1 Colchester Christmas Street Market, Town Centre, Colchester, Sunday, December 9, 10am to 5pm.

It’s always a treat to have the High Street closed and it’s even better when its jam-packed full of traders whose stalls offer up a gift item or two.

Organised with support from Food and Drink Festivals UK, there will also be plenty of street food and children can enjoy funfair rides, a Hall of Mirrors, and storytelling from Footprints Street Theatre.

2 Wivenhoe Presence, various studios, Wivenhoe, every weekend until December 9, 10am to 5pm.

A Christmas market of sorts as a host of artists’ studios are opening, giving people a unique and altogether more enjoyable method of shopping.

Artists include Joanne Rizzato, Jane Watson, Catherine Dodds, Charlotte Bernays, Maureen Hume and Alison Stockmarr.

3 Made in Colchester Christmas Fair, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, Saturday, 10am. Free. 01206 500900.

Made in Colchester is a collective made entirely of artists and makers from the Colchester area. This is their third Christmas Fair full of wonderful gifts and goodies that celebrate local talent and hand-made craft.

4 The Minories Christmas Fair, The Minories Gallery, High Street, Colchester, Saturday, 10am. Free. 01206 172437.

A vibrant Christmas market packed with more than 40 stalls from local makers.

With free storytelling from Jan Williams, free (non messy) family art workshops throughout the day and a vintage bar to raise a festive glass.

5 Medieval Christmas, Stoneham Street, Coggeshall, Saturday, 1.30pm to 6pm. Free.

A traditional festive celebration culminating in the turning on of the Christmas Tree Lights by Santa at 4pm.

Alongside a variety of stalls in the Village Hall and Stoneham Street there will be Morris Dancers, the St Peters Young Singers and seasonal songs and poems.