Christmas markets in Essex 2026 | Christmas markets near me
Christmas is already fast approaching so…if you're looking for festive inspiration, there's no shortage of ways to get into the Christmas spirit in Essex.
If you've been searching for Christmas markets in Essex or simply wondering, "Where are the best Christmas markets near me?", the team at Burnham Waters has put together a guide to some of our favourite local markets.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to start your Christmas shopping, enjoy a festive day out with family and friends, or simply soak up the atmosphere with a mulled wine and mince pie, there should be something to tempt you.
We'll continue to update this guide as more 2026 events are confirmed. If you know of a Christmas market in Essex that we've missed, get in touch and let us know.
A round-up of Christmas markets in Essex 2026
Meadow Croft German Market & Christmas Fair
Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU
10th September – 23rd December 2026
The Meadow Croft German Market & Christmas Fair is one of the earliest opportunities to get into the festive spirit, running from September right through to Christmas.
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the event features festive chalet-style stalls, artisan gifts, decorations and seasonal food. Visitors can browse more than 30 stalls while enjoying traditional German treats and drinks.
It's a great option if you're looking to get ahead with your Christmas shopping or simply want to enjoy some festive atmosphere before December arrives.
Essex Festive Gift & Food Show
Brentwood Centre, Brentwood
31st October – 1st November 2026
Now in its 30th year, the Essex Festive Gift & Food Show returns to the Brentwood Centre for two days of Christmas shopping, food and entertainment.
With more than 250 trade stands, visitors can browse Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, food and drink and seasonal products, alongside live entertainment and outdoor shopping marquees.
The event is particularly useful for anyone who wants to get a good proportion of their Christmas shopping done in one visit.
Essex Christmas Shopping Fair at Cressing Temple
Cressing Temple Barns, Witham, CM77 8PD
6th – 8th November 2026
Cressing Temple Barns provides a beautiful historic setting for the Essex Christmas Shopping Fair.
The three-day event brings together exhibitors covering arts and crafts, fashion and beauty, food and drink, gifts, household accessories, outdoor and garden products and plenty more. There will also be catering and a bar, with free parking available.
Essex County Christmas Fair
Boreham House, Chelmsford
13th – 15th November 2026
The Essex County Christmas Fair returns in 2026, moving to the beautiful Boreham House near Chelmsford.
With a wide selection of Christmas shopping, gifts, food and drink, it offers an opportunity to combine festive shopping with a visit to an impressive Essex country-house setting.
Creeksea Christmas Outdoor Market
Creeksea Place, Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8PJ
Saturday 21st November 2026, 11am–3pm
If you're looking for a Christmas market closer to home, Creeksea Place's annual outdoor Christmas market is just a short distance from Burnham Waters.
Set within the grounds of the historic Creeksea Place Manor House, the market offers handmade gifts and festive treats, with hot chocolate, mulled wine and twinkling lights helping to create a wonderfully seasonal atmosphere.
Entry is just £1 per person, making it an affordable, local festive day out.
Christmas with Essex Makers Markets
The Jolly Sailor, Heybridge Basin, Maldon
Sunday 22nd November 2026, 10.30am–3pm
Essex Makers Markets is bringing a Christmas shopping event to Heybridge Basin in November.
The market is a great opportunity to support local makers and independent businesses while picking up something a little different for Christmas. With Heybridge Basin's waterside setting, it could also make a lovely festive day out combined with a walk along the waterfront.
The event is free to attend.
Christmas Markets at Barleylands
Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay
28 November – 23 December 2026
Barleylands is getting into the festive spirit with a series of outdoor Christmas markets throughout December.
The 2026 programme includes the annual Festive Fayre on 28th and 29th November, followed by further market weekends on 4th – 6th December the11th – 13th December and 18th – 23rd December. With the craft village as a backdrop, it offers plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping alongside the wider festive activities taking place at Barleylands.
Lighting Up Brentwood
Brentwood High Street
Saturday 21st November 2026, 12–6pm
Lighting Up Brentwood combines a Christmas market with the town's festive lights switch-on.
Visitors can browse market stalls selling gifts and festive products, enjoy food and drink, live entertainment and funfair rides, and watch the Santa Parade before the Christmas lights are switched on.
It is a good choice if you're looking for a lively, family-friendly event rather than a traditional shopping-only market.
Ingatestone Festive Fair
Ingatestone High Street
Sunday 29th November 2026, 12–5pm
The Ingatestone Festive Fair brings Christmas market stalls, handmade gifts, food and drink and entertainment to the village.
The event will also feature a Christmas Toy Trail, making it a particularly appealing option for families with younger children.
Colchester Christmas Market
Colchester High Street
Sunday 6th December 2026, 10am–5pm
The popular Colchester Christmas Market returns to the pedestrianised High Street in December, with up to 80 stalls featuring gifts, local products and festive food and drink.
Live entertainment and the wider Christmas atmosphere in Colchester make this a good option for combining Christmas shopping with a festive day out in the city.
Festive Shenfield
Hutton Road, Shenfield
Sunday 6th December 2026, 12–5pm
Shenfield's festive event brings together traditional Christmas market stalls, food and drink, live entertainment and activities from local businesses.
There will also be a Christmas Toy Trail, making this another option for families looking for a festive afternoon out.
More Christmas markets and festive events to look out for
There are plenty of smaller Christmas markets, craft fairs and festive events taking place throughout Essex, with new dates being announced as we get closer to December.
With so much choice, whether you're looking for handmade gifts, festive food or simply somewhere to enjoy a Christmas outing, Essex is a great place to embrace the festive season.
Explore life at Burnham Waters
If you're visiting one of the many Christmas markets in Essex this year, you may well find yourself exploring the area around Burnham-on-Crouch – home to Burnham Waters.
Burnham Waters is a luxury retirement village for the over 55s, offering a collection of beautifully designed one, two and three-bedroom new-build bungalows in a landscaped community.
With a strong sense of community, attractive outdoor spaces and a range of lifestyle amenities, Burnham Waters provides an opportunity to enjoy retirement in a welcoming and sociable environment, while remaining close to everything that Burnham-on-Crouch and the surrounding area have to offer.
If you're interested in finding out more about our new-build bungalows for sale, we'd love to welcome you to Burnham Waters.
Our sales suite and show homes are open daily, where you can explore the homes and find out more about life in our community.
Explore our range of one, two and three-bedroom new-build bungalows
Explore the lifestyle on offer at Burnham Waters
To arrange an appointment, contact our sales team on 01621 861559 or email: info@burnhamwaters.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to Burnham Waters and helping you discover everything this special part of Essex has to offer.
