WITH Christmas now less than a month away, seasonal excitement is starting to reach fever pitch in and around the city.
And following last weekend's High Street Christmas market, the festivities are now truly in full swing and the spirit of the season is starting to fill the Colchester air.
From marvelling at Christmas lights to enjoying magical meetings with Santa Claus himself, there is always a whole host of heart-warming things to do in the city around the festive period.
But what are the best things to do ahead of the big day? Here's what you, our trusted readers suggested.
Christmas Lights
Many Gazette reader's mentioned the beautiful Christmas lights dazzling away down Colchester High Street, Red Lion Walk and many other places in the city.
The plentiful bunches of shining lights were switched on after a parade through the town on November 15 and have been enjoyed ever since.
Lynn Sampson said: "The new Christmas lights in town are beautiful in the High Street and Lion Walk.
"I’m looking forward to Castle Park being extra stunning when Enlightened arrives again."
Another reader also mentioned the sense of community and happiness the lights bring to the city.
Jan De said: "I went into Colchester city Friday night and the lights in Lion Walk look lovely and the High Street does too.
"There was also something going on outside Lion Walk church, there was a lot of laughter. It's so good to hear people enjoying themselves."
Read More: Christmas arrives in Colchester with magical light parade
Lion Walk Courtyard
One Gazette reader named the seasonally-decorated Lion Walk Courtyard, and its new festive appearance and shops.
The space now features a winter wonderland with live entertainment, a chance to have breakfast with Santa, various Christmas treats and so much more.
Klaus Howard said: "I really like the look of what they've done with the space near Boots [Lion Walk Courtyard].
"I really want to spend an evening there listening to live music and eating street food as it looks pretty good to me."
Read More: Revealed: Christmas village to return to Colchester amid packed festive programme
Meeting Father Christmas
Father Christmas will be making an appearance at plenty of places in Colchester this festive season.
Kim Barnetson said: "We took our grandchildren to Storytime with Santa at the Town Hall, it was absolutely lovely.
Read More: Festive Father Christmas grottos in and around Colchester
"It was a very relaxed way to see Father Christmas and just a ten minute bike ride from home rather than trekking out of town and paying a fortune.
"Afterwards we had a look around the Christmas market in the High Street. Everywhere was bustling and felt very festive."
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