A huge three-day Christmas shopping fair featuring more than 150 independent businesses is coming to Boreham House near Chelmsford this November.
The Essex County Christmas Fair will take over the grounds of the historic house from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15, offering gifts, handcrafted products, decorations, fashion, homeware and artisan food and drink.
Visitors will be able to browse heated shopping marquees and outdoor stalls, with seasonal refreshments, live music and festive performers also promised throughout the weekend.
A Ferris wheel will form part of the entertainment, while Father Christmas is expected to make appearances at regular intervals on all three days.
There will not be a traditional Santa’s grotto or individually booked visits, but families will be able to meet Father Christmas as he walks around the fair and poses for photographs.
Opening times
The Essex County Christmas Fair will open at the following times:
- Friday, November 13: 2pm to 8pm
- Saturday, November 14: 10am to 6pm
- Sunday, November 15: 10am to 5pm
Friday’s extended opening will give visitors an opportunity to enjoy late-night shopping as the grounds and stalls are illuminated for the evening.
Ticket prices
The event is ticketed, with discounted admission available when booked online by 11.59pm on Thursday, November 12.
Advance all-day tickets cost:
- Adults aged 16 to 65: £9
- Seniors aged 66 and over: £7
- Children aged three to 15: £5
- Family ticket for two adults and two children: £23
- Infants aged two and under: Free
Reduced twilight tickets are also available, costing £7 for adults, £5 for seniors, £3 for children and £17 for a family.
Twilight admission begins at 5pm on Friday, 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.
A £1.50 booking fee applies to each order. Tickets purchased after the advance-booking deadline will cost more and admission on the gate will be subject to availability.
Food, entertainment and dogs
Festive food and drink will be available throughout the fair, including hot drinks, seasonal tipples, German sausages, roasted chestnuts and sweet treats.
Well-behaved dogs are permitted but must be kept on a short lead.
Although the event is being held in the grounds of Boreham House, the house itself will remain closed to visitors and there will not be any stalls inside the building.
Where to park
Visitors driving to the fair should not use the main Boreham House entrance.
All visitor parking will be provided at the Boreham Car Boot Sale field, using the postcode CM3 3HJ. Event signs will direct motorists from the Boreham Interchange, also known locally as the Boss Hoggs Roundabout.
A pedestrian route will connect the parking field to the fair, while a free shuttle bus will be available for disabled visitors. Blue Badge holders should display their badge and follow directions from event stewards.
The parking area is on grass and may be uneven. Organisers advise visitors to wear appropriate footwear and consider bringing a torch when arriving or leaving after dark.
The venue can also be reached from Beaulieu Park railway station, which organisers describe as approximately a 20-minute walk away. Local buses stop on Main Road near Boreham House.
Full details and advance tickets are available from the official Essex County Christmas Fair website at https://county-events.co.uk/essex-county-christmas-fair/.