Nothing says Christmas quite like a Christmas market or festive fair.
There are lots taking place across East Sussex over the coming weeks as we head towards the Christmas season. Why not visit a couple to pick up handmade gifts and tasty treats?
Towner Christmas Fair, Towner, Eastbourne, 7 to 9 November and 14 to 16 November
The Towner Christmas Fair is a must ahead of the festive season.
This year it is taking place across two long weekends, showcasing different makers each time. It’s the ultimate pre-Christmas event.
Winchelsea Christmas Fayre, New Hall, Rectory Lane, 15 November
Winchelsea Christmas Fair will have a Grand Raffle, Tombola and refreshments.
There will also be stalls from local artisans displaying many goods and crafts including artworks, ceramics, sculpture, prints, chocolate, food, drink, cards and jewellery.
Entry is £1 but free to under 16’s.
Designer and Maker Fair at Charleston near Firle, 22 and 23 November
Charleston Farmhouse near Alfriston opens its Hay Barn for their Designer and Makers Fair. Discover some of the South’s finest designers and creators with over 30 stalls selling beautifully crafted gifts.
A selection of natural wreaths, garlands and Christmas trees will also be available for sale. There are various outdoor stalls and activities so dress warmly.
Tickets £5 in advance or £6 on the door. Check out the Charleston website for details and booking.
Christmas Makers Market, Rye Harbour, 22 and 23 November
A perfect chance to buy unique hand-made presents! Come along and get into the festive spirit at the fifth Christmas Makers Market at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre supporting Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Over 20 talented local artists and makers will be showcasing their wares. Stalls will offer beautiful gifts including homeware, ceramics, decorative glass and woodenware. Jewellery, prints, greetings cards, gorgeous knits, naturally-dyed clothing, handmade chocolate and even poetry commissions will also be available.
Entry is free and the café will be open as usual, serving tasty festive fare, mince pies and warming spiced drinks.
Meads Magic, Meads Street, Eastbourne, 28 November
Beautiful Meads Street will once again be lined with stalls filled with festive activities for the annual festive Meads Magic event.
There will be a Christmas market with local produce and arts and crafts, plus entertainers, a Christmas parade and Santa’s Grotto.
Christmas Trees and Winter Fayre, Wilderness Woods, Hadlow Down, 29 and 30 November, 6, 7, 13 and 14 December
Beautiful, locally grown trees of different species and sizes are available to purchase at Wilderness Woods.
And immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you pick your tree at their Winter Fayre. Make your own Christmas decorations, browse beautiful gifts and decorations from visiting makers, and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and live music.
Christmas Makers Markets at Great Park Farm, Catsfield, 29 and 30 November, and The Stade, Hastings, 6 and 7 December
The Pop Up Emporium is back with Festive Makers Markets at Great Park Farm, Catsfield and The Stade in Hastings.
The Christmas markets host a selection of talented makers and creative small businesses from the South East. Stalls will be selling jewellery, clothing, and candles as well as artwork, delicious food and skincare and everything in between!
Plus the Great Park Farm’s Cafe, Farm Shop and Plant Nursery will all be open for you to buy festive treats, beautiful plants and more. Festive food and drink will be available from The Stade Café.
Ashdown Radio Christmas Fair, East Sussex National Hotel, Uckfield, 29 November.
This Christmas Fair is a chance to shop around and buy that perfect gift for someone special from one of many exhibiting local producers.
With 100 businesses booked for this year’s event there will be something for everyone!
Frost Fair, Kings Road, St Leonards, 29 November
The fabulous St Leonards Frost Fair returns with its fabulously frosty parade and market.
The Kings Road market will be open all day for festive shopping, handmade and local products, as well as live music. The cafes and shops along London Road, Kings Road, Norman Road and the surrounding area will have their doors open to welcome and warm you.
At 1pm the Frost Parade starts, heralding the arrival of the Snow Queen.
The Sussex Craft and Design Christmas Fair, Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne, 29 and 30 November
The Sussex Craft & Design Christmas Fair returns this November, bringing festive cheer and handcrafted treasures to the heart of the town.
Step into a winter wonderland beneath the Enterprise Centre’s stunning Victorian glass roof and browse for handmade stocking fillers and beautiful gifts.
Over 25 artisan stalls will showcase a vibrant mix of ceramics, textiles, woodwork, glass art, jewellery, homewares, and original artwork. Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, stocking fillers, or something special for yourself, this fair is a must-visit for lovers of craft and design.
Seaford’s Christmas Magic, Seaford, 29 November
The Seaford Christmas Magic event includes a Christmas shopping market and local entertainment.
Enjoy free festive workshops and a free Santa’s grotto, plus a winter wonderland lantern parade before the Mayor of Seaford switches on the Christmas lights.
Christmas in Little Chelsea, Eastbourne, 5 December
Gather your friends and family for some festive fun in Little Chelsea and welcome in December with a cheer!
Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas with two live music stages and handmade craft stalls. Meet Father Christmas, enjoy delicious food and drink, and experience a host of exciting street performances.
The Christmas market will feature a wonderful selection of handmade goods, perfect for unique Christmas gifts, while food and drink stalls serve up festive flavours to delight all ages.
There will also be Morris Dancers, Santa and his elves in their grotto on South Street, plus a festive dog show.
Christmas Market at Seven Sisters Visitor Centre, Exceat, 6 and 7 December
The Christmas Market returns to the Visitor Centre at Exceat, just east of Seaford.
From local produce, beer, and honey to gifts, arts, and crafts this fair promises something for everyone. And why not get into the festive spirit with mulled wine and mince pies or a warming hot chocolate during your visit.
Christmas in Eastbourne, Eastbourne, 20 December
Enjoy Christmas events in Eastbourne at Bankers Corner on the weekend before Christmas.
There will be Christmas carols, a live music stage, choirs, and a Christmas Market all day!
