With Christmas just 17 sleeps away, organisations throughout the Maldon district are hosting events to get everyone in the festive spirit - find full details of this weekend's festivities here.

Maldon Carnival's Christmas Cash Bingo, at Plantation Hall, Heybridge: Friday 9 December, from 7.30pm

Join Maldon Carnival for a special Christmas cash bingo at Plantation Hall in Heybridge.

• There are eight games to enjoy, with free mince pies on offer.
• Refreshments are available: tea, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks.
• All money raised will go to fund Maldon Carnival.

For more information, visit the Facebook page.

Tesco Christmas Market at Tesco Maldon, Fullbridge: Friday 9 December, from 12 noon

Join the team at Tesco Maldon for free food and drink samples, gifting inspiration and "festive cheer for all the family".

For more information, visit the Tesco website.

Maldon Carnival's Santa's Grotto at Plantation Hall, Heybridge: Saturday 10 December, from 12 noon

It's finally time for Santa to arrive at Maldon Carnival's festive grotto! You can book to meet him and his magical elves at Heybridge this Christmas.

Santa Claus has been busy packing his sleigh and polishing Rudolf's nose in preparation for his special visit to the magical grotto.

Book your visit via email or call 07883 352 615.

For more information, visit the Facebook page.

Christmas Shopping at Funky Shack, Maldon: Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December

Funky Shack is a new local shop, selling retro toys and collectables - including Pokémon, Warhammer, Star Wars, Tech Deck, LoungeFly, Plushies, Care-Bears, My Little Pony, Funko Pops and more.

It will be open for late shopping nights this month:

• Friday 9 December: 9.30am to 2.30pm and 4.30 to 8pm
• Saturday 10 December: 10am to 5pm
• Sunday 11 December: 11am to 3pm
• Wednesday 14 December: 9.30am to 8pm

More opening times are available on Funky Shack's Facebook page.

For more information, read all about Funky Shack in our UP CLOSE with Funky Shack's owner, Sarah Pharoah.

Local art prints, Xmas cards, coffee & toasties at Bloomsburys Art Cafe & Bookshop: Saturday 10 December, from 11.30am

Go along to Bloomsburys Art Cafe & Bookshop this Saturday, to shop and keep warm.

Have a cuppa' and grab some local art, prints, framed art or Christmas cards.

For more information, visit the Facebook page.

If you know of any more local festive events happening soon, get in touch or submit them via the 'Nub It' button in our What's On section.

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