Sparkling trees, festive window displays and merry crowds helped get Christmas underway in Epping.

The town’s traditional Christmas Market was held on Friday (December 2), with Santa Claus attending alongside families, choirs and other dignitaries.

The Christmas Tree Festival was opened at St John’s Church, where dozens of the trees were displayed over the weekend.

Sponsored by local businesses, schools and charities, the proceeds go to the Heart of Epping appeal for the church’s new community centre, children’s charity Bibic and the Epping ReUse Centre.

The Beauty, Skin and Eyelash Lounge in Station Road won the Epping Town Council Audrey Rose Cup for the best window display for a second successive year.

Town mayor Les Burrows said: “Once again the businesses in Epping have taken great effort in decorating their shop windows and bringing Christmas cheer to the town for the festive season.

“I would like to thank all of those who spent many hours coming up with their eye-catching themes for their window displays and would especially like to congratulate the winner and runners-up for ensuring that Epping looks especially festive this Christmas.”