Christmas markets in Sussex. If I want to really get into a festive mood then visiting a Christmas market does the trick. Living in Sussex we are lucky as there is a number right on our doorstep. Both Christmas markets in West Sussex and Christmas markets in East Sussex. As well as picking up the necessary festive treats and trying all the delicious food, hot chocolate and mulled wine. I find Sussex Christmas markets really useful for picking up last-minute Christmas gifts for those hard-to-buy for individuals.
Christmas Markets in East Sussex 2024
Please do let me know if you know of any other Christmas Markets in East Sussex, Christmas fairs or festive events in East Sussex which are not mentioned below. Then I will get more Christmas markets in East Sussex added to this post.
Brighton Christmas Fayre
- When – 5th December to 24th of December 2024
- Where – Brighton Centre, St Peter’s Plaza, St Peter’s Church
- Times – 7 days a week, Monday to Thursday 12 pm to 8 pm and Friday to Sunday 10 am to 11 pm
When it comes to Christmas Markets you can’t beat this bustling Christmas market that is being hosted in Brighton. The Brighton Christmas Fayre promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Browse the free entry traditional Christmas Market and soak up the magical atmosphere. As a city-wide event, there will be lots of unique attractions for you to visit and some amazing live shows to see including the giant Christmas Tree. You will be able to enjoy lots of festive treats, buy unique gifts and Christmas Decorations and get into the Christmas spirit. Some events are ticketed and need to be booked in advance for a fee..
For more information check out The Brighton Fayre website.
One Garden Christmas Market
- When – No specific dates have been released for a Christmas Market in 2024 but there are various other Christmas events.
- Where – Stanmer Park, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN1 9SE
- Times – 9.30 am to 4 pm on each day.
This is a festive celebration of local Sussex produce and makers. With a focus on shopping local and supporting small businesses. Pick up a present for Christmas, or treat yourself to something truly special from one of the many businesses from Brighton and beyond. They are also running special Santa visit sessions. These do need to be booked in advance and cost £5 plus booking fee. Booking can be done via the website below. As well as meeting Santa and his mischievous little elf. Children can write their letters to Father Christmas and post it the Christmas post box. Children will also receive a kit to decorate their own gingerbread man.
For more information visit the The One Garden website.
Sussex Christmas Market
- When – Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024
- Where – Brighton Race Course, Freshfield Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 9XZ
- Times – 11 am – 4 pm
This is South East craft market which is running over two days. It will feature over 80 local suppliers showcasing a wide range of Christmas gifts not available on the high street. Being held at the racecourse means that there is plenty of parking and it is easily accessible. Along with various food options. Unlike other markets you do need to pay for entry and it is recommended to book in advance. Tickets cost £4 if booked in advance or £5 if brought on the door.
For more information visit the Sussex Christmas Market website.
Seaford Christmas Magic
- When – Saturday 30th of November 2024
- Where – Seaford Town Centre
- Times – 10 am – 5 pm
This year’s Seaford Christmas Magic is on Saturday 30th of November 2024 in Seaford Town Centre. It promises to be a fantastic event where you can enjoy lots of stalls with plenty of opportunities to buy beautiful gifts and decorations. You can also enjoy some foodie treats. There will be a lantern parade where children are encouraged to make their own lanterns either at home or at one of the free events in the lead-up to the 30th November. The lantern parade will start at The Crouch at 3.30 pm. The town hall is also being transformed into a Christmas grotto.
For more information check out The Seaford Council website
Eastbourne Christmas Market
- When – 30th of November 2024
- Where – Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3NF
- Times – Saturday 9 am to 6 pm
Taking place on Terminus Road between Barclays and Mark & Spencer, the Eastbourne Christmas market will feature a fantastic array of Christmas stalls, local youth traders, festive food, festive music, and more. It is a four-day Winter fair event that promises to get you into the festive spirit. With lots to see and do it is an event that the whole family will enjoy. You can finish your Christmas shopping, or start it, and enjoy a few festive treats during your visit.
For more information check out the Visit Eastbourne website.
Wadhurst Christmas Market and Fair
- When – Dates for 2024 have not been released yet.
- Where – Wadhurst Commemoration Hall
- Times – 10 am-3 pm
This is a lovely market to attend and you will find festive Christmas shopping at Wadhurst Commemoration Hall on Sunday 4th December. Browse all things beautiful, old and new, from a wealth of fabulous creatives and traders. New and Vintage Homewares, French finds Antiques & Decorative pieces, Jewellery, Furniture & Beauty Gifts for you and your loved ones. There will be something for everyone at this Christmas market and fair and a great day out for the whole family.
Christmas Fair at Seven Sisters
- When – 7th to 8th December 2024
- Where – Pump Barn, Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, East Sussex BN25 4AD
- Times – 10 am- 4 pm
You can visit one of the best Christmas fairs and markets to pick up some incredible unique gifts for your loved ones. The Christmas Fair will be held in the Visitor Centre at Exceat just east of Seaford. You will find local produce, beer, honey, gifts, and arts and crafts. With lots of opportunities to sample some tasty seasonal treats and drinks as well. This fair promises something for everyone. Free entry and dogs are welcome on leads
For more information check out Seven Sisters.
Christmas in Rye Festival
- When – Saturday 23rd of November for Festive Late Night Shopping and Saturday 7th December for family fun.
- Where – Rye town centre and the High Street
- Times – 10 am-8 pm
You can take advantage of late-night shopping at this Christmas festival which makes for a great festive evening out. Finding lots of market stalls full of local exhibitors which will entice you with lots of gift inspiration to get your Christmas shopping well underway. You can also enjoy lots of festive food and drinks. A great option to consider especially if you love to enjoy a festive evening out.
The event on the 2nd of December will be suitable for the whole family. With a Santa’s Grotto, music performances, High Street Races, festive shopping and carol concert. Keep an eye on their website for more updates nearer the time – Rye Christmas Festival website.
Christmas Trees and Winter Fayre at Wilderness Wood
- When – 30th of November and 1st, 7th & 8th of December 2024
- Where – Main Road, Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HJ
- Times – 10 am to 4 pm
Not only can you pick your Christmas tree but you can enjoy the Christmas Fayre on selected weekends in November and December. You will be able to enjoy pizzas, barista coffee, local bubbly, mulled cider, roasted chestnuts, and carol singing. As well as lots of stalls to look around. You can find details of artists and craftspeople who will be leading activities, demonstrating and selling their wares on the website shared below. It is advisable to book a parking slot for the Christmas market which can be done on their online – Wilderness Wood’s website.
St Mary’s Newick Christmas Tree Festival and Market
- When – 13th – 15th of December 2024
- Where – St Mary’s Church, Church Road, Newick, East Sussex, BN8 4JZ
- Times – 10 am to 6 pm and to 5 pm on Sunday
The Christmas tree festival is back after two years of scaled-down events. You can also enjoy the excellent market that offers stalls where you can enjoy local products and small businesses showcasing their wonderful gifts.
For more information check out the Newick Church Facebook Page.
Great Dixter – Christmas Shopping
- When – 14th – 16th December 2024
- Where – Great Dixter House & Gardens, Northiam, Rye TN31 6PH
- Times – 3.30 pm to 7 pm.
In previous years this has been a Christmas market, but from looking at the website it appears in 2024 that it is just the Great Dixter shop which is open.
For more information, visit the Great Dixter website.
Light Up Shoreham
- When – Friday 13th December 2024
- Where – Shoreham High Street where the market is usually held
- Times – TBC but it will be held in the evening.
Lots of local food stalls to browse, the perfect place to purchase festive gifts. This is a community event with a strong charity bias focusing on projects in Shoreham. For more information visit the Light Up Shoreham Facebook Page
Christmas Markets in West Sussex 2024
Please do let me know if you know of any other Christmas Markets in West Sussex, Christmas fairs or festive events in West Sussex which are not mentioned below. Then I will get them added to this post.
Christmas Market at Partridge Green
- When – Dates for 2024 have not been confirmed
- Where – Partridge Green Pre School
- Times – Virtual Christmas Market
Partridge Green Preschool is proud to announce that the virtual Christmas market will be returning this year, but with an exciting twist. Instead of running the event over a weekend, we’ll be running it for a whole week online. This will be from the 27th of November to the 5th of December. Not only that, but they will be holding an in-person event on the final day (5th December) for 2 hours where there will be stalls from the sellers for you to browse in person and collect any purchases along with treating yourself to some mulled wine, mince pies and festive socialising.
For more information check out their Facebook Page.
Chichester Christmas Market
- When – 7th to the 15th of December 2024
- Where – East Street and North Street in Chichester Centre
- Times – Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5.30 pm and Sundays 10 am to 4.30 pm
East Street and North Street in Chichester City Centre will come alive with an array of festive stands as we celebrate the return of our Chichester Christmas Market. Along with the Christmas lights. You will find an array of stalls selling different products which will give you plenty of inspiration for some unique gift ideas. You will love the atmosphere and if you are feeling peckish or thirsty there are plenty of opportunities for tasty goodies and drink. A great option to consider running throughout December.
For more information check out the Chichester Christmas Market.
Chichester Indoor Christmas Market
- When – Sunday 10th November 2024
- Where – Westgate Leisure Centre, Via Ravenna, Chichester PO19 1RJ
- Times – Open 9 am to 2 pm only
Over 100 independent businesses from Sussex, Hampshire and beyond will showcase their festive products at Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester this Christmas.
For more information visit their Facebook Page.
The Artisan Bakehouse Christmas Market
- When – Dates for 2024 have not been released yet
- Where – No.1-3 Horsebridge Cottages, Horsebridge Common, Ashurst, West Sussex, BN44 3AL
- Times – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm
Just outside Ashurst in West Sussex, this small Christmas market will be filled with lovely handmade things from creative small businesses and local artisans. Including unique presents, candles, lip balms, unique jewellery, and wax melts. Traditional toys, local honey/honeycomb/candles, chocolate, wreaths/festive flowers, plants, and handmade ceramics. There will also be some festive cookies and bread-making cookbooks, aprons, etc. as gift ideas.
For more information check out The Artisan Bakehouse website.
Christmas Fair at the Beach
- When – 3rd December
- Where – Littlehampton, The Beach Cafe, Sea Rd, Littlehampton BN16 2NA
- Times – 12 pm to 8 pm with carol singers at 6.30pm
The Beach Christmas fair is back and promises to be bigger and better than ever before. You can enjoy some time at the beach and also the festive atmosphere as well. Whether it’s handcrafted items you want to buy for loved ones or you want to grab a warming mulled wine and have a stroll around our market stalls, you are in for a treat. The beach will be decorated with festive delights and in the evening you can enjoy live music from a beautiful choir. A great option to consider.
For more information check out The Beach Littlehampton.
Arundel at Christmas
- Christmas light switch on – 29th of November 2024
- Farmers market 21st of December 10.30 am-7 pm
The family fun starts on the 29th of November in the Town Square, from approximately 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm, with Christmas tree lighting, carols, and festive entertainment. The Tarrant Street Christmas Market is on date TBC, from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, is a great place to shop for unique Christmas gifts as you enjoy festive entertainment. You can also buy foodie gifts and treats at the Arundel Farmers Market on Saturday 21st December and enjoy more festive live entertainment until 7 pm with the return of the Rock Choir. This has replaced the Arundel in Candlelight event.
For more information check out Visit Arundel.
Christmas Craft Fair, Worthing
- When – Sunday 8th of December
- Where – Field Place, Worthing, West Sussex, BN131NP
- Times – 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
This is a lovely gift fair to attend if you want special gifts for your loved ones this Christmas. This Christmas craft fair is full of local businesses and producers showcasing their creative makes, seasonal gifts and products at their festive stalls. You can also enjoy all of the festivities and some food and drink while you are there. It is on for one day, but it is a great option to consider where the whole family will enjoy what is on offer. Small rides are available for the children and you can also book to see Santa.
Worthing Christmas Wonderland Market
- When – 17th November 2024
- Where – Worthing Assembly Hall, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1HQ
- Times – 10 am to 4 pm
Back for its third year but over two days due to the success of last year’s event. There will be 100 different stall holders all local small business and everything is handmade. Each stall holder has been hand-picked to create the best of everything local. There will also be live music from local musicians, as well as an arts & crafts area for children.
There is also a Santa’s workshop for children, which includes a gift from Santa and a bespoke Christmas Tree decoration. This was a complete sell-out last year so best book early to avoid disappointment which can be done via Eventbrite. No booking is required for the Christmas market.
Ardingly Winter Fair
- When – 23rd and 24th of November 2023
- Where – South of England Showground, Selsfield Road, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6TL
- Times – 9 am to 5pm on the Saturday and 9am to 4 pm on the Sunday
This is not just about a Christmas market in West Sussex, although there is a large selection of stalls boasting artisan products, gifts, and food and drink from independent and local vendors. There’s also festive fun to be had, with a giant snow globe for a perfect Christmas card photo. Storytelling sessions with Mistletoe the Elf and festive workshops that include wreath-making and chocolate decorating. There is also a street food area featuring live music, fairground rides, and a Santa’s Grotto at the purpose-built entertainment venues.
Tickets need to be booked in advance to guarantee entry. They cost £9.50 for adults and £8 for seniors/students. With children under 16 being free when accompanying an adult.
For more information and to buy tickets visit the Ardingly Winter Fair website.
Weald & Downland Living Museum
- When – 23rd and 24th of November 2023
- Where – Town Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EU
- Times – 10.30am to 4.00pm
Over the weekend you can get prepared for Christmas by visiting the boutique market stalls located around the Museum, with around 100 hand-selected stalls representing the best in arts, crafts and food from the weald region. There will also be lots to see, do including meeting the donkeys, enjoying festive treats and saying hello to Father Christmas as he is busy working in his festive workshop. There will also be local choirs, who will provide music as you explore the 40-acre site and historic houses. This is a popular event and usually a sell out.
As this is a West Sussex attraction there is a cost for entry. Tickets cost £16.50 per adult (including a £1 donation) and £8.50 for a child. Although they do have family tickets available which will save money.
For more information visit the Downland & Museum website.
Horsham Christmas Market
- When – Every Thursday and Saturday in December and the 22nd of November
- Where – Town Centre in the Carfax
- Times – 9 am to 5 pm
This is the town’s usual market but with some added festive cheer. With a wide variety of seasonal local produce, handmade gifts and decorations. There is also a street food market and live musical entertainment in the bandstand. The perfect opportunity to enjoy the trade stands and some independent shops in the town centre as you get ready for the big day.
For more information visit the
The Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza
- When – 24th of November 2024
- Where – The Haven Centre, Hophurst Lane, Crawley Down, RH10 4LJ
- Times – 12 pm to 6 pm
Established in 2021 psychic & holistic fair to include crafts, gifts, homewares, Christmas decorations, toys, plus children’s entertainment so you get to do some xmas shopping with our artisan craft stalls and independent traders whilst the children have fun too. Entry cost is £5 with free parking.
For more information visit the Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza website.
Related Blog Posts
If all this talk about Christmas markets in West Sussex and Christmas markets in East Sussex is making you feel festive. Then you may be interested in some of the other blog posts we have written about Christmas events.
- Panto season is almost upon us. We normally go to a panto at our local theatre on Christmas Eve. There is such a wide selection to choose from across the county. If you are looking for something specific then Pantomimes in Sussex, Pantomimes in Surrey and Pantomimes in Kent will help you.
- Looking to visit a Christmas Tree Farm? Then I pulled together Christmas Tree Farms in Sussex, Christmas Tree Farms in Surrey and Christmas Tree Farms in Kent. We really look forward to picking out our tree each year, so I have included some tips in each post that may help you if you do the same.
- Each year we try to visit a Christmas light trail. We are so fortunate to have so many close to us. Read all about Christmas light trails in Sussex, Christmas light trails in Surrey and Christmas light trials in Kent.
- If you are thinking of visiting a Christmas market in Sussex to pick up handmade gifts and try all the festive treats. Then you may also be interested in other local markets both Christmas markets in Kent and Christmas markets in Surrey.
- We also visited Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market for the first time this year, which we really enjoyed.
Merry Christmas
I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the best Christmas Markets in Sussex to visit. Have you got plans to visit a Christmas market this festive season? What will you be looking forward to buying? We are planning on visiting some of the big European markets this Christmas season so keep an eye out as I will be sharing how we get on on the blog.
Wishing all my readers a wonderful Christmas day.
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