Discover the magic of Christmas markets in Essex and nearby areas this festive season. Find out where the best Christmas markets are near you. From German style markets to traditional village fairs there's no shortage of festive fun to be had. These markets aren't just about shopping, they're about creating magical Christmas memories with your loved ones. Whether you're searching for unique gifts, local crafts, delicious seasonal treats or family friendly activities, our guide to the Christmas markets in Essex for 2024 has got you covered. Get ready to experience the best of Essex's holiday spirit!
Great Christmas Markets To Visit This Year In Essex
(Markets listed in date order)
 |
| Discover Christmas markets in Essex, this image may be created by computer magic, but the festive feel you get will be real. |
Jimmy’s Christmas Fayre, Suffolk
- Location: Pannington Hall Lane, Suffolk IP9 2AP
- Dates: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November, 10am to 5pm
- Highlights: Just outside of Essex, this market takes place at Jimmy's Farm and has more than 70 stalls with a selection of seasonal food and drink to buy plus live music. Free parking, free entry and its dog friendly too. Note that entry to the Christmas fayre does not include access to the wildlife park.
- Website
Langham Handmade Christmas Fair
- Location: Langham Community Centre, School Road, Langham, Colchester, Essex CO4 5PA
- Date: Saturday 16th November, 10am to 3.30pm
- Highlights: Free entry, indoor and outdoor stalls featuring handcrafted creations including, jewellery, candles and more it is the perfect place to look for a distinctive gift for a loved one this Christmas.
- Website
Tiptree Christmas Street Festival
- Location: Church Road, Tiptree Village (near Colchester)
- Date: Thursday 21st November, 5pm to 9pm
- Highlights: Unusually taking place on a Thursday evening, however this festive market is the set to be a great fun-filled evening. Located in the heart of the village, offering a mix of local produce, handmade gifts, and traditional Christmas stalls including pocket money stalls for the kids. Expect special guest appearances from Father Christmas and his elves and live music too.
- Website
Holland-on-Sea Christmas Market
- Location: Holland Public Hall, CO15 5UR
- Date: Saturday 23rd November, 3-7pm
- Highlights: This evening market in Holland-on-Sea promises local businesses selling their gifts and decorations, alongside live music and drinks.
- Website
Markshall Christmas Market
- Location: Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG
- Dates: Saturday 23rd to Sunday 24th November 2024, 10am-4pm
- Highlights: This market in the picturesque Markshall Estate promises ‘artisan gifts, seasonal treats and handcrafted decorations from local vendors’. They have food trucks and mulled wine to keep your energy up too.
- Website
Braintree & Bocking Christmas Market
- Location: Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens, 43 Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 9AE.
- Dates: Friday 29th and Saturday 30th November, 3pm to 9pm
- Highlights: There is so much to do at Braintree & Bocking Public Garden's first festive market. According to their website they will have 'handmade crafts, speciality gifts, gourmet food, a fully stocked bar, mulled wine, a Santa’s Grotto (£2 per child donation), fairground rides, carol singers, a brass band and more.' Plus an exciting light trail that will lead through the lower half of the gardens. Its free entry too.
- Website
Barleylands Festive Fair (Billericay)
- Location: Barleylands Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
- Date: Saturday 30th November, 10am to 4pm
- Highlights: Fair entry and parking is free. There will be a variety of stalls, entertainment, music, 'Skittleman' the children's entertainer and princess meet and greets, plus you may be lucky enough to see Father Christmas making an appearance. This does not include entry to Barleylands Farm.
- Website
Stansted Mountfitchet Social Club Christmas Market
- Location: 10-12 Lower Street, Stansted Mountfitchet, CM24 8LP
- Date: Saturday 30th November, 11am to 3pm
- Highlights: This market promises a wide range of handmade gifts, cards, custom printing and more.
- Website
Rochford Christmas Market
- Location: Rochford Market Square, 22-24 West Street, Rochford, SS4 1AL
- Date: Sunday 1st December, 1pm to 6pm
- Highlights: A market on a smaller scale this event has lots for the kids including rides, crafts, plus a grotto and a sleigh.
- Website
Chelmsford Cathedral
- Location: Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1TY
- Date: Saturday 7th December, 10am to 3pm
- Highlights: Enjoy the festive performances from local choirs and musicians whilst you peruse the Christmas stalls, including decorations, crafts, gourmet food and jewellery.
- Website
Bishops Stortford Christmas Fayre
- Location: 14 Market Square, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 3UU
- Date: Saturday 7th December, 9.30am to 4.30pm
- Highlights: Just outside Essex, this Christmas Fayre in Bishops Stortford boasts over 100 stalls, including handmade gifts and locally made jams, cakes and fudges. In addition, there are a number of good and drink vendors, live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
- Website
Frinton’s Christmas Festival
- Location: 115 Old Road, Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 9BX
- Date: Saturday 7th December 2024, 4pm to 8pm
- Highlights: This outdoor event has music, food, stalls, Santa, rides and gifts. Most shops and restaurants in the area are staying open late too to join in the festivities.
- Website
Colchester Christmas Market
- Location: High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DQ
- Date: Sunday 8th December, 10am to 5pm
- Highlights: Colchester pedestrianises their High Street for a fun day featuring live music, street performers, mulled wine, street food, gifts, Santa and funfair rides. If you can't make the 8th, there will be seasonal offerings at their regular market that takes place Culver Street West and Culver Street East 7 days a week.
- Website
Ingatestone Christmas Market
- Location: Ingatestone Community Centre, 7 High Street, CM4 9ED
- Date: Sunday 8th December, 12 to 6pm
- Highlights: With more than 50 outdoor market stalls selling gifts, tasty treats and a wide selection of festive and handmade items. There is also a stage with live music performances throughout the day, indoor market with stalls and a Santa’s grotto. High Street businesses will also be hosting activities and attractions throughout the day. Free parking available at Anglo European School (Willow Green CM4 0DJ).
- Website
Saffron Walden Christmas Market
- Location: Saffron Walden Town Centre Market Place
- Date: Sunday 8th December, 10am to 3pm
- Highlights: Enjoy the historic charm of Saffron Walden's Christmas market where you’ll find festive foods and unique gifts from local small businesses.
- Website
Folk & Bespoke Christmas Lights Switch on Artisan Craft Fair
- Location: Leigh Community Centre, 71-73 Elm Rd, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1SP
- Date: Saturday 14th December, 10am to 3pm
- Highlights: Free entry combined with the Leigh on Sea Festive lights switch on. Live music, lights and an array of local businesses selling their unique gifts including home décor, jewellery and ceramics.
- Website
Let us know below if you plan to visit any of these Christmas Markets or if you know of any more great Christmas Markets in Essex.
If you are happy to travel then you might want to consider a weekend away to visit some of the magical Christmas Markets around the UK. You can check out the best Christmas Markets to visit from Essex here.
Markets all listed in good faith, but no guarantee can be made about the quality of the markets.
No comments
Thanks for your comment (unless it's spam in which case, why?)