Festive Fun: The Best Christmas Markets in Sussex
By Kyle Davidson on 09 September 2025
As winter approaches, Sussex transforms into a festive wonderland with Christmas markets, light trails, and seasonal events. From historic towns to grand estates, here’s where to find the best festive cheer in the county.
**1. Chichester Christmas Market**
The pedestrianised streets of Chichester provide a beautiful backdrop for its traditional Christmas market. Wooden chalets line the city centre, selling unique gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious festive food and drink. It’s a charming and atmospheric shopping experience.
**2. Brighton Christmas Festival**
Brighton embraces Christmas with its own unique flair. The Brighton Christmas Festival features a large market in the city centre, an open-air ice rink by the Royal Pavilion, and a host of festive shows and entertainment. It’s a vibrant and exciting destination for festive fun.
**3. Christmas at Petworth House**
For a truly magical experience, visit the National Trust’s Petworth House during the festive season. The magnificent state rooms are decorated with spectacular Christmas trees and decorations, and the grounds often host festive markets and light trails. It’s a wonderful way to step into a historic Christmas scene.
**4. Eastbourne’s Winter Wonderland**
Eastbourne’s town centre is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with a traditional Christmas market, a festive ice rink, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit by the sea.
**1. Chichester Christmas Market**
The pedestrianised streets of Chichester provide a beautiful backdrop for its traditional Christmas market. Wooden chalets line the city centre, selling unique gifts, handcrafted decorations, and delicious festive food and drink. It’s a charming and atmospheric shopping experience.
**2. Brighton Christmas Festival**
Brighton embraces Christmas with its own unique flair. The Brighton Christmas Festival features a large market in the city centre, an open-air ice rink by the Royal Pavilion, and a host of festive shows and entertainment. It’s a vibrant and exciting destination for festive fun.
**3. Christmas at Petworth House**
For a truly magical experience, visit the National Trust’s Petworth House during the festive season. The magnificent state rooms are decorated with spectacular Christmas trees and decorations, and the grounds often host festive markets and light trails. It’s a wonderful way to step into a historic Christmas scene.
**4. Eastbourne’s Winter Wonderland**
Eastbourne’s town centre is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with a traditional Christmas market, a festive ice rink, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit by the sea.