There are so many Christmas markets in Essex this year (2023) to choose from! We’ve hand selected 8 of 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 be funfair rides for children, musical entertainment including a brass band and choir and Santa’s Grotto to visit Father Christmas.
Dates: Sunday 26th November and Sunday 10th December
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.
30th November, 6pm – 10pm
Book tickets here. Entry free.
Southend Christmas Wonderland, Garon Park.
The Essex Christmas Wonderland Is A Christmas Spectacular For All The Family! Garon Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights, and there is something for everyone with Fairground Rides, Street Food, Bars, Giant Wheel, Christmas Market and even an Ice Rink! Technically not a market but a Christmas event you will not want to miss.
10th December – 2nd January 2023, 12pm till 11pm every day.
Free entry, but ticket purchase for attractions required.
Essex Christmas Fair, Cressing Temple Barns
A Christmas tradition, the Essex Christmas Fair, set in the grounds of Cressing Temple Barns between Braintree and Chelmsford; you can enjoy a huge range of over 100 stalls set within and around their ancient barns. Wide range of handmade artisan products and uniquely sourced gifts as well as selections of food and drink. Entertainment for all the family, and all your Christmas shopping under one roof. It also has an award-winning grotto!
10 – 12 November, 10am – 4pm.
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 4th December
Free Entry
Maldon Christmas Fair
Following the success of the Christmas Festival last year, Maldon is hosting their annual Christmas Light Switch on event and a Christmas fair on the High Street. A wonderful evening of entertainment and late night shopping supporting the local businesses plus over 100 stalls lining the High Street offering festive craft, food and drink..
Thursday 24th November, 4-9pm.
Entry: Free
Meadow Croft German Christmas Market
Meadow Croft is hosting its annual German market from September to 23 December this year. A traditional German market selling crafted Yuletide gifts, from Christmas ornaments, scarves, candles, and traditional German Christmas fare from over 30 stalls.
Open daily from 15th September to Thursday 23rd December 2022 at Meadow Croft Garden Centre Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU
Free Entry
