Essex Christmas Markets 2024
As the festive season approaches, Essex has plenty of wonderful Christmas markets to explore. A perfect way to make festive memories with friends and family. From cosy stalls adorned with twinkling lights, to the aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked treats. These markets capture the magic of Christmas. Whether you’re looking for unique handmade gifts, delicious seasonal snacks, or simply want to soak in the festive atmosphere, Essex has a market to enchant everyone. There are lots of wonderful Christmas Days Out in Essex to enjoy. Fancy turning your Christmas Market visit into a break in Essex.
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Discover the Best Essex Christmas Markets near you in 2024. These Must-Visit Festive Fayres will get you ready for Christmas:
Here are some of the best Essex Christmas markets in 2024 near you:
Meadowcroft German Christmas Market – Wickford
Location: Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, Essex, SS11 7QU
The German Market at Meadowcroft Garden Centre hosts more than 30 stalls. Every stall is adorned with handpicked, high-quality artisan products including carved wooden decorations, delicate glassware and baubles, traditional cuckoo clocks, Scandinavian gonks and much more. They also serve lots of specialist German foods and drink at their food hut.
This Essex Christmas Market is free to attend and is open 7 days a week. No tickets are needed to visit during these times. Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm. They also have late nights and live music weekends.
Nordic Christmas Market, View Garden Centre
View Garden Centre Old Chelmsford Road, Rayleigh, Wickford Essex SS11 8SJ.
Every day from 28th September – December 2024. Free entry. New for Essex Christmas Markets this year, you’ll find 30 stalls at the Nordic Christmas Market selling carefully selected gifts, food, drink and more. Across November and December, the market will also host live entertainment including a Michael Bublé tribute, brass bands and choirs, and free tasting weekends where you can sample before you buy and a delicious hot food cabin. Alongside all of this fun, the popular Santa’s Grotto is returning and families can enjoy a free Frozen encounters event with Anna and Elsa and breakfast with the naughty Elf.
Christmas Gift Fair at Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
Location: RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET.
On the 8 November 2024 – 10 November 2024 from 10:00 AM To 03:00 PM. The Christmas Gift Fair at RHS Garden Hyde Hall is the perfect opportunity to buy unique gifts for family and friends from small independent traders. Stalls will include a wide range of jewellery, accessories, photography, handmade crafts, art and more. Also food and drink to tantalize the taste buds.
- Member – Free garden entry.
- Non-member – Normal garden admission applies.
Chelmsford Community Church Christmas Craft Fayre, Chelmsford
Location: Chelmsford Community Church, Trent Road, Chelmsford CM1 2LQ.
Saturday 9th November 2024, 10:30am – 3pm. Local craft sellers, gifts and cards, decorations, food treats, log cabin tea room with hot food and refreshments.
The Basin Waterside Christmas Markets, Heybridge
Location: The Basin Waterside Market, The Jolly Sailor, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, CM9 4RS.
Sunday 10th November 10:30am to 4pm, Sunday 8th December 10:30am – 4pm, Friday 13th December 6pm -9pm and Saturday 14th December 11am – 4pm. Free entry. Lots of Gift ideas from local handmade sellers and businesses.
Langham Handmade Christmas Fair, Colchester
Location: Langham Community Centre, School Road, Langham, Colchester, Essex CO4 5PA
On 16 November 2024, 10:00 AM To 03:30 PM. Discover unique handcrafted delights and indulge in the local artistry of talented artisans and crafters, showcasing their remarkable handmade creations. Immerse yourself in a world of beautiful hand-knitted scarves, delicate ceramic ornaments, stunning jewellery, bespoke home decor, aromatic candles, and so much more! Free entry.
Christmas at the Stables, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford
Location: Hylands House, CM2 8WQ.
Wednesday and Thursday 20 – 21 November 2024. 5pm – 9pm, Entry free. Make The Stables at Hylands Estate your one-stop-shop for Christmas this year! Whether you are yet to start on your Christmas shopping, fancy a festive refresh of your decoration collection, or just need a few more treats for friends, family and of course, yourself – this event will have everything you need to make your festive season extra special.
Saffron Waldon Christmas Gift Fair, Saffron Waldon
Location: Saffron Walden Town Hall, Market Place, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1HR.
22 November 2024 – 26 November 2024, 09:00 AM. Christmas fair in the Town Hall with lots of unique Christmas gifts, crafts and vintage. Free admission – in aid of the Mayor’s Appeal.
- Tuesday 26th November 9am – 4pm
- Friday 22nd November 9am – 8pm
- Saturday 23rd November 9am – 5pm
- Sunday 24th November 9am – 4pm
- Monday 25th November 9am – 4pm
Braintree Christmas Street Market
Location: Market Place, Braintree, Essex
Saturday 23rd November 2024. Indulge in Christmas shopping at Braintree Christmas Street Market. George Yard Shopping Centre will be turning on their lights on the same day as well as providing a day of fun and entertainment, not forgetting even more stalls to browse at their Artisan’s Market! They’ll also be entertainment and lights from The Boars Head Braintree who will have a stage at the fountain end of the high street and are planning entertainment from midday.
Christmas Market at Markshall, Coggeshall
Location: Markshall Estate, Marks Hall Road, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1TG.
23 November 2024 – 24 November 2024, 10:00 AM To 04:00 PM. Free Entry. A magical day filled with artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious seasonal treats: Food Trucks, Mulled Wine, Christmas Shopping, Local Businesses, Crisp Walks.
Christmas Fair, Doddinghurst
Location: Doddinghurst Village Hall, Church Lane, Doddinghurst, Brentwood, CM15 0NJ.
Sunday 24th November 2024, 10am-2pm. Free entry. Showcasing a selection of small businesses, handmade gifts and general Christmas festivities.
Greenwoods Christmas Market, Stock
Location: Greenwoods Hotel and Spa, Stock Road, Chelmsford, Essex.
Wednesday 27th November 2024 – 4pm – 9pm. Free Entry. Festive shopping, mulled wine & mince pies!
Light Up Maldon, Maldon
Location: High Street, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex
Thursday 28th November, 5-9pm. Annual light switch-on. This exciting community event promises to illuminate Maldon High Street with festive cheer, bustling with street stalls, charming indoor craft markets, and entertainment by local performers. The traditional Santa’s Grotto will be a delight for children, and a variety of stalls will offer tempting local wares, unique crafts, delicious hot food, and refreshing beverages.
Danbury Christmas Fayre, Danbury
Location: Main Road, Danbury, Chelmsford, CM3 4.
Friday 29th November 2024. 12pm-5pm. Fun & Magic for all the family at Danbury Christmas Fayre.
- Santa’s Grotto
- Live Childrens Magic Shows
- Food & Drink
- Large craft & makers market with over 30 stalls!
- Support small local businesses shopping for gifts, stocking fillers and let the children meet Santa and hopefully his reindeer.
Barleylands Festive Fayre, Billericay
Location: Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD.
30 November 2024, 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM. Free entry. Hosting an all day event where you will be able to shop for gifts from unique boutiques and stall holders, enjoy a selection of food and drinks, all whilst soaking in the atmosphere. With FREE entertainment running throughout the day.
Finchingfield Christmas Maker’s Market, Finchingfield
Location: The Finchingfield Guildhall, Church Hill, Finchingfield, Essex CM7 4NN.
30 November 2024, 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM. Free entry. The Maker’s market will serve as a treasure trove of unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to delight not only you but also the recipient of the gift. With a wide range of products that are sure to fit every taste and preference.
Witham Christmas Fayre, Witham
Location: Newland Street and The Grove Shopping Centre, Witham.
Saturday 30th November 2024, 3pm -7pm. Crafters Corner inside Witham United Reform Church, Festive food and drink, shopping, live Reindeer, Carol Singing and Entertainment.
The Museum of Power, Maldon
Location: Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex CM9 6QA
Saturday 30th Nov and Sunday 1st Dec 2024. 10am – 4pm. Ticketed event. Come and visit our Museum at this festive time, where we will have a Christmas Market selling lots of lovely goodies for Christmas presents and some exhibits for you to enjoy. Also, there will be food at the Steam Pump Tea Room.
Santa visits can also be booked in the Astaria Model Village. 1 train ride is included with your Santa ticket along with a present for the children and a Santa’s Snack.
Billericay Christmas Market, Billericay
Location: Billericay High Street, Billericay, Essex
Sunday 1 December 2024, 11am to 5pm, Free Entry. At Billericay Christmas Market, expect to find lots of stalls with Christmas goodies and lots of food stalls too. Many of the local shops are open and serve food. There is a great friendly atmosphere with live music, performers, a Santa’s grotto, fun fair and snow blowing out from the chequers pub.
Fobbing Christmas Market, Fobbing
Location: Fobbing Farm Shop, Gables Farm, Waterworks Lane, Fobbing, SS17 9HT.
Sunday 1st December 2024, 9am-3pm. Free entry, an intimate farmers market with Christmas produce, a special guest appearance from a Christmas favourite, along with photo opportunities with Santa, real life reindeer and traditional Carol singers.
Rochford Christmas Festival, Rochford
Location: Back Lane Market, West Street, Rochford, Essex SS4.
Sunday 1st December 2024, 1pm to 6pm. Experience stalls in Back Lane Market. Along with children’s rides, food and drink stalls.
The Old People Days Centre will be open for children’s crafts and refreshments. Also stalls in Rochford Square. Plus Santa’s Grotto, Santa’s Sleigh and a small stage with Hands & Voices and Perfect Vintage entertaining.
Chelmsford Cathedral, Chelmsford
Location: Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, CM1 1TY.
Saturday 7th December 2024, 10am – 5pm. The Cathedral’s stunning architecture and grand twinkling Christmas tree always provides a memorable experience for shoppers to browse for inspirational and unique gifts. Stalls include seasonal decorations, jewellery, textiles, handmade crafts and gourmet food items. Enjoy freshly made refreshments at the pop-up cafe under the beautiful Tree of Life mural.
Shoppers will also have the chance to listen to performances from local choirs and musicians while they soak up the festive atmosphere of our beautiful building.
Shoebury Christmas Market, Shoebury
Shoebury and Thorpe Bay Baptist Church, 68 Caulfield Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 9LN.
Saturday 7 December 2024, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. As you would expect from any Essex Christmas Markets, you’ll find Festive shopping, stalls and Santa grotto.
Frinton’s Christmas Festival
Location: Connaught Avenue, Frinton on Sea.
Saturday 7th December from 4pm to 8pm. Music, Food, Stalls, Santa, Rides and Gifts. Four fairground rides giving free rides to all children. A Santa’s grotto giving over 400 free gifts to the children. Three stages offering different entertainment throughout the night.
Colchester Christmas Market, Colchester
Location: High St, Colchester, Essex.
Sunday 8 December 2024, 10 – 5pm, entry free. The Colchester Christmas Market turns the High Street into a winter wonderland. Packed full of over 80 market stalls enjoy browsing, sampling and shopping your way through the stalls, enjoying festive food, drink and entertainment. There will be funfair rides for children, musical entertainment including a brass band and choir and Santa’s Grotto to visit Father Christmas.
Ingatestone Christmas Market, Ingatestone
Location: 7 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9ED.
Sunday 8 December 2024, 12:00 PM – 06:00 PM. Free entry. Festive gift buying, food and drink, live music and entertainment, and special activities from High Street businesses. The outdoor event at the Ingatestone Community Centre will be a winter wonderland where you can get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Market at Cromwell Manor, Basildon
Location: Cromwell Manor, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, SS16 4UH.
Sunday 8th December 2024, 11am – 4pm. Free entry, stalls, entertainment, food stalls, Festive chocolate, visit from Father Christmas.
Makers Market, Harvey Centre, Harlow
Location: Harvey Centre, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1XR.
Saturday 14th December 2024, 11am – 4pm. Explore a selection of unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts and treats from talented local makers and designers. Enjoy free craft workshops, live entertainment, and a delightful atmosphere—perfect for finding special presents for your loved ones this holiday season
Which Christmas market will you be checking out this year? I would love you to share your favourite Essex Christmas Markets!
Check out family-friendly Essex Christmas events and things to do in Essex. If you are looking for more festive days out, why not visit one of the fantastic displays at one of the Christmas Garden Centres. If you want to make it a festive break, why not check out these fab Essex hotels.
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