The best Essex Christmas markets 2024
With just over a month to go until the big day, the countdown to Christmas is officially on! If you have been searching for Christmas markets near me, then look no further. In our opinion, Essex offers some of the best Christmas markets 2024 in the South East!
So, whether you’re local and looking for a way to kick-off the festive season, or you are planning a trip to the area and you want to scout out the most festive villages in Essex to visit, the Burnham Waters team have got you covered!
Looking for Christmas markets near me? In this week’s blog, we take a closer look at what’s on in Essex in the run up to Christmas and (in our opinion!) some of the best Christmas markets 2024 to visit in the county.
Hylands Estate Christmas
Hylands Estate and Park in Chelmsford have a couple of events going on throughout the festive season! Whether you want to make a start on your Christmas shopping or you are seeking a local lights trail, there is something for all the family to enjoy.
Wednesday 20th November and Thursday 21st November 2024
5pm - 9pm
Get ready for two magical evenings filled with live music, festive cheer, and local traders offering artisan food, drinks, and gifts. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
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.
There will be a community of artists, designers, makers and creatives, all opening the doors to their studios on the ground and first floor of The Stables for visitors to explore.
Friday 29th November 2024 – 4th January 2025
4:30pm - 9pm
For the 5th year running, the sell-out illuminated phenomenon is returning to the prestigious Hylands Estate in Chelmsford this winter. With a new and reimagined trail, Enlightened 2024 is set to be the biggest, boldest and brightest year yet!
Enlightened features over a mile of specially curated illuminations that dance with delight along with a whole wealth of brand-new installations, which have never been seen before.
Find out more about Christmas at Hylands Estate here.
Braintree Christmas Street Market
Saturday 23rd November 2024
From 9am
Indulge in holiday shopping at the Braintree Christmas Street Market on Saturday 23rd November 2024. Explore a variety of food stalls, bars, crafts, handmade items, local produce, and collectibles. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with an Artisan Hub featuring additional stalls in George Yard, Christmas entertainment, and the light switch-on.
Find out more about Braintree Christmas Street Market here.
Christmas at Markshall
23rd and 24th November 2024
10am – 4pm
Nestled in stunning natural surroundings, this enchanting Christmas market offers a selection of artisan gifts, seasonal treats, and handcrafted decorations from local vendors. Enjoy the cozy holiday atmosphere with mulled wine, festive food, and more.
Find out more about Christmas at Markshall here.
Christmas Gift Fair at Chelmsford City Racecourse
24th November 2024
10am – 4pm
Searching for Christmas markets 2024? Why not get into the Christmas spirit, start shopping and enjoy a wonderful day out at the at Chelmsford City Racecourse. This year’s event will be spread over two areas of the racecourse. There will be stalls selling a wide range of unique gifts, jewellery, homeware, toys, cards, food and drink. When you want a break from shopping and need some refreshment, you can choose from the selection of food and drink vendors and watch the live entertainment.
Find out more about the Christmas Gift Fair at Chelmsford City Racecourse here.
Light Up Maldon
Thursday 28th November 2024
5pm - 9pm
It’s the annual Christmas lights switch on! Visit Maldon High Street to experience the festive atmosphere, filled with joy and excitement. With street stalls and indoor craft markets, the event promises to be a great evening where the community can come together. There will be entertainment from local performers, the traditional Santa’s Grotto, and a selection of stalls selling local wares, indoor craft markets selling bespoke items, along with hot food and refreshments on offer from local businesses. The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 6pm.
Find out more about Light Up Maldon here.
Makers Market, Harvey Centre, Harlow
Saturday 30th November and Saturday 14th December 2024
11am – 4pm
Explore a selection of unique, handcrafted Christmas gifts and treats from talented local makers and designers. Enjoy free craft workshops, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere - perfect for finding special presents for your loved ones this holiday season.
Find out more about Makers Market, Harvey Centre, Harlow here.
Christmas Market at St Bartholomew's Church
30th November 2024
11am - 2pm
Visit the Christmas Market St Bartholomew's Church with its host of stalls including crafts, gifts, cakes, a raffle, refreshments and homemade soup.
Find out more about St Bartholomew's Church Christmas Market here.
Christmas Bazaar at St Andrew’s Church
30th November 2024
11am - 3pm
Come and enjoy the annual Christmas Bazaar. There will be lots on offer on the day to include: a raffle; tombola; books; gifts; competitions and Christmas decorations. There will be tea and coffee available, along with a selection of cakes, mince pies and hot sausage rolls.
Find out more about the Christmas Bazaar at St Andrew’s Church here.
Christmas Fair at the Museum of Power
Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December 2024
10am – 4pm
Meet Santa in his Grotto, enjoy a miniature train ride, meander through the indoor Christmas stalls and join in with a range of fun entertainment and children's rides.
Find out more about the Christmas Fair at the Museum of Power here.
Rochford Christmas Festival
Sunday 1st December 2024
1pm - 6pm
Experience the Rochford Christmas Festival on Sunday 1st December featuring a Christmas market, children's rides, crafts, entertainment, the light switch-on, and more. Santa will even be making an appearance!
Find out more about Rochford Christmas Festival here.
Christmas Craft Fayre, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Sunday 1st December 2024
10am – 3pm
A chance to enjoy some truly festive creations from a community of local crafters, designers and makers - as well as the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome museum.
Join crowds of supporters as you wander through the vibrant and colourful array of local crafters. Not only do you get to enjoy the fayre, but your admission gains you all the benefits of enjoying the award-winning exhibitions, hangars and tours. All for the regular admission fee!
Find out more about the Christmas Craft Fayre at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome here.
Colchester Christmas Market
Sunday 8th December 2024
10am – 5pm
The Colchester Christmas Market is back! This year’s Colchester Christmas Market 2024 will feature a pedestrianised high street, live music, street performers, mulled wine, street food, gifts, Santa and funfair rides. There will be over 80 local makers and business lining the high street and spreading festive cheer! This is an all-day event and is free to attend. No booking required! Why not have a browse and pick up the perfect Christmas gifts or enjoy the array of award-winning street food on offer!
Find out more about the Colchester Christmas Market here.
Creeksea Place Christmas Market
14th December 2024
11am – 3pm
Why not pop in and enjoy the beautiful grounds, fires in the grate and visit the market stalls to put you in the Christmas mood. Grab a bite, a mulled wine (or hot chocolate) and listen to the live adult and children’s choir sing carols in the beautiful Orchard. Entrance is £1 per person.
Find out more about Creeksea Place Christmas Market here.
Meadow Croft German Christmas Market
Running up until Monday 23rd December 2024
Meadow Croft is hosting its annual German market until Monday 23rd December 2024. Inspired by traditional German Markets, you will be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells of the market, with irresistible seasonal treats and unique yuletide gifts and decorations.
The German Market hosts more than 30 stalls. Every stall is adorned with handpicked, high-quality artisan products including carved wooden decorations, delicate glassware and baubles, traditional cuckoo clocks, Scandinavian gonks and much more.
Festive visitors can wander amongst the many festive chalet style stalls, soak up the festive atmosphere and get in the mood for the holiday season whilst the smells of Bratwurst, Gingerbread and Glühwein waft through the air.
There will also be a Live Music Weekend on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December
The weekend will feature performances from D'Ukes and Wendy Martin from 12pm, as well as offering authentic German food, German Beer and more. The event is FREE ENTRY. There will be live music from 12pm all weekend long!
Find out more about Meadow Croft German Christmas Market here.
If you are feeling well and truly in the festive spirit and you are wondering what else is happening in and around Essex this Christmas, we’ve got you covered! View our new blog post: Christmas things to do in Essex 2024 here.
Get in touch with the team at Burnham Waters
If you have been searching Christmas markets near me, we hope our round-up of Christmas markets 2024 has given you a helpful insight into what’s on in Essex over the festive period! If you’re thinking of relocation or retirement, Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex offers a wide variety of fantastic local amenities amongst comforting familiarity.
At Burnham Waters, our lifestyle village for the over 55s is the perfect place to enjoy your retirement, with a powerful sense of community and access to all that this popular little town has to offer. If you’re interested in hearing more about our new bungalow properties, then we’d love to hear from you!
Explore our range of one, two and three-bedroom new build bungalows here.
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Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of our home page and sign up to our newsletter for all the latest news on our community for the 55 and over. We look forward to hearing from you!
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