With Christmas almost upon us once again, we’ve hand picked some of the best Christmas markets across Sussex. Wonderful artisan gifts and decorations, to beautiful traditional music in unique venues, Santa’s grottoes and something for everyone. A great day out for the family to get into the festive spirit.
Ardingly Winter Fair, south of England Showground
Visitors can shop until they drop from a large selection of stalls boasting artisan products, gifts, and food and drink from independent and local vendors.
It‘s not just about the shopping; there’s also festive fun to be had. Families can enjoy the giant snow globe for a perfect Christmas card photo or join one of the storytelling sessions with Mistletoe the Elf.
A street food area featuring live music, plus a funfair, and a Santa’s Grotto are also part of the weekend, along with wreath-making and decoration courses.
Dates: Saurday 18th November, 9am – 5pm, and Sunday 19th November, 9am – 4pm
Brighton Christmas Market
Brighton’s Christmas Market is never to be missed, with lots to do and see it is the ideal place to take your friends, family and loved ones. The market includes a delicious array of locally sourced national and international food and drinks chalets serving hot and cold food, specially selected beer and artisan bakery stalls for you to try, and art and craft stalls with quirky gifts for anyone!
Dates: 18th – 24th November; opening times Monday – Thursday 12 noon – 9pm, Friday – Saturday from 10am – 10pm.
Entry: Free
Where? Bewtween St. Peter’s Church and Vallegy Green, Brighton.
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester
Get prepared for Christmas by visiting boutique market stalls located around the Museum, with 100 hand-selected stallholders representing the best in arts, crafts and food from the weald region.
There will also be lots to see, do and hear over the weekend, with the opportunity to meet the donkeys, enjoy festive treats and say hello to Father Christmas as he is busy working in his festive workshop. You can also enjoy local visiting choirs, as they provide music for you to enjoy as you explore the acres site and historic houses.
Dates: 25th – 26th November, 10.30am – 4pm.
Entry Adults £17.50, children £7.50. Book online a must.
Parking at Goodwood.
Eastbourne Christmas Market
This annual opportunity to browse over 40 stalls with locally sourced gifts, decorations and produce. Live music, and delicious food and drink to set you on your merry way for Christmas.
When: 15th – 18th December.
Entry: FREE
Christmas in Rye Festival, Rye
Your Christmas shopping all wrapped up in two events in Rye:
Saturday 18th November 2023 – Festive Late Night Shopping
An evening event with lots of our fabulous independent shops open late until 8pm, music performances and festive treats! The perfect opportunity to start getting into the festive spirit and to get your Christmas shopping started!
Saturday 2nd December 2023 – Christmas in Rye
A day of festive fun for the whole family! Santa’s Grotto, music performances, High Street Races, festive shopping, carol concert and much, much more!
Entry: FREE
