Now that December has arrived, people will be wanting to get in the Christmas spirit, and what better way to do that than buying a Christmas tree.

Whether real or artificial, there are plenty being sold, with the British Christmas Tree Growers Association estimating that between 6-8 million are purchased each year in the UK.

There are plenty of places in Essex to buy a real Christmas tree if it takes your fancy.

From Southend to Braintree to Wickford, you are not exactly short of options in the county.

Where can you buy a real Christmas tree in Essex?

Slamseys Christmas Tree Barn

Where: Slamseys, Blackley Ln, Great Notley, Braintree CM77 7QW

Slamseys Christmas Tree Barn is the real deal if you're looking for a real Christmas Tree this festive season.

Aside from the trees themselves they also sell a variety of wreaths, stands and netting.

They have a number of sawn Nordmann firs and Norway Spruces, which range in price from £25 to £55.

Opening times are 9am to 6pm during weekdays, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10pm to 4pm on Sundays.

To find out more information visit their website.

A127 Christmas Tree Farm

Where: 579 Prince Ave, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0JJ

This Christmas Tree farm off the A127 is run by Leigh Trees and offer a mix of Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce and Fraser Fir trees.

Prices start at £36 but go as high as £495 for some of their Norway Spruces.

Opening times are 8am to 9pm every day, and you can buy one of their trees from their website.

Hurley's Christmas Tree Farm

Where: Woodham Rd, Battlesbridge, Wickford SS11 7QL

Hurley's Christmas Tree Farm in Wickford has a large selection of trees available to buy this festive season, including varieties of Fire, Spruce and Pine.

Opening times are 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 12am to 6pm on Saturdays and 8am to 6pm on Sundays.

Bookings are needed for weekend visits, but not for weekdays. To book a visit go to their website.

READ MORE: B&Q, Wilko and more: Where to buy a real Christmas tree online this year

Harold's Park Christmas Trees

Where: Harold's Park Farm, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey EN9 2SF

This Christmas Tree farm in Waltham Abbey has trees on sale right now up until Christmas Eve.

Opening times are 9.30am to 3.30pm every day and they offer delivery services up to 10 miles outside of the North Circular until December 16.

You can also click and collect over the phone, and to find out more information you can visit their website.

Fred Smith Xmas Trees

Where: 61 Straight Rd, Boxted, Boxted Cross, Colchester CO4 5QY#

Christmas Trees are available right now from Fred Smith's up until early January, with sizes ranging from one metre to 10 metres.

Their varieties include Norway Spruce, Nordmann Fir and Blue Spruce.

Larger sized trees can be delivered up to 50 miles away whilst smaller trees can be delivered locally.

Opening times are 8am to 8pm every day and more information can be found on their website.