Save on delivery charges, support local business and #shoplocal this Christmas! Colchester and it’s surrounding areas has a whole host of dazzling festive markets in all corners of the district! There are day-time markets, evening markets, mid-week and weekend offerings so there is something here to suit every schedule! Check our handy guide below to plan ahead your shopping…
Evening Craft Fairs
First up is Folk & Bespoke Christmas Fair on Wednesday 13th November running from 4pm-8pm. Hosted at the spacious and accessible Firstsite and scheduled on Wednesday 13th November, this craft fair is the perfect compliment to the festivities of the Colchester Christmas Light Switch On!
Colchester Evening Christmas Farmers Market running from 4pm-8pm will be running on Saturday 14th December after proving to be a festive hit last year! Located by the historic landmarks Jumbo Water Tower and Balkerne Gate, this event brings ambience as well as convenience with its base right next to Mercury Theatre and within easy reach of St Mary’s car park. With Christmas carol singers, mince pies and mulled wine, its sure to bring the warm and fuzzies as well as hand made gifts from local producers.
Outside the city
The ever popular Langham Handmade Fair will be running on Saturday 16th November with it’s wide assortments of tasty foods, jewellery, art works and unique gifts! With free entry and on-site parking, located in the scenic village of Langham this is a great start to your weekend!
Take a trip to the town of Wivenhoe to enjoy the Wivenhoe Society Christmas Craft Fair! Opening its doors on Saturday 23rd November, expect crafts, refreshments, local art, a raffle and the chance to pick up locally crafted gifts for your loved ones! With a scenic location, you can combine this trip with a pub lunch, winter walk or wander around this riverside parish.
With a beautiful arboretum as its home, the Markshall Christmas Market running on 23rd and 24th November is hosted my Markshall Estate. With food, festive mulled wine, Christmas shopping as well as the opportunity for scenic walks in its 200 acres of historic landscapes, this is perhaps the market event with the antidote to the Christmas madness!
This year’s Christmas Fair in the Tiptree Marquee allows you of meeting Santa and his elves, perusing local hand made gifts and even choosing your Christmas tree straight from the Tiptree Farm! It will run for the weekend on 7th and 8th December. Pop next door to have a look for Wilkin & Sons stocking fillers and vouchers at the nearby Tiptree Shop, Tea Room and Museum!
Alternative
Colchester’s creative scene abounds, and this time of year is ideal for picking up something special, unique and locally produced. Forget online shopping, cut down on air miles and postage with some of Colchester’s artistic Christmas markets. Colchester Makerspace Christmas Market, hosted next door to Patch Café will host 2 dates for its Christmas Market which also includes the option for £5pp of a festive mince pie, mulled wine and a market preview on Friday 29th November. Made in Colchester Festive Makers Market (so popular and successful, its in its 10th year of running!) will be located in local arts café Level Best and The Minories Festive Market will be open alongside The Commons at The Minories serving hot drinks and delicious meals.
