With the festive season fast-approaching, Sussex is slowly starting to transform into a winter wonderland. Whether it’s crisp walks along the seafront, cuddling up infront of a log fire in a cosy countryside pub, or ice skating infront of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, there are no end of options when it comes to making the most of this magical time.
And with Christmas markets popping up across the region, offering warm drinks, tasty treats, seasonal entertainment, and gifts from local vendors, there truly is no better place to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Below, we’re highlighting the best Christmas markets in Sussex so that you can fully embrace the joy of the season on your next winter getaway – wherever you are in the county.
Ardingly
Ardingly Winter Fair – South of England Showground
Where: South of England Showground, Selsfield Road, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL
Date(s): 23rd November (9am-5pm), 24th November 2024 (9am-4pm)
Further information: Here
Book tickets: Here
Featuring numerous stalls from local artisans, festive workshops, tasty street food, live music, a giant snow globe, a children’s funfair, and a Santa’s Grotto, a trip to the Ardingly Winter Fair is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit – and is one of the best known Christmas markets in Sussex on this list!
Arundel
Arundel Museum Christmas Fayre
Where: Arundel Museum
When: Saturday 30th November, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Further information: Here
With stalls offering crafts, gifts and tasty treats, this is a great place to kickstart the festive season while enjoying the ambiance and cosy atmosphere of Arundel Museum.
Looking for a place to stay during your visit this festive season? Browse our collection of luxury Sussex holiday homes here.
Christmas Craft Fair
Where: The Swan Hotel, 27-29 High St, Arundel
When: Saturday 30th November, 11am – 4pm
Further information: Here
The Swan Hotel’s inaugural Christmas Craft Fair promises to be a great place to stock up on your handmade and locally-sourced Christmas presents and decorations – from candles, to wreaths, to glass items and much more.
Brighton
Sussex Christmas Market
Where: Brighton Racecourse
Date(s): 7th & 8th December 2024
Book tickets: Here
With over a decade of experience organising events across the South East, Sussex Christmas Markets has been creating festive markets since 2018. This year, head to The Brighton Racecourse to kick off your Christmas shopping, with over 80 handpicked local suppliers bringing seasonal cheer and unique gifts.
Brighton Etsy Christmas Market
Where: The Clarendon Centre, 47 New England Street, Brighton, BN1 4GQ
Date(s): 7th December 2024, 10am – 5pm
Further information: Here
The Brighton Etsy Seller’s Team Christmas market is back, showcasing local designers, makers, and artists with a carefully curated selection of unique, high-quality gifts. Held at The Clarendon Centre on Saturday, 7th December 2024, it’s just a short walk from Brighton train station and free to enter—be sure to save the date, with more details to come soon.
The Butler says: While in the area, consider booking a slot at the Brighton Pavilion ice rink – a seasonal ice rink set up in the grounds of the breathtaking Pavilion. Book your ice skating session for after sunset for a spectacular backdrop featuring a lit-up Royal Pavilion, and make sure you treat yourself to a warm treat and Mulled Wine post-skate.
Chichester
Chichester Christmas Market
Where: East and North Street
Date(s): 24th November, 7th – 15th December
Further information: Here
With the Christmas Light Switch On on Saturday 23rd November marking the start of the festive season, Cross Market and More takes place on Sunday 24th November for what’s set to be a weekend of festivities.
Between the 7th to the 15th December, head to East and North Street for Chichester Christmas Market, featuring a variety of foods, drinks, and Christmas gifts.
Chichester Indoor Christmas Market
Where: Westgate Leisure Centre
When: 10th November, 9am-2pm
Further information: Here
With over 100 independent stalls offering a wide range of festive products, this event is well worth a visit. Entry costs £1 for those 16 and over, with cash or card accepted at the door.
Eastbourne
Meads Magic
Where: Meads Village, Meads Street, Eastbourne
When: Friday 29th November 2024, 2.30 – 7.30pm
Further information: Here
Head to Meads Street for your festive fix in Eastbourne. Expect a Christmas market, festive activities, street entertainers, a Santa’s Grotto, and a Christmas parade.
Christmas in Little Chelsea
Where: Little Chelsea, Grove Road & South Street, Eastbourne
When: Friday 6th December 2024, 12 – 9pm
Further information: Here
Enjoy late-night shopping, a Christmas market, children’s rides, live entertainment, and delicious food in Little Chelsea. Gather your friends and family, and welcome the holiday season with this festive street party – one of the most community-focused Christmas markets in Sussex.
East Grinstead
East Grinstead Christmas Market
Where: London Road, East Grinstead
When: Sunday 8th December, 11am – 3pm
Further information: Here
Head to London Road for a day of entertainment, gift shopping, crafts and tasty foods.
Hastings
Hastings Makers Market
Where: The Yard, Waterworks Road, Hastings
When: Saturday 30th November 2024, Saturday 7th December 2024, Saturday 14th December 2024, 11am – 4pm
Further information: Here
With over 50 independent stallholders and open studios, featuring a selection of gifts from local artisans, over a kilometre of twinkling fairy lights, mulled wine, delicious food, and a whole lot of festive cheer, this is up there as one of the cosiest Christmas markets in Sussex to enjoy this festive season.
Pure Christmas Market
Where: Bannatyne’s Hotel and Spa, Hastings
When: Sunday 17th November 2024, 11am – 4pm
Further information: Here
Following the success of last year’s event, Pure Christmas Market is back and bigger than ever in 2024. Visitors can expect a whole range of festive stalls from talented artists and makers – and can even book on to craft workshops to try their hand at making their own gifts (for themselves, or for others!) and can book a place to attend a sound bath. Pre-booking on to these workshops is required – visit the link above to secure your place.
Horsham
Horsham Artists Christmas Market
Where: Horsham Town Centre
Date(s): 23rd & 24th November, 30th November & 1st December 2024
Further information: Here
While finer details are yet to be announced, keep an eye on the website above for further information. Expect various stalls from local artisans, and tasty festive treats.
Lewes
Lewes Christmas Market
Where: The Royal Oak, 3 Station Street, Lewes
When: Saturday 16th November 2024, 10am – 4pm
Further information: Here
The inaugural Lewes Christmas Market will see a wide range of stallholders gather at the Royal Oak on Saturday 16th November. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping while enjoying a mulled wine, mince pie, and live music from a choir.
Petworth
Petworth’s Christmas Cracker
Where: Petworth Centre
When: Saturday 7th December 2024
Further information: Here
With a key focus on community, this year’s event will feature a stage full of entertainment, along with food and drink stalls. With further details yet to be confirmed, there aren’t currently any plans for gifts to be available for purchase – and instead, the Market Square will be transformed into a community hub.
Grittenham Barn Christmas Market
Where: Tillington, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0PG
Date(s): Friday 24th & Saturday 25th November 2024
Further information: Here
A Christmas Market in a rustic barn overlooking the South Downs is one of the most spectacular locations on this list. Head to Grittenham Barn to enjoy a range of market stalls, and tasty treats. Adult tickets cost £2.50 (children free of charge), and the event is being held in aid of The Sussex Snowdrop Trust. If it’s raining, wellies are advised to reach the barn from the car park.
Rye
Rye Christmas Festival
Where: Rye
Date(s): Saturday 7th December 2024
Further information: Here
With late night shopping and the Christmas lights turn-on taking place on Saturday 23rd November, extend the festivities into December with their Christmas in Rye event on the 7th.
Expect Santa’s Grotto, market stalls, entertainment, a carol concert and more.
Further information is to be confirmed closer to the date, so keep an eye on the website listed above for the latest news.
Seaford
Seaford Christmas Magic
Where: Broad Street, Seaford Town Market
When: Saturday 30th November 2024, 10.30am onwards (Christmas lights switch on at 5.30pm)
Further information: Here
With a window display competition, children’s lantern parade, Christmas light switch on, market stalls, entertainment and more, Seaford Christmas Magic promises to be just that: magic!
Shoreham
Shoreham Christmas Makers Fair
Where: The Shoreham Centre
When: Saturday 7th December 2024, 10am – 3.30pm
Further information: Here
For the 8th year, the Shoreham Christmas Makers Fair will feature a variety of handmade decorations, gifts and treats from local artisans. There will also be live choir and ukelele performances, along with delicious baked goods.
Weald & Downland
Advent & Christmas Market
Where: Weald & Download Living Museum
When: 23rd & 24th November 2024
Further information: Here
Live music, over 100 stallholders, demonstrations, workshops, a chance to meet the donkeys, a visit to Father Christmas, a Christmas trail, and the opportunity to write a postcard to Santa makes this a jam-packed day of festivities for families.
Tickets are available to purchase online, and must be booked in timeslots. Visit the website above to purchase, and to check availability.
Worthing
‘So This is Christmas’ Christmas Fair
Where: The Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 9HS
Date(s): Sunday 1st December 2024, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Further information: Here
Raising funds for St Barnabas House (there’s a suggested £1 entry donation), ‘So This is Christmas’ is a festive craft and design fair featuring 65+ stalls, a cafe, a visit from The Sussex Ghostbusters, free face painting, balloon modelling, and a raffle. Worthing’s Town Crier will open the event at 10.30am.
Christmas Wonderland Market & Santa’s Grotto
Where: The Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, BN11 1HQ
Date(s): Sunday 17th November 2024, 10am – 4pm
Further information: Here
Free entry. Tickets available for Santa’s Grotto here
The third annual Christmas Wonderland Market will see 100 local handmade businesses come together for what’s set to be a wonderfully festive day out for all the family, in support of St Barnabas House Hospice.
Entry is free, but there’s also a Santa’s Grotto available for an additional cost. Book early to secure your child’s visit, which includes a chat with Santa, a gift, and a Christmas bauble.
With so many festive markets and events to choose from, spanning a six-week period, Sussex truly knows how to celebrate the holiday season. From unique gifts, to seasonal treats, local charm, to a huge variety of entertainment, it’s time to bundle up, grab a warm drink, and explore the best of the Christmas markets in Sussex this festive season. Merry Christmas!
