As I walked up Epping High Street this evening – after some last-minute Christmas card delivery and Carols on the Green – there was a real sense of the town winding down for Christmas. Shops were shutting or had shut and families were drifting home or to the Crib Service at St John’s Church. I took a moment to enjoy once again the Christmas lights decorating either side of the High Street. Even the traffic seemed slightly less congested.

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Last year I got home too late to see much of the Christmas Market (and it was pouring with rain) so today I enjoyed both the dry weather and the time to look around the stalls. Sadly I still managed to miss the singing on the piazza.

The Town Council does a good job of organising the event but it would be helpful to have a bit of information about what is due to happen when. (UPDATE: after the event I found a programme of events here [PDF])

The Christmas Tree Festival, which I look forward to visiting later, continues in St John’s Church all weekend. Opening hours are:

• Saturday 5 December – 10 am to 4 pm
• Sunday 6 December – 11 am to 5 pm
• Monday 7 December – 10am to 5pm

Entry is £2 (children free) and proceeds go to St John’s Church, The Box and PCDC.