Each year West Sussex really does come alive with Christmas markets. From the historical streets of Chichester to the scenic countryside around Petworth, these markets offer something for everyone, blending the festive atmosphere with local crafts, gifts, and traditional food. Discover the unique flavours of mulled wine, handmade gifts, and family-friendly activities as you explore the best of West Sussex’s Christmas spirit.
- Chichester Christmas Markets
- Petworth's Christmas Cracker
- Midhurst Christmas Market & Street Party
- The Petworth Makers Market
- West Dean Christmas Market
- Grittenham Barn Christmas Market
- Weald & Downland Living Museum Christmas Market
- West Wittering Beach Christmas Market
- Festive Food & Drink
- Family-Friendly Christmas Activities
Chichester Christmas Markets
Back to Top of ListChichester's 2025 Christmas Markets arrive in the city in November. There's a variety of festive shopping experiences to enjoy this year, where you'll be able to browse stalls offering festive food and drink, gifts and seasonal treats. Choose from the annual Chichester Festive Market in the city centre on 6, 7, 13 & 14 December, the Chichester Indoor Christmas Market on 16th November, The Christmas Fair at Chichester College (29th & 30th November), the Rare Brand Christmas Market at The Barn, Little London (13-16 November) and The Novium Museum Indoor Christmas Market on 7th December. A veritable feast of Christmas shopping, perfect for those looking to experience Sussex’s festive spirit in one of its most historic towns.
When: Christmas City Festive market 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th | Indoor Christmas market 16th November | The Christmas Fair 29th & 30th November | The Rare Brand Market at The Barn 13th - 16th November | Novium Christmas Market 7th December | Edes House Christmas Fair and Open House
Tickets: Some tickets required (The Christmas Fair, £7 for adults, children free)
Don't miss: Families will love Let it Glow in Chichester during December - a magical winter illumination.
Petworth's Christmas Cracker
Back to Top of ListThe Christmas Cracker event in Petworth is, well, a cracker! Come and join this annual celebration as the town is illuminated in seasonal lights. You'll be able to shop from local vendors and enjoy seasonal food and drink, with activities designed for all ages.
Set on the historic cobbled streets of Petworth – a traditional market town in the heart of West Sussex – the Petworth Christmas Cracker brings together over 70 stallholders, charities, entertainment and a warm community feel to get you in the festive mood.
When: Saturday 6th December 2025
Tickets: No tickets required, free entry.
Midhurst Christmas Market & Street Party
Back to Top of ListThe Midhurst Christmas Street Party is a festive celebration not to be missed. Join the fun in the market square where you'll find the streets are filled with market stalls, live entertainment, Santa's Grotto and festive food. Known for its community-focused spirit, this market provides an ideal setting for families to enjoy the season with unique gifts and seasonal fare.
More Christmas market magic: On 22nd November, the Midhurst Meraki Market arrives bringing over 50 stalls of Christmas gift inspiration. Free to enter, and offering discounts for local cafes, find them in the South Downs Memorial Hall. on 14th December, Midhurst's much-loved Artisan Makers and Vintage Fair returns to the market square, providing a whole heap of inspiration for Christmas gifts, decorative homewares and lots more to add a little extra sparkle for your Christmas.
When: Friday 5th December 2025: Christmas Street Party | 22nd November Meraki Christmas Market | 14th December Artisan Market & Vintage Fair
Admission: free
The Petworth Makers Market
Back to Top of ListThe Petworth Pop-Up and the National Trust bring you the Petworth Christmas Makers Market, set in the grounds of Petworth House. Come and shop a wide range of beautifully handmade gifts, including ceramics, textiles, and jewellery. Why not come and tick a few presents off your list whilst also admiring the stunning transformation of Petworth House, marvelling at show-stopping Christmas trees and sparkling decorations and spotting playful mice. This market is ideal for those looking for unique gifts while enjoying the beautiful historic setting of Petworth.
When: Saturday 29th November (10am - 6.30pm) & Sunday 30th November 2025 (10am-4pm)
Admission: Usual National Trust admission applies
West Dean Christmas Market
Back to Top of ListThe West Dean Christmas Market brings together handpicked vendors offering handmade crafts, gourmet treats, and festive decorations. The market is set against the grand backdrop of West Dean House's stunning state rooms within West Dean College, and is a great opportunity to see inside the house itself. This market will conjure a cosy, rustic atmosphere, perfect for an intimate shopping experience.
When: 29th November 10:30am - 7pm
Admission: £3
Grittenham Barn Christmas Market
Back to Top of ListBetween Midhurst and Petworth, discover the charming Grittenham Barn Christmas Market set in a rustic Sussex barn in a stunning rural location. In this beautiful setting, browse a variety of gifts to tempt and inspire, and enjoy warming refreshments.
When: 21st & 22nd November 2025 (10am - 4pm)
Admission: £3.00 in aid of The Sussex Snowdrop Trust. Children's entry is free
Weald & Downland Living Museum Christmas Market
Back to Top of ListThe Weald & Downland Living Museum's atmospheric and hugely popular Christmas Market is the perfect where you'll find the perfect mix of Christmas shopping and a day out exploring history, with great food and drink of offer. This ever-popular event invites visitors to explore a traditional market featuring 100 selected stalls with historical re-enactments, Christmas donkeys, carol singing, Green Father Christmas, and interactive exhibits in the historic houses providing a glimpse into Christmas celebrations of the past. Perfect for families and history lovers, this market offers an educational and festive outing for all ages, with tickets already selling fast.
When: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November 2025
Tickets: Limited availability. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost from £18.75 per adult and £9.75 per child (Children under 4 go free). Family tickets also available.
Other seasonal events not to be missed at Weald & Downland include Tree Dressing.
West Wittering Beach Christmas Market
Back to Top of ListA Christmas Market, Sussex style! Join the bustling communities of West Wittering and East Wittering for a Christmas Market at West Wittering Beach. Come and discover locally made treasures accompanied by local food and drink, with a soundtrack of local choirs and live music. There's a Santa's Grotto for children to meet Father Christmas, and even - yes you read correctly - a charity dog show! The trusty West Sussex emergency services will be attending so you can meet the heroes who keep us safe. Find the market at West Wittering Beach Cafe.
Entry and parking are free of charge!
Don't miss: Another opportunity to shop Sussex-style at The Artisan Craft Market at West Wittering on 30th November
Festive Food & Drink
Back to Top of ListNo Christmas market is complete without indulging in festive food and drink. From steaming mugs of mulled wine and cider to freshly baked mince pies and gingerbread, Sussex’s Christmas markets offer a delightful array of seasonal treats. Why not be inspired to buy some Sussex Sparkling Wine for your Christmas table as you browse gifts and the Christmas shopping evening at Ashling Park Estate? Many markets, like those at West Dean, Weald & Downland and Grittenham Barn, feature local food and drink producers, allowing visitors to savour the taste of Sussex, or buy presents for your food-obsessed loved ones.
Family-Friendly Christmas Activities
Back to Top of ListSussex Christmas markets are designed with family-friendly fun in mind. From interactive exhibits at the Weald & Downland Living Museum to Chichester's Christmas events where families can enjoy live music, a hands-on light installation and family trails (Wilfrid the Seal's Christmas Hunt at Chichester Cathedral); children will love the magical Christmas atmosphere. Many markets also feature live music, carol singers, and festive light displays, creating a magical and festive experience that’s perfect for visitors of all ages.