There are so many Christmas markets in Essex this year to choose from! We’ve hand-picked the best Christmas markets for a festive outing for all the family. Whether it’s a traditional Santa’s grotto you’re after, or an array of stalls with artistanal products, or snow, snow, snow, there really is a Christmas Market for everyone in Essex.
Get help with visits to Christmas markets and much more
Good Life Sorted’s helpers can help with everything from help around the home, shopping trips, cooking and trips out. Tell them what you need, arrange a free hour visit and, if you’re happy, you can start to arrange your schedule with them.
Colchester Christmas Market
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, of course, be plenty of street food, some inspired by the traditional Bavarian Christmas markets of Germany, as well as warm drinks like mulled wine. There will also be live music, street performers, street food, gifts, a chance to meet Santa and funfair rides.
Dates: Sunday 7 December 2025
10 – 5pm. Entry free
Hylands Estate, Chelmsford – Christmas at The Stables
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.
The Stables’ community of artists, designers, makers and creatives will be opening the doors to their studios on the ground and first floor of The Stables for visitors to explore.
Wednesday 26 November 2025.
5pm – 9pm
Entry free
Essex Festive Gift and Food Show
Now in its 30th year, the Essex Festive Gift & Food Show is back bigger than ever at the Brentwood Centre this November.
Celebrate the most magical time of the year and enjoy two days packed with festive shopping and fun.
Discover unique gifts, artisan food and drink, seasonal inspiration and more at Essex’s biggest Christmas shopping event.
1-2 November 2025.
10am to 5pm Saturday, 10am to 4pm Sunday.
Free parking.
Adult tickets from £6.50. Online booking in advance recommended.
Billericay Christmas market, High Street.
The Billericay Christmas market takes place every year in the High street of Billericay in Essex where it is closed off for stalls and events. 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.
Sunday 7 December 2025
11am to 5pm
Free Entry
Meadow Croft German Christmas Market
Meadow Croft is hosting its annual German market again this year. A traditional German market selling crafted Yuletide gifts, from Christmas ornaments, scarves, candles, and traditional German Christmas fare from over 30 stalls.
Dates: 11 September – 23 December 2025
Monday – Saturday: 9am- 5pm
Sunday 10am- 4pm
Meadow Croft Garden Centre Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU
Free Entry
Struggling to think of some special gifts for those special people? We’ve got you covered with our list of Christmas Gift Ideas for grandparents, aunts, uncles and any other relatives!
