WeLoveBrighton.com has already brought you a guide to the best Christmas markets in Brighton and now we’ve pulled together the best craft markets coming up in Sussex this December. Why not make a day of it by visiting a Christmas fair or market in the neighbouring Sussex towns of Brighton and Hove and check out the festive lights and decorations at the same time? Here are our top picks of the best Christmas markets in Sussex including in Shoreham, Eastbourne, Chichester and Worthing.
Christmas Markets in Sussex you need to visit
Shoreham Christmas Makers Fair
The Christmas Makers Fair is back for its seventh year and offers “a festive extravaganza that celebrates the spirit of the season”. Talented artists and makers will be showcasing their beautiful creations in the lead-up to the festive season so expect lots of Christmas vibes and sparkle.
Alongside stalls, there will be food and drink as well as hands-on workshops on offer. This is an event for all the family and entry is free. There is an onsite car park and the venue is also a five-minute walk from Shoreham-by-Sea train station.
When: Saturday the 2nd of December from 10 am – 3:30 pm
Where: The Shoreham Centre, Pond Road Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 5WU
Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shoreham-christmas-makers-fair-tickets-694645442217
Steyning Arts Christmas Fair And Art Exhibition
More than 20 stallholders will be selling their handmade wares at this lovely gift fair at the Steyning Centre. Organisers say it’s the perfect place to start (or complete) your Christmas shopping. Complete? That’s wishful thinking in my book. Steyning Arts is a group of more than 60 local artists that aims to build community and inspire others.
There will also be delicious refreshments available in the cafe served by ‘First Responders’ at this friendly community event. Entry is free.
When: Saturday the 2nd of December from 10.30 am – 4 pm
Where: Steyning Centre, Fletchers Croft, Steyning, BN44 3XZ
Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2571440926353521
The Sussex Craft & Design Christmas Fair
We’ve been browsing Sussex Craft and Design Fair’s Facebook page to see the gifts that are going to be on offer at this event on the first weekend in December. The reindeer earrings by jewellery maker Little Moose and stained glass Christmas decorations have already made our wishlist.
Check it out yourself to see the wonderful range that’s going to be available from local makers. This event offers handmade stocking fillers and beautiful gifts from stalls including ceramics, textiles, pottery, glasswork, jewellery, artwork, homeware and more.
What we also love about this one is that there are some workshops on offer including the chance to make polymer clay earrings with Ellevera Clay Co. or knit a Christmas stocking with Knit Knacks. Entry to this lovely indoor festive fair is free.
When: Saturday the 2nd of December from 10 am -5 pm and Sunday 3rd December from 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Enterprise Centre, Station Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 1BD
Book tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/SussexCraftandDesignFair
Carry On Christmas Crafting Fair 2023
This fair started in 2022 and is back for a second year. This one is for the crafters or those who love to buy handmade gifts. Craft supplies, demonstrations and workshops with a festive theme will be on offer at the South of England Showground. “Come and buy or make presents,” say organisers.
This indoor event is also dog-friendly so four-legged friends are welcome on a lead. And there’s mulled wine. We can’t wait to get into the holiday spirit. Tickets are £5 per day or £7 for the weekend.
When: Saturday the 2nd of December from 9.30 am – 5 pm and Sunday the 3rd of December from 10 am – 4 pm
Where: South of England Showground, Selsfield Road, Haywards Heath, RH17 6TH
Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carry-on-christmas-crafting-fair-2023-tickets-670636109657
‘So This is Christmas’ Craft Fair
This bumper festive fair is in aid of a great cause – the brilliant St Barnabas House Sussex hospice charity, so there’s a suggested entrance donation of £1. This event will bring together more than 70 stalls at Worthing’s Charmandean Centre including all sorts of crafts perfect for Christmas shopping.
There’s lots of entertainment too – the Worthing Town Crier will open the fair at 10.30 am and there are performances from St Barnabas Hospices Community Choir, and The Singing Chef with special guests including The Sussex Ghostbusters. Not only this but there will be free face painting and balloon modelling all day. Organisers say: “Our fair is a real community event, we welcome families and all ages to come along and enjoy the crafty creations and treats.”
When: Sunday the 3rd of December from 10.30 am – 3.30 pm
Where: The Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 9HS
Find out more here: http://www.stbarnabas-hospice.org.uk/
Chichester Christmas Cheer festive market
The tree is up and the Christmas lights have been switched on in Chichester, West Sussex. If you’re mourning the cancellation of Brighton Christmas Market this year then swing over to Chichester in Sussex for the Christmas Cheer festive markets in the town centre which will take place on the weekends of 9th to 10th December and 16th to 17th December.
This event is due to feature “an array of festive stands”, say organisers including arts, crafts, food and drink with “something for everyone”. This jolly event also promises appearances from a giant Santa, a sleigh and a reindeer for a photo opportunity as well as street performances from local acts.
If you want to make a day of it with the kids, Chichester BID is running a free Missing Sack Family Trail from the 25th of November until the 24th of December.
When: 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th of December. Saturdays from 9 am – 6 pm. Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Where: North and East Streets, Chichester, West Sussex
Find out more here: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/25610/Countdown-to-Christmas
Christmas Craft Fair in Moulsecoomb
This one is closer to home but we couldn’t miss it off the list as it’s such a brilliant festive event just eight days before the big day. This family fun day includes stalls, carols, a live band, raffles, drinks, crafts, inflatables and soft play. And let’s not forget Santa’s grotto!
Local Christmas crafters will be showcasing their wares and the event is free entry. Any proceeds will be donated to help raise cancer funds for a local boy called Teddy.
When: Sunday the 17th of December, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre, Moulsecoomb Way, BN2 4PB
Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-craft-fair-tickets-749838817087
