First held in 2003, Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival has been a huge success growing from just fifty-seven trees in the first year to nearly a hundred trees today. Individuals, families, charities, churches, schools, shops, businesses, clubs and societies – all with links to Brightlingsea – bring trees to decorate in the church, some on a Christmas theme, some funny and some to reflect a business or organisation.
The Festival is held at All Saints’ Church, Church Road, Brightlingsea, and will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 12 December and 10.00am to 6pm on Sunday 13 December (last entry 30 minutes before closing).
There is no fee for displaying a tree, but a small entrance charge for coming to look at the display – although children under 16 are free.
The Festival will close with the much loved sing-a-long Carols with Chris on Sunday evening.
As well as providing one of the town’s best loved festive events, Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival raises much needed funds to support the upkeep of the historic All Saints Church and St James’ Church. As of the 2023 festival some £170,000 has been raised by the event.
In all, over 300 people are involved in organising and running the Festival. Throughout the Festival choirs, soloists, organists, pianists and instrumentalists play and sing for visitors adding to the delights.
Come and see for yourself! You will find something to interest all ages – from the winter wonderland effect of the decorated church, to the clever jokes and elaborate decorations that sparkle on the trees and the age-old glory of the nativity figures.
Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival 