Festive Christmas Markets & Shopping Fairs in Essex 2025
Discover the best Christmas markets and shopping fairs in Essex this season. Dates, times, tickets, parking info and links for festive 2025 events across Essex
Updated 25/11/2025
Get ready for a sparkling season of festive markets and shopping fairs across Essex. This guide brings you five top events where you’ll find artisan gifts, food delights, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. From the sprawling marquee event at a country estate, through a German-style market perfect for browsing at leisure, to a lively town-centre high-street market filled with stalls and parade – each event delivers unique charm and plenty to explore.
Whether you’re looking to tick off your Christmas shopping, enjoy the festive atmosphere or simply soak up the seasonal spirit, these fairs offer something for everyone. Many include heated marquees, live performances, themed attractions and special features like grottoes or parades. For convenience, we’ve included website links, ticket info, dates, hours, addresses and parking details so you can plan ahead and make the most of your visit.
German Market & Christmas Fair at Meadow Croft
For a more relaxed yet charming shopping experience, the German Market & Christmas Fair at Meadow Croft Garden Centre is ideal. With free entry and a generous timeline from September through to late December, it offers great flexibility – perfect for an afternoon browse without the pressure of a one-day event. The market is inside the garden centre, with more than 30 artisan chalet-style stalls offering authentic German-style crafts: carved wooden decorations, delicate glass baubles, hand-crafted gifts and traditional items from craftsmen in Germany’s Erzgebirge region.
Date: From 11 Sept 2025 to 23 Dec 2025 (regular weekly opening)
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00–17:00; Sunday 10:00–16:00.
Address: Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, Essex SS11 7QU
Website: Available via official website here
Ticket Link: Entry is free (no tickets required)
Parking: Free car park for all customers
Scent-rich with bratwurst, gingerbread, glühwein and other festive treats, the atmosphere is warm and immersive – even though you’re still in Essex. You’ll find food huts serving until about 16:45 on weekdays and Sundays, and the late-night Thursday sessions add extra convenience if you’re working during the day. Free parking makes this especially accessible, and the garden centre environment means you can combine your visit with other shopping or a meal in the café.
While it’s not a high-volume event like some larger fairs, its charm lies in the quality and authenticity of the stalls and the ability to take your time. It’s particularly suitable for those wanting unique Christmas gifts, decorations and a more laid-back festive outing. As there is no ticket charge, it’s also great for families or casual visits. Arriving earlier in the day is a good idea during busy weekends to enjoy easier parking and quieter browsing. With free parking and a long-run format, this might even be a first-stop or revisit option before the bigger fairs.
Billericay Christmas Market
Marking a highlight of the festive high-street calendar, the Billericay Christmas Market brings vibrant seasonal fun to the heart of the town. With over 150 stalls including crafts, hot and cold food, clothing, gifts and a farm shop, the event draws around 20,000 visitors annually, making it a lively community spectacle.The day begins at 11:00 with Santa’s parade leading the market opening – with Santa arriving in style thanks to the Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower and then settling in a free grotto to meet children and hand out presents.
Entertainment includes a live stage, street performers, flash mobs, a circus troupe and fairground rides – there’s plenty for adults and children alike. Stalls line the High Street, which is closed to traffic for the event, creating a safe pedestrian zone ideal for browsing, snacking and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Free parking nearby – especially at the station – helps with accessibility, though as crowds are high it’s wise to arrive early or consider public transport.
Date: 07 Dec 2025
Hour: 11:00–17:00
Address: High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9BA (postcode CM12 9AS also used)
Ticket Link: Entry is free (no tickets required)
Parking: Free parking at Billericay Station car park (courtesy of Greater Anglia/NCP); also Radford Way car park and Sun Corner. High Street closed to traffic for event; obey diversion signs.
With such variety on offer, the market works both as a family day out and a key stop for early Christmas shopping with a fun twist. The focus is very much on community and atmosphere, giving visitors a true sense of local celebration. Comfortable shoes are recommended (lots of walking), and carrying a small bag is helpful for browsing. Come ready for lively music, plenty of festive cheer and the town’s High Street transformed into a winter wonderland.
Colchester Christmas Market
The Colchester Christmas Market is a festive highlight within the town centre, bringing together a mix of craft stalls, seasonal food and drink, street performers, carols and family-friendly fun. With the venue spread across Culver Street and St Nicholas Square, the market is integrated into the pedestrian-friendly heart of Colchester, making it easy to combine with shopping, dining or town visits.
Date: Sunday 7 Dec 2025
Hour: 10:00–17:00
Address: Culver Street West, Culver Street East & St Nicholas Square, High Street area, Colchester, Essex
Ticket Link: Free entry (no ticket required)
Parking: Municipal car parks around Colchester city centre; check colchester.gov.uk for parking info.
The free entry helps draw families and visitors keen on the atmosphere as much as the shopping. Expect mulled wine, artisan gifts, and that bustling market energy typical of an urban Christmas fair. The outdoor setting means you can enjoy the crisp air, lights and town-centre buzz — but make sure to dress for outdoor conditions.
Because it’s only one day, it’s wise to arrive early to get the best parking and stall access. For those planning to explore further, the timing and location make it ideal to spend a full day in Colchester with shopping, market fun, and maybe dinner. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a town-centre event rather than a large estate or garden-centre venue.
Christmas Market at Barleylands Craft Village
This seasonal market within the Barleylands Craft Village & Farm Park offers a perfect blend of shopping, festive fun and family entertainment. From late November through to Christmas Eve you’ll find stalls offering handmade gifts, decorations, delicious festive treats and also special features like Santa’s grotto, children’s entertainment and farm-park bonus experiences. The free parking and craft-village setting make this event especially family-friendly — you can easily turn a shopping visit into a fun outing for little ones too.
Date: Saturday 29 Nov 2025 – 24 Dec 2025 (Father Christmas experiences running)
Hour: 09:30–17:30 (for Santa-Experience part)
Address: Barleylands Craft Village & Farm Park, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD
Ticket Link: Entry to market area free; additional charges apply for Santa experiences/attractions.
Parking: Free car park at Barleylands Craft Village
The open-air and village style setting means there’s space to explore and multiple zones to browse. While the primary draw is the Christmas market, the environment adds attractions beyond shopping, so it works well for groups or families wanting more than just gifts.
Because the market runs multiple weeks, you have flexibility to choose a quieter mid-week or weekend visit. As always, the earlier you arrive the better your pick of stalls and parking ease. This one is very accessible, relaxed, and ideal for visitors who want both festive shopping and a fun day out.
Christmas at Tiptree Tea Room Marquee
Held in the charming surroundings of Tiptree Tea Room & Museum, this weekend market offers a mix of festive shopping and seasonal atmosphere. With real Christmas trees harvested on the farm, a wreath-making workshop, visits from Father Christmas and independent traders offering handmade ceramics, jewellery, textiles and food items, it’s an ideal outing for those who appreciate a slower, boutique-style market.
Date: 29th and 30th November 2025
Hour: Typically around 10:00–16:00 each day (check website for exact times)
Address: Tiptree Tea Room & Museum, Mill Road, Tiptree, Essex CO5 0RF
Ticket Link: Entry is free
Parking: On-site parking at Tiptree Tea Room
Free entry makes it accessible, and the onsite parking adds convenience. The venue’s tea-room café also means you can sit back with a warm drink while browsing or meet friends for a festive catch-up. The two-day format allows some flexibility in scheduling your visit, and while it’s smaller than large craft fairs, the focus on quality and local producers makes it feel special. If you’re shopping for thoughtful, handcrafted gifts in a relaxed and easy-going setting, this is a top pick
These standout events showcase the best of Christmas markets & shopping fairs in Essex 2025 – each with its own character and appeal. Whether you prefer an elegant estate-based fair with artisan luxury, a charming and convenient German-style market with free parking, or a bustling town-centre high-street celebration packed with stalls and entertainment, there’s something here for every festive mood and shopping style. Be sure to check each event’s website ahead of your visit for the latest ticketing, access and parking information. Get ready to soak up the Christmas spirit, finish off your gift list and enjoy those festive moments that make this season truly special.
