Christmas Markets You Simply Can’t Miss!
With Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to plan that precious free time and get the most out of your shopping time! Colchester and its surrounding district has a full compliment of markets and fairs to accompany the festive season and we’re on hand to guide you through them!
Outside the City
Enjoy free entry into the fantastic gardens with your entry ticket to the Beth Chatto Christmas Fair on 22nd November! A stroll around the carefully curated gardens will be sure to blow away the cobwebs and clear the mind before a peruse of the festive stalls. Why not combine a scenic stroll through the countryside of Dedham Vale with a trip to the Dedham Christmas Market or Christmas Craft Fair at Granary Barn, Flatford! This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was once the stomping ground of renowned artists Alfred Munnings and John Constable so will surely provide artistic inspiration for gifting ideas.
The ever-popular Langham Hand Made Fair will return on 22nd November full of one-of-a-kind creations and specially crafted designs! Hopping across to the further reaches of the Colchester District, you’ll find Tiptree Team Rooms Christmas Fair where you can meet Santa, browse the stalls and partake in festive cheer! Wivenhoe’s Christmas Market in St Mary’s Church provides an evening opportunity to peruse the stalls running from 6pm – 8pm. The Wivenhoe Art Trail, although note strictly Christmassy, is a feast for the eyes with local artists throwing open their studio doors and selling their unique wares.
Central Fairs
A visit to this year’s Colchester Christmas Light Switch On must include a wander around Culver Square’s Christmas Fayre giving you a chance to peruse a Christmas market as well as join in the festivities of the day. 7th December is the big day for the central city centre Christmas Fairs this year with the InColchester Festive Market stretching down Colchester High Street and St Nicholas Square. Meanwhile the Town Hall will host a myriad of suppliers from the region at the Christmas Gift Market! Don’t forget to catch Colchester Christmas Evening Farmers Market on 13th December for an cosy evening of local artisanal goodies and independent makers by the historic Roman Wall and Balkerne Gate.
Alternative
With a buzzing creative scene alive and kicking in the area, we have no shortage of makers markets full to the brim with creations from local artists. With Colchester Makerspace Christmas Market, The Minories Festive Market and Level Best Christmas Market all taking place in one bumper weekend over 28th, 29th and 30th November (check listings for which markets will be running on which dates!), you’ll have an abundance potential gifts for your loved ones and maybe even some for yourself! Alternatively enjoy a trip to the Coast to visit the Mersea Art Collective Shopping Experience to pick up some unique works of art!
