Christmas Markets Essex

Here are the best Christmas markets in Essex this year, updated for 2024. If you are Looking for a festive Christmas market in Essex, look no further than this list of the best places to shop for Christmas goodies this year in South East England. Being in England at one of the most festive times of the year is magical. There is nothing better than getting in the Christmas spirit and exploring festive crafts under the Christmas trees at the most wonderful time of the year.

There are so many Essex markets throughout the year, but Essex comes alive with local makers in the Christmas season with high-quality artisan products, musical entertainment and fairs to explore. Essex is easily accessible, being just 20 to 30 minutes from London. So even if you are looking for a Christmas market in London you could hop on a train and explore Essex’s festive markets instead.

It’s not just about Christmas shopping, though; the festive fun starts with all of the family getting together wrapped up in your big coats and winter gloves. Some markets have Santa grotto visits, fairground rides and even real snow! Making it a truly magical Christmas event for the whole family

Everything you need to know before you go in the ultimate guide to where the best Christmas markets are in Essex for 2024

We are so lucky to have so many Christmas markets in England, and they often get overlooked. We have markets in Essex, London and even Christmas markets over on the Southbank. Everyone thinks of other European Christmas markets such as Vienna but we have so many here, let’s explore them!

These Christmas events in Essex range from German Christmas markets to Christmas fair events in town halls or even closed-off high streets. Most markets take place in December, but some start as early as October and November, so you can get super organised for Christmas. You can find early Christmas gifts from stalls selling presents, decorations, food or mulled wine ready for the big day.

What can you buy at a Christmas Market in Essex?

You can buy all sorts of goods at a Christmas market, from homemade fudge, pies, cookies, cakes, cheese, chutney and many more irresistible seasonal treats. You can also get drinks such as Mulled wine and locally produced beers and wines. Some market stalls offer toys and handmade items such as Christmas crafts, wooden ornaments and soaps. Other Christmas fairs offer traditional Christmas ornaments and decorations. Often the local shops are open and sell their wares too or offer drinks and snacks as you walk around.

Find out where the best Christmas markets in London are here

Meadow Croft Garden Centre German Christmas market in Battlesbridge

Meadow Croft hosts a huge German market every year starting as early as September! It is a traditional German market selling crafted Yuletide gifts, from Christmas ornaments, scarves, candles, authentic cuckoo clocks and traditional German Christmas fare. In fact, there are over 30 stalls. The organisers have travelled to Germany to source products that come from all over Germany. The Christmas market is located in Battlesbridge but is not the well-known antiques centre itself.

When; Open daily till 23rd December 2023

Where; Meadow Croft Garden Centre Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU

Cost; Free!

However, they do have two nighttime events that are ticketed at the cost of £5, and parking is refunded on any purchase. Check the website for more details.

Read the full info here Meadowcroft Garden centre German Christmas fair

Colchester Christmas Market

Colchester Christmas Market is held in the High street every year for two whole days. The local community come together for a Christmas fair with a variety of stalls selling food and drink, gifts and arts and crafts with live music.

Colchester Christmas Market Takes place two days a year in the Colchester High Street in Essex.

Also, check out Enlightened which returns to Colchester Castle Park in 2024!

When; 10:00am to 5:00pm waiting for 2024 dates

Where; Colchester Town Hall, High St, Colchester CO1 1PJ

Cost; Free

Parking: Parking is available at St Marys’s Car Park CO3 3AA. Disabled parking available upon request

Hylands Park Christmas at the Stables

Hylands Park has a Christmas event called The Stables at Hylands Estate. It is your one-stop shop for Christmas this year! Whether you are yet to start your Christmas shopping or fancy a festive day out, try the stables to top up your Christmas treats. You can also check out their other events on their events page. They also have the magical outdoor light trail Enlightened as well as Christmas workshops; check their events page for more details.

When: 20th and the 21st of November

Where: The Stables Hylands Park, London Rd Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8WQ United Kingdom

Cost: Free

If iceskating is what you are looking for why not try an ice rink in London?

Barleylands Festive Fayre

Barleylands Festive Fayre is back again and is the place to get all of your cards, candles, jams and chutneys. The Barley Lands Christmas Village studios are opening their doors to show you everything they have to offer, from art and craft workshops to personalised gifts and home accessories. There will also be a range of craft, gift and food stalls to browse and a special visit from Father Christmas.

Barleylands Father Christmas Experience takes place on selected dates from the 25th November through to Christmas Eve 2024. Fair is on the 30th of November.

All money raised will be going to St Lukes Hospice, Basildon and shopping from the stalls and boutiques means you can support the small, local, independent businesses with your Christmas shopping this year.

When: to be confirmed

Where: Barleylands Farm Park & The Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD

Cost: Parking and entry to the fair is FREE

Billericay Christmas Market 2024

The Billericay Christmas market takes place every year on the Highstreet of Billericay in Essex, where it is closed off to have stalls and events. This is a huge fair with a whole host of activities and one of my favourites as it’s my home town. Expect to find lots of stalls with Christmas goodies and lots of food stalls too. Many of the local shops are open and serve hot and cold food. There is a great friendly atmosphere, and it gets very busy. There is live music, performers, a Santa’s grotto, a fun fair and snow blowing out from the Chequers pub. Follow Santa from the Railway bridge at 11 am ending at the free grotto. Hosted by the Billericay Mayflower Rotary Club.

When: Sunday the 1st of December 2024

Where: Billericay Christmas Market is in Billericay High Street CM12 9AS.

Cost: Free

Parking: Look for free car parking sites at the station, in Radford Way or Sun Corner near the other end of the high street.

Essex Christmas Fair at Cressing Barns Temple

This well-established Christmas Fair (by Charlie Owen Events) has over 100 exhibitors and an award-winning grotto! The Santa experience lasts between 45 minutes to an hour and features the Toy Shop, the Wish Queen and festive crafts and games with the elves.

It is in a beautiful location and spread around Cressing Temple Barns. It is a great event for Christmas and a brilliant source of presents for family and friends. There is a wide range of handmade artisan products and uniquely sourced gifts, as well as a lovely selection of food and drink to tempt the taste buds. There will be live entertainment, shows and a visit from Santa with a Garden Centre full of Christmas decorations in Essex.

When: The Essex Christmas Fair takes place at Cressing Temple Barns on the 8th, 9th and 10th of November 2024. Gates open from 10 am to 4 pm.

Where: Cressing Temple Barns Witham Essex

Cost: Adult £5, Concession £4. Discounted advance tickets available. Under 18s go free; no ticket is required.

Parking: Disabled parking available. Dogs allowed on leads only.

Brentwood Christmas Market

The Brentwood Festive gift and Food show Christmas Market is taking place this year in 2024! The Festive Gift and food show is one of the biggest Christmas events in Essex and takes place at the Brentwood Centre. With hundreds of stalls offering Christmas fayre all under one roof!

When; Saturday the 2nd November and Sunday the 3rd November 2024

Where; The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood CM15 9NN

Cost; Adults premium one day, £9 at the gate or £8 in advance. Children are £5 or £5.50 on the gate. Allotted day or time adults £7.50 children £4.50.

Wickford at Christmas street fayre

Kick off the festive season on Sunday, 24th November 2024, at Wickford High Streets Christmas market, which will have a Gift fair, Food and drink stalls and of course, a visit from Santa! This Wickford at Christmas Street fayre and Wickford’s Christmas lights display are paid for by the public and local businesses. If you wish to donate, please visit the Wickford Christmas fair just giving page.

When: Sunday the 24th November 2024

Where: Wickford Highstreet Essex

Cost: Free

Ingatestone Christmas Market

Ingatestone Christmas Market is taking place this year on the 8th of December.

Outside in the large parking area surrounding the Ingatestone Community Centre, there will be stalls with lots of local traders selling a variety of items, including crafts, gifts, jewellery, toys, and festive decorations. You will also see a variety of Hot and cold food, such as cakes, pies, cheeses, sausages and chutneys.

For the younger children, there will be Santa’s Grotto and face painting within the Community Hall.

When: Sunday 8th December 2023 – 12 Noon To 6 P.M.

Where: Ingatestone & Fryerning Community Centre, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9ED

Cost: Free

Scott’s Victorian Festive Fayre Market in Southend on Sea dates to be confirmed for 2024

Scotts Victorian Festive Fair is open at the Garden Centre through Christmas. It is an indoor Market with various stalls selling gifts, food, and drinks.

What’s On This December Inside the Essex Victorian Festive Christmas Market? Dates for 2024 to be confirmed.

When: Open 1st October -24th December. Mon-Sat 9 am to 5 pm & Sundays 10 am to 4 pm. 

Where: Scott’s of Southend Garden Centre, Southend-On-Sea, SS4 1LQ

Cost: events are all free

The Essex County Christmas Fair Colchester 2024

At the “The Essex County Christmas Fair Colchester” Local stallholders will be offering a huge variety of Christmas gifts. They will also have further stall holders offering food and drink on the large outdoor terrace with marquee seating. Each will have over 120 stalls, 10,000+ attendees, plus live entertainment. Previously Essex & Suffolk County Christmas Fair

The Essex County Christmas Fair Colchester

When: Friday 18th November – 3pm to 8pm
Saturday 19th November – 10am to 6pm
Sunday 20th November – 10am to 5pm

Where: Layer Marney Tower, Colchester, Essex.

Cost:  

• Adult £7 (rising to £10)
• Over 65’s £5 (rising to £7)
• Child aged 2 to 16 £3 (rising to £5)
• Family – 2 adults, 2 children £15 (rising to £20)

The Suffolk County Christmas Fair Ipswich

Where: Hintlesham Hall, Ipswich, Suffolk

When: 24th – 26th November 2024

Further info and tickets available from www.county-events.co.uk

Christmas Craft Fair at Coggeshall Essex 2024

UK Craft Fairs return to the picturesque and historic village hall of Coggeshall for their annual Christmas Craft Fair. There will be many craft stalls, and with many makers taking commissions, this a great time to order bespoke presents in good time for Christmas.

The Village Hall in Coggeshall will see a Christmas handmade craft market full of handmade gifts and inspiration. With crafts that will include jewellery, pottery, papercrafts, textiles, glass, soaps, candles and much more. Our popular pop-up tearoom will also be running to offer homemade cakes and light lunches.

Free entry.

When: 8th October 2023, 10 am till 4 pm

Where: Coggeshall Village Hall, Stoneham Street, Coggeshall CO6 1UH

Cost: Free Entry

Just a stone’s throw from Essex Christmas Markets in Suffolk

Sudbury Christmas Fair & Light Switch On. On the Border of Essex in Suffolk, awaiting dates for 2024

Sudbury Town Council have A Christmas Light Switch 0n and Fair in 2024. There are a variety of stalls and events with Christmas crafts, and the event takes place all over the town centre, centering around Market Hill, East Street, North Street and Gaol Lane. You can expect to see a funfair, Performers and live music, Christmas Craft Market, Hot food and drink stalls, and a Santa’s Grotto. There is also late-night shopping throughout the town centre.

Where: Sudbury Christmas town square

When: to be confirmed for 2024

Cost: Free, tickets on event brite

Great Dunmow Christmas Market awaiting dates for 2024

When: awaiting dates for 2023

Where: Great Dunmow CM6 1DG

Cost: Free

Christmas Craft Fair at Long Melford just outside in Suffolk awaiting dates for 2024

The ever-popular event will be returning to Long Melford for an 11th year. This fair will be taking place over four rooms in The Old School and offers shoppers a wonderful choice of beautifully designed and handcrafted gifts for Christmas.

Makers and crafters will be showcasing the latest in contemporary and vintage inspired handmade items. Stallholders include Woodturner Glyn Hall; Peter Clayton Wildlife Photographer; glass by the Little Lime Design Company; sculptures by The Happy Hare Co, and Nanuk Jewellery. The event is run by ‘we are Handmade’ Marble events.

When: 19th November 10 am till 4 pm

Where: The Old School, Long Melford’s High Street (Hall Street), opposite Melford Hall CO10 9AA

Cost: Free entry

Braxted Park Christmas Market in Maldon 2024 Date to be confirmed

The Braxted Park Christmas Market in Maldon is postponed for 2021 and is reopening next year for 2024. They are now doing Christmas Ball events.

Maldon Christmas Market Essex 2024 Is the Braxted Park Christmas Market . This Maldon Christmas fair is at the Braxted Park historic country house and has a food court that opens Friday to Sunday with an extensive array of delicious food and drinks from the local area. There is also a gift market that will be selling seasonal delights, local crafts and unique items, which are perfect for those hunting for that special Christmas gift.

The Christmas market in 2024 is to be even bigger and better and they are looking for local craftspeople and businesses to exhibit.

When; 2024 Date to be confirmed

Where; Braxted Park Estate, Great Braxted, Witham CM8 3EN

Cost; Tickets, Braxted Park Christmas Market must hold a ticket for the day they wish to attend. General Admission Tickets £6 per adult, with under 16s admitted free. Free parking available onsite, including disabled parking.

When: 10th December 2022 to the 2nd January 2023, 12pm till 11pm every day.

Where: Garon Park in Southend, Essex SS2 4FA

How much does Essex Christmas Wonderland Cost?

Essex Wonderland no longer running

The Essex Christmas Wonderland is free entry so a ticket is not required. However if you would like to attend one of the attractions you will need to purchase tickets:

• Santa Experience tickets start at £11.25
• “JINGLE ALL THE WAY” Show is The ulitmate Christmas spectacular celebrating the big Christmas Hits, singing, dancing, magic, illusion, aerialists, and a visit from Santa- tickets start at £14.50 for adults and £12.50 for children.
• Off Peak Ice Skating starts at £7.50 for children and £9.50 for adults. Peak times ice skating costs at Essex Christmas Wonderland start at £12.50 for children and £14.50 for adults.
• Girls, Girls, Girls Ultimate night out in the Big top for a all singing all dancing show is £21.50 per person.
• Parking is £6.50

Easily accessible from London Liverpool Street and London Fenchurch Street and they will also be operating a shuttle service to and from Southend Victoria and Southend Fenchurch Street. For more Christmas magical Christmas events, see the Christmas events at visit Southend.

New for 2024 Rainham Essex

At the most fabulous location of Ingrebourne Golf and Country Club, with the most wonderful views over the golf course. You can expect a day out for all the family and children to meet Father Christmas.

There will be a hall brimming with the most amazing stalls, with everything under one roof for all your Christmas shopping. You can also enjoy a bite to eat and something to drink, and then can shop some more. Plus a Cake decorating workshop!

Where: Ingrebourne Golf and Country Club, Located just of the M25 with good road links

When: 26th of November 2024, 10 am till 3 pm.

Thanks for reading my Christmas Markets Essex If you know of any more please let me know I would love to add them.

Take a look at visiting Christmas markets in Leeds here