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
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