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 to the Ardingly Winter Fair 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 elf workshops with Mistletoe the Elf.
A street food area featuring live music, plus a children’s funfair*, and a Santa’s Grotto* are also part of the weekend. *Additional charges apply.
Dates: 22-23 November 2025
Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 4pm
Entry: £9 adult, under 16s free
Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester
See the Museum prepare for Christmas across the ages and visit 100 stallholders representing the best in arts, crafts and foods from the weald region. There’ll be music, hands-on demonstrations, make & take activities for children and families, see Father Christmas, say hello to donkeys and of course the chance to explore the collection and historic houses.
Dates: 22-23 November 2025. 10.30am – 4pm.
Adult entry £18.75 Child 5-17 £9.75
Entry will be by pre-booked ticket only, including if you are a Museum Member.
Eastbourne Meads Magic
Meads Magic is an annual Christmas event held in the Meads Village area of Eastbourne. With over 35 stallholders and 3,000 visitors it’s one of the biggest community Christmas events in Eastbourne.
Beautiful Meads Street will be lined with stalls filled with festive activities, a Christmas market with local produce and arts and crafts, plus entertainers, a Christmas parade and Santa’s Grotto.
Date: Friday 28 November 2025
2.30pm to 7.30pm
Free entry.
Christmas in Rye Festival, Rye
Rye is full of all kinds of festive fun for the whole family including Santa’s Grotto, musical performances, the famous High Street races, festive shopping, at markets and craft fairs, the Christmas procession, the end of day carol concert and so much more!
Dates: Saturday 22 November to 25 December 2025.
Entry: FREE
So this is Christmas, Worthing
‘So This is Christmas’ is a festive craft and design fair at the Charmandean Centre that will feature 65-plus high quality craft and design stalls, plus cafe/ bar and special guests. The fair is in aid of St Barnabas Hospice which is a local independent charitable hospice located in Worthing.
There will be special guests throughout the day, as well as face painting and balloon modelling! St Barnabas House will also have stalls and a raffle as well.
The event will be opened by Worthing Town Crier at 10.30am.
Date: Sunday 7 December 2025. 10.30am-3.30pm.
Entry: Suggested donation £1.
