Tesco Brings Festive Cheer with Pop-Up Christmas Markets
The festive season in Essex is officially underway, and one of the most exciting ways to celebrate is by visiting a Christmas market. While traditional markets with handmade crafts and seasonal foods have long been a favorite, supermarkets are now joining the festive fun.
This year, Tesco is launching pop-up Christmas markets outside selected stores across Essex. Shoppers can enjoy free food and drink samples, explore seasonal products, and soak up the festive atmosphere. These markets are designed to bring communities together, offering a joyful experience for families, friends, and holiday shoppers of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your Christmas meals, wanting to try new festive products, or simply seeking a fun outing for the whole family, Tesco’s pop-up markets provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate the holidays early.
Dates, Timings, and Locations
Tesco’s Christmas markets are open on various dates throughout November and December, giving shoppers plenty of opportunities to experience the festivities. The markets operate during the following hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11am – 7pm
- Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Essex Tesco Stores Hosting Christmas Markets:
- Basildon Langdon Hills Superstore
- Lakeside Extra in Grays
- Rainham Essex Extra
- Romford Extra
- Romford Gallows Corner Extra
- Chelmsford Princes Road Superstore
- Maldon Extra
- Colchester Extra
- Goodmayes Extra
Free Food and Drink Samples
One of the biggest draws of Tesco’s pop-up markets is the free food and drink sampling. Shoppers can enjoy a wide variety of festive treats from popular brands, including:
- Hot drinks & coffees: Costa Coffee, Chocomel, Teapigs, Tassimo
- Alcoholic beverages: Drambruie, Glen Moray whiskey, Baileys, Harveys, Thatchers, Nemiroff
- Cheese & dairy: Castello, Boursin, Lurpak
- Sweets & chocolates: Quality Street, Lindt, Toffifee, ZIP
- Frozen and grocery items: McCain products
- Pet and personal care products: Purina, Aveeno
These free samples allow visitors to discover new products, try seasonal flavors before purchasing, and get inspiration for holiday meals, parties, and gift ideas.
Festive Atmosphere and Family-Friendly Fun
Tesco’s pop-up Christmas markets are not just about sampling food—they also offer a magical holiday experience. Stores are adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, festive displays, and Christmas trees, creating a cheerful environment for shoppers.
Families can take photos with holiday-themed backdrops, enjoy festive music, and immerse themselves in a truly festive shopping experience. The markets also offer ideas for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, from gourmet foods to seasonal beverages, making it easy to complete your holiday shopping in a fun, convenient way.
Tesco’s Holiday Message
Tesco emphasizes the inclusivity and joy of these festive events:
“Coming to more cities and towns than ever, our free Christmas Market is heading to a store near you. Join us for free food and drink samples plus festive inspiration to perfect your Christmas celebrations with family and friends.”
By hosting these markets, Tesco brings communities together and encourages shoppers to celebrate the festive season while exploring new products and enjoying holiday treats.
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Why Visit Tesco Christmas Markets
Tesco’s pop-up Christmas markets provide:
- A festive, Instagram-worthy atmosphere
- Free seasonal food and drink samples for all ages
- Ideas for holiday cooking, entertaining, and gifting
- A family-friendly outing for friends, children, and neighbors
For Essex residents, these markets are an accessible and enjoyable way to kick off the holiday season, combining shopping with festive cheer.
Source:
Tesco Christmas Markets are back
FAQs – The Essex Tesco Pop-Up Christmas Markets 2025
1. Which Tesco stores in Essex are hosting pop-up Christmas markets?
Tesco is bringing festive cheer to select Essex stores this season. Locations include:
- Basildon Langdon Hills Superstore
- Lakeside Extra in Grays
- Rainham Essex Extra
- Romford Extra
- Romford Gallows Corner Extra
- Chelmsford Princes Road Superstore
- Maldon Extra
- Colchester Extra
- Goodmayes Extra
These stores will feature specially curated festive setups with free samples and holiday-inspired activities.
2. What are the opening dates and times for these markets?
Pop-up Christmas markets will operate on various dates in November and December 2025. Standard hours are:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Times may vary slightly depending on each store, so it’s recommended to check your local Tesco store for exact schedules.
3. What can visitors expect at the Tesco Christmas markets?
Shoppers can enjoy a festive shopping experience, including:
- Free food and drink samples from top brands
- Inspiration for holiday meals and entertaining
- Gift ideas for family and friends
- Festive decorations and family-friendly activities
The markets are designed to create a cheerful, Instagram-worthy atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
4. Are the food and drink samples free? Which brands are included?
Yes! Selected sampling stations offer free treats from brands such as:
Costa Coffee, Chocomel, Castello, Boursin, Drambruie, Glen Moray Whiskey, Baileys, Harveys, ZIP, Nemiroff, Toffifee, Thatchers, Teapigs, Tassimo, Pepsi, Quality Street, McCain, Lurpak, Lindt, Aveeno, Purina, and more.
These samples allow visitors to try new products and discover festive favorites before purchasing.
5. Do I need to book or register to attend?
No prior booking is required. The Tesco pop-up markets are open to all visitors during the scheduled times at each participating store.
6. Is there a cost to attend or any purchase requirement?
Participation is completely free. Visitors can enjoy samples and festive activities without making any purchases.
7. Are the markets indoors or outdoors?
The pop-up markets are located outside selected Tesco stores, typically in store forecourts or designated external areas for festive displays and sampling.
8. Are the markets family-friendly?
Absolutely. The Tesco Christmas markets are designed for families and all ages, offering activities and treats that appeal to both adults and children.
9. Can I bring my pets to the markets?
While pets are not explicitly prohibited, the events are set in outdoor areas with food sampling. It’s best to check with your local Tesco store regarding their pet policy.
10. Where can I find more information about Tesco Christmas markets 2025?
For the latest updates, store-specific schedules, and festive inspiration, visit the official Tesco Christmas website: Tesco Christmas Markets 2025
Final Thoughts:
Tesco’s pop-up Christmas markets in Essex bring together festive decorations, free samples, and holiday inspiration, offering a unique experience for shoppers of all ages. With multiple locations, convenient timings, and fun for the entire family, it’s a must-visit event this holiday season.
