With Halloween soon to be over inevitably people will be thinking about what to do for Christmas.

To get people in the mood for the season there will be a number of Christmas markets on in Essex during November and December.

From Southend to Billericay to Maldon they are dotted all around the county.

It will be an opportunity for people to purchase Christmas-related crafts and enjoy some street food as the temperatures get a little colder.

Where are Christmas markets on in Essex?

Essex Christmas Wonderland, Southend

Where: Garon Park, Southend

When: December 10-24

There will be a huge amount to do at the Essex Christmas Wonderland.

In addition to the Christmas market, there are fairground rides, an ice rink, bars and plenty of street food vendors.

You'll need to buy tickets for the ice rink, but otherwise entry to the event is free.

Buy tickets for the ice rink here.

Maldon High Street Vintage Fair

Where: Maldon High Street, CM9 5PJ

When: November 25

For one day only the Maldon Christmas Festival will be on, after being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The High Street will be lined with over 80 stalls selling street food, arts and crafts and gifts.

There will also be a Punch and Judy show, reindeers, Father Christmas in his grotto and entertainment along the high street between 4pm and 9pm.

Amongst all that the Christmas lights will also be switched on at 4.30pm.

Meadow Croft Christmas Market

Where: Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Wickford

When: September 16-December 23

This German-style Christmas market has already been going on for a month and a half at Meadow Croft.

There are more than 30 stalls selling Yuletide gifts such as ornaments, candles and woollen gloves.

Plus you can take home some Kurz and Lang bratwurst sausages as well as gift-packed authentic German beers.

Entry is free during the day. Tickets are required for evening events on Thursday November 4 and Thursday November 25, which you can buy here.

Colchester Town Hall Christmas Market

Where: Colchester Town Hall

When: November 27-28

Running on only one weekend this year, the Colchester Town Hall Christmas market will be a great place to get some seasonal crafts.

Stalls will include cards, festive refreshments, jewellery, beauty, ornaments, personalised gifts and more.

An added bonus is that everything is sourced and made locally.

Entry is free, but tickets do need to be booked in advance, which you can do from this website.

Billericay Christmas Market

Where: Billericay High Street, CM12 9AS

When: December 5

The market will kick off with a Christmas parade at 11am, with street performers being around all day at the event.

Alongside the usual stalls selling the usual seasonal gifts there will be plenty of street food to try as well.