The Colchester Christmas Market Trail is opening next month

The Colchester Christmas Market Trail will open on November 26 and offer walkers a route between the festive market and street food festival, in High Street, to the Christmas gift and craft market located at Firstsite.

During the trail on 26 November to 10am to 5pm, you will be able to take a stroll through the town centre and enjoy the festive atmosphere. 

On your journey you will discover skate-boarding displays, live music from buskers, numerous different street performers, and enjoy a mix of pop-up fairground rides.

Michelle Burrows, the Colchester Council's leisure and culture boss, is delighted about the forthcoming experience.

A special time of year - A previous photo of a Christmas market located in the High Street, Colchester (Image: N/A)

Poster - The Colchester Christmas Market Trail will take place on November 26 (Image: Colchester Council)

She 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.”

Three popular Colchester businesses will be partnering to help further the festive spirit in St Nicholas Square, including Roots & Grooves, Other Monkeys Brewery, and Three Wise Monkeys.

The businesses will be displaying live musical acts organised by the charity, Musicians Supporting The Homeless, and there will be stalls selling clothing, arts prints, vinyl, and more.

Alongside the trail, you can enjoy the two festive events.

The third annual edition of the Christmas Gift and Craft Market is free entry for all, and it boasts more than 40 artisan merchant stalls. You’ll be able to peruse a wide selection of goods.

It includes arts and crafts, beer, wine, spirits, fashionable garments, environmentally friendly products, beauty products, candles, Christmas decorations and more.

The Festive market and Street Food Festival will allow visitors to purchase an array of tasty food and drink items, as well as Christmas trees, wreaths and more.

Colchester’s Town Hall, in High Street, will also be getting into the spirit by opening its Mayoral Suite for a ticket-only event for children aged six and under where they can be read a Christmas story from Father Christmas himself.

This Storytime With Santa event will take place on November 26 and tickets for children cost £10.49 and adult tickets cost £4.99 and includes a complimentary tea, coffee, or mulled wine.