The best Essex Christmas markets this year 2023
View our updated blog post for 2024 here: The best Essex Christmas markets 2024
Looking for what else is on in Essex for Christmas 2024? View our new blog post here!
With just over a month to go until the big day, the countdown to Christmas is officially on! The Essex Christmas markets are some of the best in the South East. So, whether you’re local or wanting to scout out the most festive villages in Essex to visit over the yuletide season, the Burnham Waters team have you covered!
In this week’s edition, we take a closer look at what’s on in Essex on the run up to Christmas and some of the best Christmas markets to visit in the county!
Colchester Christmas Market
The Colchester Christmas Market is back! Each year, the city council turns the High Street into a winter wonderland. This year is set to be packed full of market stalls, street food, mulled wine bars, live music, street performers, a fun fair and of course, the big man himself will be making an appearance! Santa’s grotto will be located in the town centre for children to visit at selected times.
Hylands Estate Christmas
Next on our list of best Essex Christmas markets is Hylands Estate and Park in Chelmsford. Here you’ll find a brilliant one-stop-shop for Christmas and they have a couple of events going on throughout the festive season! Whether you want to make a start on your Christmas shopping or fancy an afternoon of treats and hot chocolate with friends and family, there’s something for everyone here.
Christmas Open Estate Day
Sunday 17th December, 10am-3pm. Hylands House will open its doors to reveal the secrets behind its history with an exhibition displayed in the library – this month’s exhibition is ‘Hylands Families’!
The Food & Gift Market is located both at the front of Hylands House and inside the Grand Pavilion. The market is a treasure trove of fresh, local food, drink, and crafts direct from the producers and makers. Find hot food and drink just outside to warm you up on the chilly day.
Enjoy festive live music and entertainment, with Hawthorn Heavy Horses providing carriage rides throughout the day. Father Christmas will also be popping by to deliver a few early presents ahead of the big day!
Enlightened
From Friday 24th November, Enlightened returns to Hylands Park! This magical outdoor light trail is always a sell-out success where journey-goers can enjoy a landscape of enchantment and illumination! Marvel at the majestic woodland that sparkles whilst being immersed in the magical soundscape. Be sure to have your cameras at the ready!
Maldon Christmas Fayre and Street Market
On 30th November from 4-9pm, Maldon Town Council will be hosting their annual Christmas shopping and light switch on event along the High Street. This free event offers a wonderful winter evening of live entertainment and late-night shopping, with over 100 stalls and local produce lining the street offering festive craft products, food, and drink.
Cressing Temple Barns Christmas Fair
If you’re after Essex Christmas markets with a traditional twist, the Christmas fayre set in the grounds of Cressing Temple Barns is just what you’re after! Here, you can enjoy a huge range of over 100 stalls set within and around the ancient barns. You’ll also find a range of handmade artisan products and uniquely sourced gifts, as well as selections of food and drink. There’s entertainment for all the family, and all your Christmas shopping under one roof!
This market takes place on the weekend of 10th-12th November between 10am and 4pm. Tickets are available on the door.
Meadow Croft German Christmas Market
Meadow Croft is hosting its annual German market from 15th September to 23rd December this year. Here, you’ll find a traditional German market selling crafted yuletide gifts from over 30 stalls. Grab yourself a mulled wine and bratwurst sausage from the hot food tavern too – they’re not to be missed! This is a free event that is fun for all the family. Be sure to check out to the rest of the garden centre for other festive decorations, gifts and trinkets!
Magic of Christmas at Colchester Zoo
On Weekends from 25th November and all week through 16th - 24th Dec 2023, Colchester Zoo present the Magic of Christmas! Immerse yourself in Christmas magic alongside all the animals! This amazing event includes a small Christmas market at the Elves workshop, crafts to buy, a Christmas road train, reindeer stables and an enchanted woodland. It’s one you won’t want to miss!
For an additional £15 per child, there is a Santa Experience, complete with a journey through Christmas scenes, finishing up with a visit to Santa to receive a gift! Tickets can be purchased for this event online.
Get in Touch
We hope this has given you a helpful insight into what’s on in Essex over the festive period and just some of the best Essex Christmas markets for the whole family to enjoy! 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 village is the perfect place to enjoy your retirement, with a powerful sense of community and access to all the quaint town has to offer. If you’re interested in hearing more about our new bungalow properties, then we’d love to hear from you!
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 overs. We look forward to hearing from you!
