Discover 28 verified christmas markets in Colchester and nearby areas.
Welcome to the guide for Colchester Christmas markets, your go-to source for festive shopping and seasonal treats. Colchester Christmas markets offer a wonderful chance to enjoy local crafts and holiday cheer.
Near Colchester, you can explore beloved neighborhood markets featuring artisan vendors and festive food & drink stalls. These markets capture the spirit of the season with a warm, community feel.
From free entry markets to ticketed events with activities, this guide helps you find the best spots to shop, eat, and celebrate. Discover the markets and enjoy the holiday season in Colchester.
Festive market with Santa, live music, and funfair rides.
Colchester's High Street and surrounding squares transform into a festive wonderland for their annual Christmas Markets. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performers, and a funfair, alongside a wide array of gifts and seasonal treats from local traders. Santa Claus...
Free Christmas Open Evening at historic Colchester Castle
Experience a magical Christmas Open Evening at Colchester Castle, offering a festive atmosphere and a journey through over 2,000 years of history. Enjoy seasonal refreshments and the chance to meet Father Christmas for a special gift. This free event is...
Extensive Christmas Showroom and festive shopping experience.
Poplar Nurseries transforms into a festive wonderland for Christmas 2025. They are busy preparing a magical experience with a dedicated Christmas Showroom, a dazzling array of decorations and lights, and a special Christmas Food Hall. Visitors can look forward to...
Handmade candles and home fragrances
Discover the Capel Trust Christmas Market, a delightful event showcasing the artisanal creations of Capel Handmade Candles. Explore a charming selection of handcrafted candles, wax melts, and reed diffusers, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts or adding a festive touch...
Over 150 stalls in heated marquees and grounds
Discover the ultimate Christmas shopping experience at the Essex County Christmas Fair, held at the picturesque Braxted Park Estate. Browse over 150 stalls brimming with handcrafted items, unique gifts, artisan food and drink, and festive decorations. Enjoy live music daily,...
East Anglia's largest Christmas Fair with 150+ stalls.
Discover the magic of the Suffolk County Christmas Fair, East Anglia's premier holiday shopping destination. Browse over 150 stalls brimming with unique gifts, handcrafted treasures, and delicious artisan food and drink. Enjoy live entertainment, festive performers, and a magical atmosphere...
Dual market event with craft and farmers markets.
Experience the magic of the Lavenham Two Day Christmas Craft Market, a festive event featuring a curated selection of the finest handmade crafts and artisanal goods. On Saturday, browse unique creations and enjoy delicious treats from the Pop Up Cafe....
Festive farmers market with 60+ regional producers and makers.
Discover a festive farmers market brimming with local flavor and holiday cheer. Browse around sixty of the region's finest producers and makers offering everything from artisanal baked goods and regional cheeses to handcrafted spirits and unique gifts. Find fresh Christmas...
Artisan craft and gift fayre
Discover unique treasures and festive cheer at the Early Christmas Craft & Gift Fayre. This event brings together talented local artisans and crafters, offering a delightful selection of handmade goods, perfect for finding those special Christmas gifts. Explore a variety...
Outdoor Christmas market at historic Tudor mansion.
Step into the Christmas spirit at the outdoor Christmas Market at Creeksea Place. Discover unique handmade gifts, sip on warm mulled wine or hot chocolate, and soak in the festive ambiance with twinkling lights. A charming way to find unique...
Christmas gift fair with independent traders at a renowned garden.
Discover unique treasures and festive cheer at the RHS Garden Hyde Hall Christmas Gift Fair. Browse a curated selection of jewelry, accessories, photography, and handmade crafts from talented independent traders. Indulge in seasonal food and drink while soaking up the...
Annual Christmas Fayre with local artisans and charity support
Get into the holiday spirit at the South Woodham Ferrers Christmas Fayre! This beloved annual event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Discover unique handmade gifts and crafts from local artisans, and savor delicious seasonal treats and warm...
Artisan Christmas market within historic cathedral.
Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and seasonal decorations at the Chelmsford Cathedral Christmas Market. Browse artisanal stalls featuring jewelry, textiles, and gourmet food items, all set against the backdrop of the Cathedral's stunning architecture and a twinkling Christmas tree. Enjoy a...
Magical North Pole journey with Father Christmas and ice skating
Embark on a truly magical Christmas journey at Marsh Farm's Father Christmas Experience. This enchanting adventure includes a guided tour to the North Pole, where you'll become an honorary elf, meet Mother Christmas, and visit Father Christmas in his grotto....
Artisan craft market with local vendors.
Discover a festive array of handmade crafts and unique gifts at the Stonham Barns Christmas Craft Market. Browse stalls filled with artisanal products, perfect for finding special Christmas presents. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with local vendors offering a...
Christmas carnival with parade, lights switch-on, and fireworks
Experience the magic of the Haverhill Christmas Carnival, a festive celebration featuring a spectacular parade with music and dancing, a vibrant craft fair with unique gifts, and a lively maker's market. The event culminates with a dazzling Christmas lights switch-on...
Christmas Craft Fayre with Santa's Grotto
Discover festive cheer at the Haverhill Christmas Craft Fayre and Santa's Grotto. Children can meet Santa for a magical experience, receiving sweets and a present. The craft fayre offers a delightful shopping opportunity with numerous stalls selling handmade jewelry, ornaments,...
Christmas market and lights switch-on event
Experience the magic of the Rochford Christmas Festival on December 7, 2025. This festive event in Back Lane Car Park features a bustling market with 24 covered stalls, offering a chance to discover unique products and services. The festival culminates...
Market for craft makers and creators of unusual gifts
Discover unique handmade treasures and unusual gifts at the Haverhill Christmas Maker's Market. This festive event brings together local craft makers and creators along Haverhill High Street and Queen's Street, offering a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind presents and support...
Scandinavian-themed Christmas market with over 30 festive stalls.
Step into a fairytale at View Garden Centre's Nordic Christmas Market, Essex's most enchanting winter wonderland. From late September to Christmas Eve, immerse yourself in the warmth and traditions of a Scandinavian Christmas. Discover over 30 festive stalls brimming with...
Christmas market within a historic cathedral setting.
Discover a charming Christmas Market set within the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral. From November 27-29, explore over 50 stalls showcasing local crafts, unique gifts, and festive decorations. Enjoy daily live music and carols while browsing for the perfect Christmas presents...
Over 50 stalls of local crafts and unique gifts.
Discover a festive collection of local crafts and unique gifts at The Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds. This vibrant fair showcases over 50 stalls, offering everything from handmade ceramics and jewelry to bespoke wooden items and eco-friendly candles. It's the...
Festive Christmas market within a vibrant shopping centre
Experience the festive spirit at the arc Shopping Centre's Christmas Market in Bury St Edmunds. Discover unique handmade crafts, seasonal gifts, and delightful treats from local artisans and vendors. It's the perfect place to find that special something while enjoying...
Award-winning Christmas Wonderland department
Step into the enchanting Christmas Wonderland at Summerhill Garden Centre, boasting one of Essex's largest festive departments. Discover a breathtaking array of elegant trees, dazzling baubles, magnificent nutcrackers, and enchanting lights. This award-winning display is the result of meticulous planning,...
Artisan stalls supporting St Clare Hospice
Discover unique Christmas gifts and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience at the Christmas Gift Fayre. Browse local artisan stalls, savor tea and cake, and try your luck in the raffle, all while supporting St Clare Hospice. It's the perfect way...
Over 100 stalls in a pedestrianized town center
Experience the magic of the Bishop's Stortford Christmas Fayre, a vibrant holiday market filling North Street, Market Square, Potter Street, and South Street. Discover over 100 stalls offering unique handmade gifts, artisanal food products, and festive treats. Enjoy live music,...
East Anglia's premier Christmas fair supporting local charities.
Presents Galore returns to the Rowley Mile Racecourse for its spectacular Christmas Fair. This three-day event transforms the venue into a festive wonderland, featuring over 120 boutique stalls brimming with unique gifts, artisanal crafts, and seasonal delights. Visitors can immerse...
Interactive Christmas story with historical dockyard elf inventions.
Step into a secret world at The Historic Dockyard Chatham for Mission Christmas. Families are invited to help ingenious elves fix Father Christmas's inventions, inspired by maritime history. This interactive adventure culminates in a magical meeting with Father Christmas himself,...
See the location of all christmas markets around Colchester and nearby areas
Open Map →The Holiday Homecoming event at Colchester Town Green is a key seasonal market featuring vendor stalls and festive activities. Additionally, nearby artisan markets and craft fairs offer a variety of local goods and holiday treats.
Major markets like the Holiday Homecoming take place in early December at Colchester Town Green. Other neighborhood markets and craft fairs typically run throughout the holiday season at various community venues near Colchester.
Most Colchester Christmas markets, including the Holiday Homecoming, offer free admission. Some special events or ticketed markets nearby may charge a fee, but many local markets are accessible without cost.
Yes, many markets feature family-friendly activities such as visits with Santa, holiday crafts, and seasonal entertainment. The Holiday Homecoming event includes activities for children, making it a great outing for families.