A brand new, festive shopping experience is coming to the city this November.
The new Colchester Christmas Market Trail on Sunday, 26 November links together two popular festive events: the Festive Market and Street Food Festival, which takes place in the Market Place, High Street and the Christmas Gift & Craft Market, which this year moves from Colchester Town Hall to Firstsite.
Along the trail which connects the two venues, there’s plenty of festive cheer to discover including skating boarding displays in St Nicholas Square, live music from the city’s talented buskers, an array of street performers and pop-up fairground rides.
Now in its third year, the Christmas Gift & Craft Market with free entry for all, brings together over 40 stalls offering a huge selection of products from local makers and suppliers from arts and crafts, beer, wine and spirits, clothes and fashion, eco products, skincare and beauty products, candles, clothes and Christmas decorations.
At the city’s traditional Christmas Market and Street Food Festival, visitors can discover a wide selection of giftware including Christmas Trees and wreaths, plus an array of food and drink from market regulars and special guests.
In St Nicholas Square, a partnership between ‘Roots & Grooves’, ‘Other Monkeys Brewery’ and ‘Three Wise Monkeys’, brings more festive fun with live music organised by local charity Musicians Supporting The Homeless, stalls selling clothing, art prints, music and vinyl records, and festive food and drink. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, skate-boarding displays from the city’s Dry Skate Project are unable to go ahead.
At Colchester Town Hall, the Mayoral Suite opens its doors to Storytime with Santa, a ticket-only event for children aged eight years and under, who can join Santa and his elves for a magical Christmas story read by Santa himself.
Cllr Michelle Burrows, Colchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage said: “It’s great to see the city’s Year of Celebration continuing to entertain residents and visitors alike with yet more exciting new, events for all. The Colchester Christmas Market Trail will be a truly festive way to celebrate the city’s proud market heritage and continue to support local producers and traders. With unique gifts from local artists and craftspeople, festive food and drink, and live entertainment, it’s bound to bring the festive spirit to the city centre.”
Colchester Christmas Market Trail takes place on Sunday 26 November from 10am – 5pm. Tickets for Storytime with Santa at the Town Hall are available from Storytime with Santa - Colchester Events (colchester-events.co.uk)
To discover more new events coming to Colchester this Christmas visit christmasincolchester.co.uk
Page last reviewed: 24 October 2023