Essex County Christmas Fair FAQ

What is the Essex County Christmas Fair?

 The Essex County Christmas Fair is a three-day Christmas shopping event taking place at Layer Marney Tower on 17th-19th November 2023.

There will be over 120 stalls featuring Christmas decorations, unique gifts, hand crafted artisan products, festive food & drink.

At Prestige County Events, we carefully select our stalls, with quality and variety at the forefront of our minds.

The event provides a platform for local artisans, crafters & independent businesses to showcase their products to our shoppers and it is our aim that every visitor will find at least one thing they wish to take home as a gift for a loved one or treat for themselves.

Stalls are set up within heated marquees, the Barn and Long Gallery, plus around the grounds of Layer Marney Tower.

There will also be live music acts at intervals throughout the event, Santa appearances (Friday & Saturday only), stilt walkers & LED performers.

Do I require a ticket?

Yes, the Essex County Christmas Fair is a ticketed event and tickets can be booked online in advance for a discount price.

Payment on the door will only be granted if tickets have not sold out prior to the event.

We operate on a time slot entry basis to help alleviate queues where possible and provide the most enjoyable experience for all visitors. Visitors must enter within their selected timeslot window but may stay for as long as they wish.   

Is there a booking fee?

Yes, in order to cover payment and ticket processing fees a small booking fee is added per ticket purchased.

Is there car parking?

The venue has a large carpark and parking is free of charge for ticket holders. A parking pass for the correct timeslot must be booked at checkout when purchasing tickets for the event to gain entry to the carpark.

In the interest of keeping event traffic to a minimum, the environmental impact and parking conditions we encourage carpooling where possible.

Please note, a tracked roadway will be laid to accommodate vehicle movements on the carpark field but parking bays are on grass, suitable footwear is advised.

Is there disabled parking?

We have a limited amount of Blue Badge parking available with easy, level access to the event.

This is separate from the main event carpark which is located a short walk away from the entrance but is accessible by a small number of steps.

If you require accessible parking and are concerned about availability, please feel free to contact us at team@county-events.co.uk to discuss your requirements prior to booking tickets.

Do you offer a discount for carers?

Yes, carers can gain free entry to the Essex County Christmas Fair when accompanying the ticket holder that they care for.

Carers do not need to book a ticket to the event, but proof of eligibility may be required on the door.

Does my ticket include entry into the tower?

Yes, ticket holders can enjoy the grounds of Layer Marney Tower, the shopping rooms & marquees plus entry to the tower and its exhibits are included in the ticket price.

Entry to the tower roof is not permitted at this event.

Tower capacity will be monitored and we reserve the right to halt tower entry for health and safety reasons.

Are dogs permitted at the event?

The Essex County Christmas Fair is a dog friendly event and some of our stalls are also aimed at your four-legged friends.

Well behaved dogs are welcome, however they must be kept on a short lead at all times.

Dogs are not permitted in the Tower.

Although we are allowing dogs to enter the shopping rooms, please be mindful that this is expected to be a busy event and even the most laid-back dog can become overwhelmed in busy environments. For this reason, we reserve the right to stop allowing dogs into the marquees if we feel necessary for their comfort and safety.

Will food and drink available?

Yes, a wide variety of quality food and drink options will be available to enjoy on site. Get in the Christmas spirit with festive tipples, warming hot drinks, German sausages, roasted chestnuts and delicious, sweet treats plus a selection of street food stalls.

The Layer Marney Tearoom will also be open, serving refreshments and snacks.

Will Santa be attending?

Santa will be making appearances at the Essex County Christmas Fair on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th November.

He will be walking around the event, talking to visitors and posing for photo opportunities.

There is no Santa’s Grotto, or individual family visits to Santa at this event.

Please note, he will not be attending on Sunday 19th November. 

If you have a question that you do not see answered here or on our event information page please feel free to send us an email team@county-events.co.uk