Christmas has come early for the people of Wickford – and potentially for you too, with the town being just 35 minutes from London. Those hoping for an early Christmas market are in luck, with the opening just around the corner and excitement already building among festive shoppers.
Located at Meadow Croft Garden Centre in the small Essex town, the venue transforms each year from a regular garden centre into a Christmas paradise.
This year’s celebrations will begin on September 11, marking the market’s 10th anniversary – and the centre promises it will be bigger and better than ever. The market is free to attend and is open seven days a week from early September, with no tickets required; just turn up and explore.
What does the Christmas market have to offer?
Inspired by traditional German markets, visitors are captivated by more than 30 stalls, each handcrafted by owner Roland Smith. Every stall is filled with handpicked, high-quality artisan goods.
These range from carved wooden decorations and delicate glassware to shimmering baubles and traditional cuckoo clocks. Every year, members of the staff travel to Germany to find new ways to make the market even better.
They also stock up on fresh crafts and new suppliers. Festive visitors can wander through the displays, soak up the atmosphere, and get into the holiday spirit early.
At the heart of the market, authentic German food stalls and homemade German-style beers can be enjoyed with family and friends. There are also extra activities you can pay for.
For example, Bavarian curling – one of the oldest winter sports – is a great way to kick off the festive season, costing ÂŁ10 per game. The market also hosts late-night openings, starting on November 13 and running for five weeks, every Thursday until December 11.
With plenty of fun activities to enjoy with your loved ones, the market is a great place to visit outside of London for a bit of festive fun this Christmas.
How to get there
To get to Wickford from London by train, take a direct Greater Anglia service from Liverpool Street to Wickford station, which takes around 35 minutes. You can book tickets on Trainline.
Meadow Croft Garden Centre is located at Woodham Rd, Battlesbridge, Rettendon Place, Wickford SS11 7QU.
