Castle Hedingham, near Halstead, Essex

'Keep' Christmastide Market 2026

Runs Friday 18 December to Sunday 20 December 2026

Dates	Friday 18 December to Sunday 20 December 2026 (3 open days)
Days Closed	None listed: open every day of its run
Opening Times	Friday 18 December: 4pm to 10pm Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December: 10am to 10pm Last entry at 21:00
Where	The grounds and Norman keep of Hedingham Castle CO9 3DJ Open in Maps
Entry	Free to enter. Entrance tickets are free but must be obtained online or at the gate; booking ahead is advised. The illuminations trail and the Santa visit (£15 per child) are charged separately. No dogs
Organiser	Hedingham Castle. Official page

'Keep' Christmastide Market: Quick Answers

When does 'Keep' Christmastide Market start in 2026?

It opens on Friday 18 December 2026.

When does 'Keep' Christmastide Market end?

The last day is Sunday 20 December 2026.

What time does 'Keep' Christmastide Market open and close?

Friday 18 December 4pm to 10pm; Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December 10am to 10pm. Last entry at 21:00.

Is 'Keep' Christmastide Market open every day?

Yes. The organiser lists no closed days between 18 Dec and 20 Dec.

Is 'Keep' Christmastide Market free to enter?

Yes. Entrance tickets are free but must be obtained online or at the gate; booking ahead is advised. The illuminations trail and the Santa visit (£15 per child) are charged separately. No dogs.

Where is 'Keep' Christmastide Market?

The grounds and Norman keep of Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, near Halstead CO9 3DJ.

About 'Keep' Christmastide Market

A three-day market of gifts and food stalls with music beside the 12th-century keep, held alongside the castle's illuminated trail.

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Where Is 'Keep' Christmastide Market?

The grounds and Norman keep of Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, near Halstead CO9 3DJ. The other dots are nearby markets.

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Open today Running, closed today Opens within two weeks Later this season Dates not announced
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap.

Meeting Santa at 'Keep' Christmastide Market

Called	Dwelling of St Nicholas (visit from Santa)
When	18 to 20 Dec 2026
Where	At the Christmas market in the grounds of Hedingham Castle, by the Norman keep
Price	£15 a child. The Santa ticket is extra to the free market entrance ticket
Booking	Booking needed. Organiser's booking page

Santa appears here as St Nicholas; his tickets must be bought ahead, while the market entrance ticket is free and includes the keep and parking.

Visits to Santa at the bigger markets sell out weeks ahead, and times change. Check the organiser's page before you promise anyone.

Source: Hedingham Castle, checked 12 October 2026. All markets with a grotto.

Where to Stay Near 'Keep' Christmastide Market

Staying the night? See hotels and rooms near the stalls on a map, priced for Saturday 19 December.

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