German Market & Christmas Fair
Open from 11th September - 23rd December 2025
Remember, you don't need tickets to visit the German Market and entry is FREE!
Normal Opening Times
Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm
The German Market was established in 2015, with a handful of stalls displaying carefully selected authentic produce. Born from an idea to do something ‘different’ at Christmas, the first German Market evening and indeed the market itself was a huge success and has been growing ever since. We’re now going into our 10th year and we promise it to be bigger and better than ever before.
Inspired by traditional German Markets, you will be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells of the market, with irresistible seasonal treats and unique yuletide gifts and decorations.
The German Market hosts more than 30 stalls each handcrafted by owner Roland Smith. Every stall is adorned with handpicked, high-quality artisan products including carved wooden decorations, delicate glassware and baubles, traditional cuckoo clocks and much more.
Each year, we go out to Germany to find new crafts and suppliers and many of the products on our stalls are hand-produced by local craftsmen, whom we’ve met personally. We once visited a town in the Erzgebirge region called Seiffen. It’s a tiny town where Christmas isn’t a one-day affair but carries on all year! All of the craftsmen we met, work in garden workshops handed down from generation to generation. It’s amazing to watch the tiny handmade pieces come together to make something like a Christmas Pyramid or a tiny wooden smoker and the craftsmanship and detail is astounding.
Festive visitors can wander amongst the many festive chalet style stalls, soak up the festive atmosphere and get in the mood for the holiday season whilst the smells of Bratwurst, Gingerbread and Glühwein waft through.
At the heart of the German Market, we serve lots of mouth-watering, specialist German foods such as Frankfurter, Sauerkraut, Waffles, Apple Strudel & the incredibly popular Schokokusse (chocolate kisses) which the whole family can enjoy. We also serve German bottled beers, our delicious homemade spiced apple drink and of course, Glühwein.
The Christmas Market is free to attend and is open 7 days a week during our opening hours. No tickets are needed to visit during these times.
Join us this year to enjoy the traditional German Market experience and browse the many yuletide gifts and decorations.
Follow our event on social media #germanmarketessex
Food Hut Opening Times
Brat Cave
Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4:45pm
Sundays: 10:00am - 3:45pm
Sweet Hut
Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4:45pm
Sundays: 10:00am - 3:45pm
We also have a dedicated confectionary stall where you can enjoy a huge range of our now famously popular schokokusse, or 'chocolate kisses'. Every year there are more new flavours to choose from.
New for 2025, we will also be serving winter crumble & custard, is your mouth watering now?
We also serve German bottled beers, our delicious homemade spiced apple drink and of course, gluhwein!
Bavarian Curling
Bring your friends and family along to play one of the oldest winter sports.
A great way to kick off the festive season.
£10 per game
(Max 8 people per lane, we recommend 4 people per lane)
No need to book, just turn up!
Late Nights
Thursday 13th November 2025 - Open 9am - 9pm
Thursday 20th November 2025 - Open 9am - 9pm
Thursday 27th November 2025 - Open 9am - 9pm
Thursday 4th December 2025 - Open 9am - 9pm
Thursday 11th December 2025 - Open 9am - 9pm
Live Music Weekend
Saturday 13th December & Sunday 14th December 2025 - 12pm - 3pm
Join us for our German Market Live Music Weekend 13th & 14th December
Back by popular, the D'Ukes will entertain us on Saturday 13th December between 12pm-3pm and we're super excited to announce a new band for 2025... As seen in Covent Garden, ImagineJack will be joining us on Sunday 14th December, 12pm - 3pm.
Grab a bite to eat from our Bratwurst Hut , a sweet treat and mulled wine from our Schokohut and sit & enjoy the live music.. or if you're the dancing type - go for it...!
Free Entry & Free Parking
FAQ Section
Is it free entry?
Yes, it is free to attend and is open 7 days a week during our opening hours. No tickets are needed to visit during these times.
What are your opening times?
Monday – Saturday 9am – 5:00pm & Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Where are you located?
We are in Battlesbridge. Please use out postcode in your satnav/mobile to locate us SS11 7QU.
Do you have car parking?
Yes, we have a free car park for all of our customers.
Is the market undercover?
Yes, the German market is held in our seasonal area in the centre of the Garden Centre. There is also the rest of the Garden Centre to enjoy including our beautiful Christmas department, fresh Christmas trees, our on-site restaurant Meadow Croft Kitchen, and a mini-golf course too!
Where do we pay for items in the German Market?
All products on the German market stalls are to be taken to our main tills area to be paid for, except for the Bratwurst Hut & Sweet Hut where all food and drink must be paid for on the stall.
Do you accept card payments?
Yes, card payments are our preferred method.
Can I bring my dog?
We only accept assistance dogs into the Garden Centre. You can read more on our Dog Policy here
Are you wheelchair friendly?
Yes, we have ramps at the entrance and exit of the garden centre. The garden centre is easily accessible throughout. We have a disabled toilet available to the left of the restaurant Meadow Croft Kitchen. Wheelchairs are also available for use, however these are subject to availability and we do also have limited disabled parking bays. During weekend visits, if one is not available, please let one of our parking attendants know and they will do their best to accommodate you.
Do you accept mini bus & coach bookings?
During the German market, we can accept mini bus and coach parties Monday – Friday, we unable to accept parties of this nature on weekends. To enjoy the market at it’s best, we advise visit lengths between 2-3 hours maximum. Please contact us a minimum of 48 hours before your arrival so we can ensure the best service possible, please email [email protected]