Here’s our guide so far to the festive markets in Essex that’ll get you in the Christmas spirit. Find the perfect stocking fillers, unique presents, foodie treats and more.

we are handmade Christmas Fair

The collective of makers and artisans come to Great Dunmow this November, selling an array of gems. The fair features more than 30 vendors selling contemporary and vintage-inspired items.

When: Saturday, November 6; 10am-4pm

Where: Foakes Hall, Stortford Road, Great Dunmow, CM6 1DG

Cost: Free

Website: wearehandmade.co.uk


Southend Christmas Gift Show

The cavernous sports hall at Garon Park will be transformed with festive cheer for one weekend. Pick up stocking fillers, homewares and crafts while you tuck into warming, Christmassy food and drink.

When: Saturday - Sunday, November 27-28; 10am-5pm/10am/4pm

Where: Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, Garon Park Cricket Ground, Eastern Avenue SS2 4FA

Cost: From £4.90

Website: eventbrite.com


Langham Handmade Christmas Fair

Filled with handmade gifts, homeware, clothing and toys. There's also watercolour artists selling their goods and treats for pets and unique Christmas baubles. There's also a £20 voucher to win, for spending at the fair.

When: Sunday, November 14, 10.30am-3.30pm

Where: Langham Community Centre, School road, Langham, Colchester

Cost: Free

Website: Facebook.com/langhamhandmadefair


Essex Christmas Fair

This established fair gets busy with more than 100 exhibitors selling handmade artisan products and unique gifts and food and drink stalls to warm you up. Pick up an extra special present for a loved one.

When: Saturday -Sunday, November 6-7; 10am-4pm

Where: Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Braintree, Cressing CM77 8PD

Cost: £5/£4/free adult/concession/U18

Website: explore-essex.com


Galleywood Heritage Centre, Christmas Craft Market

Stalls will sell handmade jewellery, cards, chutneys, candles and Christmas plates, as well as wooden reindeer, hand sewn and knitted goods. There's also santa's grotto (£4 including gift), face-painting, an elf hunt and the tearoom will be selling homemade cake, drinks and ice-cream

When: November 28; 11am-4pm

Where: The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford CM2 8TR

Cost: Free for buyers

Website: facebook.com/Galleywood Heritage Centre, Christmas Craft Market


Meadow Croft Garden Centre German Market, Battlesbridge

Open seven days a week up until Christmas, the garden centre hosts the only German market in Essex.

Germanic fare on offer includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, waffles and the intriguing schokokusse treats.

More than 30 stalls stock various yuletide gifts including cuckoo clocks, ornaments, candles and clothing.

When: September 16 to December 23, 10am-4pm

Where: Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, SS11 7QU

Cost: Free

Website: meadow-croft.co.uk


Maldon Christmas Festival and Light Switch On, Maldon

After a year-long hiatus, the Christmas Fayre on Maldon's High Street will return as a Christmas Festival, with late-night shopping and artisan stalls along the high street.

Also planned is a Punch and Judy show, reindeers, Father Christmas and his grotto, and more entertainment along the high street.

When: TBC, switch on at 4.30pm and entertainment 4pm-9pm

Where: High Street

Cost: Free, and a free shuttle bus will run between Morrisons and the High Street

Website: visitmaldon.co.uk


Colchester Town Hall Christmas Market, Colchester

With a focus on locally sourced and made products, stall will include cards, festive refreshments, jewellery, beauty, ornaments, personalised gifts and unique finds.

When: November 27-28 10am-5pm

Where: Colchester Town Hall, High Street, CO1 1PJ

Cost: Free, but visit the website to register

Website: colchester-events.co.uk


Wickford at Christmas Street Fair

A true community event, Wickford's Christmas fair raises money goes back into the community - in particular going towards the Christmas display. There's stalls and food, and Elf on the Shelf, and Santa makes an appearance too.

When: Sunday, November 28

Where: Highstreet Wickford

Cost: Free, but you can donate towards the Christmas display

Website: facebook.com

Essex Festive Gift & Food Show, Brentwood

With more than 250 stalls selling a variety of toys and games, gifts, jewellery and festive food, you're bound to find something to get you into the Christmas spirit.

When: November 6-7, from 10am

Where: Brentwood Centre Doddinghurst Road, CM15 9NN

Cost: tickets from £5, book them here

Website: essexfestiveshow.co.uk