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For more than half a century, Basildon Market has been a fixture in the town centre, selling a wide variety of fresh produce and quality goods to residents of Basildon and the surrounding area.
And now, with Christmas just around the corner, the traditional market is a flurry of activity, with various events taking place in the next few days, as well as an array of gifts, a Santa's Grotto and much more.
Fruit and veg, hot food, Christmas bouquets and floral arrangements, a traditional butcher for your turkey and pigs in blankets, haberdashery, cupcakes and sweet treats, pet supplies (because doesn't the pooch deserve to be treated at Christmas too?)... everything you need to ensure that your family Christmas is a success is at Basildon Market!
No Christmas is complete without saying hello to Father Christmas! This Friday, Saturday and Sunday (21st, 22nd and 23rd December 2012), your children have the chance to meet the real Santa and his elves in his Grotto for free! Come along between 10:30am and 4:30pm and kids will not only get to meet the big, bearded man himself, but will also take away a free gift and free photograph.
Why go to the supermarket for those parsnips and brussel sprouts when you could get all of your Christmas Dinner produce direct from local farmers? From 9am until 5pm on Thursday 20th December, Essex Farmers Market will be held at Basildon Market, and is the destination to choose for the freshest, high quality, seasonal, locally produced fayre.
The festive holidays are lots of fun, but sometimes, having the kids under your feet for nearly two weeks can get a little... tiring! Why not kick the Christmas break off to a great start by taking them along to Basildon Market on Saturday 22nd December? Starting at 11am until 4pm, children can enjoy a whole host of Animal Magic, courtesy of the Zoo's Wildlife Team.
Creepy creatures will include Tarantulas, lizards, giant snails, cockroaches, meerkats, birds of prey and more. The Wildlife Team will also be on hand to offer interactive educational displays, short talks and hands-on opportunities... and best of all is that it's all completely free!
