Christmas is hurtling towards us like an unstoppable runaway train. So let’s ease ourselves into the Christmas spirit, with a visit to one of any number of delightful Sussex Christmas markets organised for 2022. We’re still waiting on some of the dates but we will update this post as and when we get details.
Brighton Christmas Market
Brighton Christmas Market is part of the bigger Brighton Christmas Festival and sounds fantastic. There are going to be 50 festive stalls, purpose-built entertainment venues, live shows, and Santa’s workshop, of course! There’s an Après Ski zone and The Elf Express will be on at the Ironworks Studio. Brighton Christmas Festival is free and is running from 18th November to 24th December 2022. You’ll find it between St Peter’s Church and Valley Gardens.
A Christmas Market at Borde Hill
Just outside Haywards Heath, Borde Hill Christmas Market is being held in The Stables, the Garden Gift Shop, and Marquee and Green Tree Gallery. There will be over 30 stalls showcasing local products, from delicious food and drink to beautiful gifts. The gardens will be open, weather permitting, and children can write their letter to Santa, visit the man himself in his Alpine Grotto (booking required) or take a ride on the mini carousel. The market is being held on the 26th and 27th of November 2022.
Seaford’s Christmas Magic
This one-day event on 3rd December 2022 is still being finalised at the time of writing but we’ll keep you posted. Apart from the Christmas market, festivities usually also include live music, seasonal readings interspersed with acoustic music and song in St Leonards Church, and market stalls with festive goodies.
Eastbourne Christmas Market
This popular Christmas Market is great for all the late shoppers. With market stalls, live entertainment and fairground rides, they promise lots of handmade gifts and crafts as well as hot food and festive drinks including mulled wine. With carol singers, brass bands and street performers it sounds like a great event. This year’s four-day market will be from the 15th to the 18th of December in the main pedestrian precinct from 9 am-6 pm each day.
Sussex Christmas Market, Brighton
One of the bigger Christmas markets held at the AMEX Stadium and with over 100 stalls, this year (2022) it will be held on the 27th of November between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm.
Grittenham Barn Christmas Market, near Petworth
Grittenham Barn is in between Midhurst and Petworth and as the name suggests their Christmas market is held in their beautiful barn and in a marquee. Last year, they had lots of different stalls and goodies. This is the perfect location to combine with a hearty winter walk on the South Downs or coffee and cake in Midhurst. This year, their Christmas market will be held on the 25th and 26th of November between 10 am and 4 pm.
Wadhurst Christmas Market and Craft Fair
With the promise of 40 stalls, Wadhurst Market includes all the essentials such as festive food and drink, beautiful handcrafted artisan gifts, ceramics, art, sculpture, carved and polished wooden tableware and decorations. Christmas markets will be held on the 19th of November and on the 3rd and 17th of December 2022 from 9 am to 12.30 pm.
Vintage and Home at Patridge Green
A small but important Christmas market being held in the Village Hall on the 10th of December and raising money for the local charity Arundawn Dog Rescue. There will be different stalls, tea, cake and a tombola. Times TBC.
Santa’s Christmas Fayre, Horam
This Christmas event will be from 10 am to 4.30 pm in the Village Hall on the 3rd and 4th of December, and will also have a Greatest Showman tribute act, Santa’s Grotto, Mr & Mrs Claus, head Elf Brian Wheeler, huskies, and reindeer as well as lots of hand-crafted items ideal for Christmas gifts.
The Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza, Ardingly
On the 22nd and 23rd of October between 12 and 6 pm at the South of England Centre in Ardingly, this promises a craft market, a farmers market, a food court, a spiritual market, and entertainment for the children.
The Artisan Bakehouse
Just outside Ashurst in West Sussex, this small Christmas market will be filled with lovely handmade things: candles, lip balms, jewellery, wax melts, local honey/honeycomb/candles, chocolate, wreaths/festive flowers, plants and ceramics. There will also be some festive cookies and bread-making cookbooks, aprons, etc. as gift ideas.
Also on offer, are tea, cake and goodies like cranberry, cinnamon and apple scones with plum jam as well as award-winning stollen, cinnamon buns and other baked goodies too. It runs from the 30th of November through to the 17th of December. Visit: https://theartisanbakehouse.com/
Long Furlong Barn, Near Worthing
Set in a rustic barn (on one of the county’s most compelling roads), this Christmas market is set to be held on the 27th of November from 10 am. More details when we have them!
Chichester Christmas Market
This runs from the 3rd of December to the 23rd of December, seven days a week. It’s in the city centre. It’s free and they promise lots of gift ideas including handmade ceramics, original artwork, seasonal gifts, glassware, unique jewellery, giftware, traditional toys and seasonal decorations. There will be speciality food and drink stands offering delicious temptations to take home, as well as the chance to enjoy food-on-the-go.
Steyning Arts Christmas Gift Fair and Art Exhibition
On the 3rd of December 10 am – 4 pm at the Steyning Centre, once again, talented local artists and creative makers will come together under one roof to show and sell their unique artwork and gift items at this lovely festive event. The Gift Fair and Art Exhibition is a great opportunity to “meet the makers” and purchase original artwork and unique handmade items from 30 of Steyning Arts’ creative members.
Festive Street Party, Petworth
On the 17th of November in Middle Street in Petworth, The Hungry Guest is hosting a free and dog-friendly street party with live music, oysters, sparkling wine, hampers and gifts, as well as a chance to meet the makers.
Fittleworth Artisan Xmas Market
On the 3rd of December at the village hall, from 9.30 am to 12. This is a new Christmas market and will include a number of local artisans and their products. Cake is on offer too!
Christmas Fair at the Beach, Littlehampton
From the 5th to the 7th of December (Sea Road), this event comes with mulled wine, market stalls, and a choir. These guys also host a Boxing Day sea dip!
Arundel at Christmas
The family fun starts on Friday 2nd December in the Town Square, from approximately 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm, with the Christmas tree lighting, carols and festive entertainment. The Tarrant Street Christmas Market is on Saturday 3rd of December, 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 17th December and enjoy more festive entertainment until 7 pm with the return of the Rock Choir.
Christmas Fair at Seven Sisters
On the 10th and 11th of December from 10 am to 5 pm, there will be a Christmas Fair held in the Visitor Centre at Exceat just east of Seaford. From local produce, beer, honey, gifts, arts and crafts, this fair promises something for everyone.
Christmas in Rye Festival 2022
Not many details released about this event yet other than it includes late-night shopping on the 2nd of December and festive fun the following day!
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