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre, Romford

Give yourself the gift of quiet with a mindful writing workshop led by experienced practitioner, Caroline. Through her gentle writing prompts and moments of reflection, you’ll have the opportunity to slow down, listen to your inner voice and enjoy a much-needed moment for headspace. There’s no previous writing experience needed, your writing is all your own to remain private and materials are provided. It’s simply an hour to pause, put pen to paper and enjoy a moment of calm. Tickets are currently £15 per person.

Why I’d go: What a lovely session this sounds! Just an hour to switch off, reflect and see where the words take you.

Find out more and book here: Mindful Writing with Caroline at Bedfords Park

20. Get a Head Start on Christmas at the Essex County Christmas Fair

13th–15th November | Boreham House, Chelmsford

A chance to get a head start on Christmas shopping… Set within the grounds of Boreham House, the Essex County Christmas Fair brings together more than 150 independent businesses for three days of festive shopping. Expect handcrafted gifts, homeware, fashion, decorations and artisan food and drink, alongside live music, seasonal entertainment and plenty of festive treats. With heated shopping marquees and outdoor stalls, it’s a rather substantial Christmas shopping experience in a beautiful historic setting.

Why I’d go: I’m always keen to find independent businesses and makers, particularly when it comes to gifts and homeware. With more than 150 businesses involved, this feels like a good opportunity to discover brands and products you won’t necessarily find on the high street. And Boreham House is a rather lovely setting for a festive day out.

Find out more and book tickets here: Essex County Christmas Fair

Know somewhere I should have included?

If you’re hosting an event, opening a new business or have something happening in Essex that deserves to be on my radar, I’d love to hear about it. Email me at hello@gracefulblog.com and tell me what you’re up to.

NOTE – Event details were checked at the time of writing. Please confirm dates, timings and availability with each organiser before travelling.