12 Free Christmas Markets & Fairs 2024

Step into the festive wonder of Essex’s Christmas markets in 2024, with free entry to all events! Explore the magical Meadow Croft German Market, browse unique finds at the Artisan Craft Market, and discover handmade treasures at the Handmade Fair. Each market offers a delightful array of holiday treats, gift ideas, and seasonal charm. Enjoy the warm, joyful atmosphere, savor delicious festive bites, and embrace the holiday spirit as you stroll through these enchanting markets. Join us for a heartwarming Christmas adventure and make this season truly unforgettable!

1. Colchester Christmas Evening Market

Venue: Suffolk Market Events
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Suffolk Market Events
Date: 14 December 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Join us for the Colchester Christmas Evening Market, featuring a variety of craft, food, and drink stalls in The Piazza outside The Mercury Theatre. Enjoy carol singers, special performances, and festive treats including mulled wine and street food.
Website: Colchester Christmas Evening Market

---

2. Braintree Christmas Street Market

Venue: Braintree District Council
Town: Braintree
Organiser: Braintree District Council
Date: 23 November 2024 & 14 December 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Visit Braintree’s Christmas Street Market, spread throughout Great Square, High Street, New Street, and Bank Street, with occasional stalls in George Yard Shopping Centre and Sandpit Lane. Enjoy local traders, food, and festive stalls.
Website: Braintree Christmas Street Market

---

3. Christmas Market and Open Weekend

Venue: Markshall Estate
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Markshall Estate
Date: 23-24 November 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Celebrate the season at Markshall Estate’s Christmas Market, featuring artisan gifts, handcrafted decorations, food trucks, mulled wine, and local businesses. Perfect for family outings and holiday shopping.
Website: Christmas Market and Open Weekend

---

4. Makers Market

Venue: The Harvey Centre
Town: Harlow
Organiser: The Harvey Centre
Date: 30 November & 14 December 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Browse unique stalls from local businesses and craft makers at the Makers Market. Enjoy free family craft activities, held on the first floor Terrace. Visit on November 30 and December 14 for special holiday editions.
Website: Makers Market

---

5. Artisan Craft Market

Venue: Folk & Bespoke
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Folk & Bespoke
Date: 2 November – 7 December 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Nov 13: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Price: FREE
Description: Discover unique handmade items at the Artisan Craft Market. Perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts crafted with love by passionate artisans, this market promises quality and creativity in every product.
Website: Artisan Craft Market

---

6. Cathedral Christmas Market

Venue: Chelmsford Cathedral
Town: Chelmsford
Organiser: Chelmsford Cathedral
Date: 7 December 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Shop for unique, handcrafted goods at Chelmsford Cathedral’s Christmas Market, featuring a stunning Christmas tree, local choirs, and a pop-up cafe under the Tree of Life mural. A festive experience not to miss!
Website: Cathedral Christmas Market

---

7. The Meadow Croft German Market

Venue: Meadow Croft Garden Centre
Town: Wickford
Organiser: Meadow Croft Garden Centre
Date: 20 November – 23 December 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Inspired by traditional German Markets, this festive event features over 30 handcrafted stalls with unique yuletide gifts and seasonal treats. Enjoy carved wooden decorations, glassware, and traditional German specialties.
Website: The Meadow Croft German Market

---

8. Langham Handmade Christmas Fair

Venue: Langham Community Centre
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Langham Community Centre
Date: 16 November 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Discover unique handcrafted creations from local artisans at Langham’s Christmas Fair, featuring scarves, ceramic ornaments, candles, and more. Enjoy homemade treats and tea from the pop-up cafe.
Website: Langham Handmade Christmas Fair

---

9. Christmas at The Stables

Venue: Hylands Estate
Town: Chelmsford
Organiser: Hylands Estate
Date: 20-21 November 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Kick off the holiday season with Christmas at The Stables. Enjoy live music, artisan gifts, and festive food and drinks from local traders. Perfect for holiday shopping or gathering with loved ones.
Website: Christmas at The Stables

---

10. Billericay Christmas Market

Venue: High Street
Town: Billericay
Organiser: Billericay Mayflower Rotary
Date: 1 December 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Billericay’s High Street comes alive with festive stalls, food, live music, performers, and a Santa’s grotto. A great day for families, with activities including a fun fair and snow machines.
Website: Billericay Christmas Market

---

11. The Barleylands Festive Fair

Venue: Barleylands
Town: Billericay
Organiser: Barleylands
Date: 30 November 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Enjoy a day of festive shopping and entertainment at Barleylands. Featuring craft shops, stalls, live singers, and a visit from Father Christmas and two princesses for photos and meet-and-greets.
Website: The Barleylands Festive Fair

---

12. Sustainable Christmas Market 2024

Venue: Runnymede Hall
Town: Benfleet
Organiser: Green Planet Essex
Date: 15 December 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: FREE
Description: Celebrate the holidays sustainably at Green Planet Essex’s Christmas Market. Over 30 local makers offer eco-friendly gifts, with no single-use plastics. Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, and more.
Website: Sustainable Christmas Market 2024

As you explore the festive markets of Essex this season, don’t forget there are even more magical experiences waiting for you. For a special treat, check out our other articles featuring Meet & Greet opportunities with Father Christmas—perfect for making holiday memories with the little ones. Or, immerse yourself in the dazzling displays at Christmas Lights Lands and Trails, where twinkling lights and enchanting paths bring the spirit of the season to life. Whatever your plans, Essex has everything you need to make this Christmas truly unforgettable!