Explore our pick of the very best Christmas Markets in West Sussex this year. It certainly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas…!
Makers & Mince Pies: West Dean Christmas Market
When: 17th November 4pm-8pm
Admission: free of charge
A unique opportunity to buy one of a kind gifts directly from the talented creatives at West Dean College.
Denmans Garden Christmas Market
When: 17th & 18th November
Admission: free
Kick start your Christmas shopping with some Sussex gems. Find festive treats and present ideas in abundance from from fudge and local gin, to hand made gifts and decorations, wreaths, woodwork, children’s presents and party treats, artwork and jewellery from Jo Downs, Denmans Artist in Residence. Don't miss exploring Denmans plant centre for green fingered loved ones. Midpines Cafe will be serving festive food and refreshments. More information.
Fishbourne Festive Fayre
When: 18th November
Admission: free of charge, including a chance to visit the Palace, too
In addition to fun historic activities, you'll find handmade gifts from local makers and delicious food and drink stands to kick off the festive season, plus an opportunity to see Fishbourne Roman Palace free of charge. The largest Roman residence found in the UK, this is a Christmas treat for all.
Grittenham Barn Christmas Market
When: Friday 24th & Saturday 25th November
Admission: £2.50 (children free of charge) in aid of The Sussex Snowdrop Trust
Between Midhurst and Petworth, discover a charming Christmas Market set in a rustic Sussex barn in a stunning rural location. A variety of gifts will tempt you, as will the warming refreshments on offer. Find out more here.
The Weald & Downland Living Museum’s Advent Christmas Experience & Market: pre-booking essential, limited availability
When: Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November 2023
Tickets: Limited availability. Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost from £15.50 per adult and £7.50 per child.
This Christmas, the Weald & Downland Living Museum will be putting on its annual Christmas and New Year events, including the atmospheric Advent Christmas Event. This eagerly-awaited Advent Experience and Market will take place across the weekend of 25th & 26th November. Of course, in typical Weald & Downland style, this is a not-to-be-missed event, with tickets already selling fast. You'll be able to explore over 100 hand selected stalls accompanied by local choirs and enjoying festive treats. Parking at Goodwood Racecourse with shuttle bus to the Museum.
Other seasonal events not to be missed include the Green Father Christmas and Tree Dressing.
The Petworth Makers Market
When: 2nd & 3rd December
Admission: No charge to visit the Makers Market (Usual National Trust admission applies to see the house and grounds - don't miss Colours of Christmas at Petworth House)
Situated in the grounds of the majestic Petworth House, Petworth Pop-Up and the National Trust bring you the Petworth Christmas Makers Market. Explore hand made products including art, homewares and jewellery in a fantastic setting. National Trust admission applies - you won't want to miss the Colours of Christmas in Petworth House itself. Always a visual feast, this year's Christmas celebrations include an enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall and show-stopping trees bedecked with colourful decorations.
Petworth's Christmas Cracker
When: Saturday 2nd December 2023
Tickets: No tickets required, free entry.
You couldn’t get more traditional when it comes to Christmas Markets than Petworth Christmas Market.
Set on the historic cobbled streets of Petworth – a traditional market town in the heart of West Sussex – the Petworth Christmas Market brings together over 70 stallholders, charities, entertainment and a warm community feel to get you in the festive mood. Alongside the great array of stalls, you’ll be surrounded by great places to eat and drink, as well as shops and antique shops that draw in crowds from afar. You'll also be able to explore the Petworth Makers Market at Petworth House (scroll down!)
The Kennels Christmas Market, Goodwood
When: Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd December 2023
Tickets: No tickets required, free entry (members and non members)
Based at the famous Goodwood Estate, The Kennels’ Christmas Market is guaranteed to bring a touch of class to your Christmas proceedings. For those who don’t know, Goodwood’s Kennels is the central clubhouse for all of the estate’s sporting members and is surrounded in miles of spectacular South Downs scenery. Soak up the festive atmosphere as you explore the wide variety of handpicked stalls at the Kennels Christmas Market. You’ll have the chance to buy artisan products, festive gifts and delicious food, while sampling mulled wine and mince pies – it is Christmas after all!
Admission is complimentary, with Goodwood members and non-members all very welcome.
Draper's Yard, Chichester - a Christmas market with a difference
When: Saturday 2nd December 2023
Admission: free
Set amid the twinkling lights in Draper's Yard, a small shopping village packed full of independent shops in sheds, this is no ordinary Christmas market. Warm yourself by the roaring fire pit and with treats from The Taco Box and N. Coffee Van as you browse a treasure trove of gifts, including work by local creators, including ceramics, floral creations, jewellery and much more.
Christmas in Midhurst
When: Friday 1st December: Christmas Street Party
Also: 9th December 10am - 4pm (Artisan & Vintage Fair)
Admission: free
Join in the festive fun at the annual Midhurst Christmas Street Party on Friday 1st December where you can expect to find gift inspiration galore as the variety of independent shops open late, as well as an artisan market. Accompanied by live music, fairground rides and a Santa's Grotto, this is a perfect way to kick off December. Midhurst's much-loved Artisan Makers & 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 sparkle.
Chichester Christmas Cheer Market
When: 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th December 2023
Tickets: No tickets required, free entry
Chichester City Centre’s East Street and North Street will come alive with an array of festive stands this December as Christmas Cheer arrives in the city. With a handpicked selection of exhibitors selling everything from handmade one-offs to artisan produce and seasonal decorations, you’ll find gifts to be cherished for everyone, including yourself.
The festivities don’t end at the market either, as children are invited to follow a family trail hunting for Santa's missing sack.
More shopping in West Sussex this Christmas
If Christmas Markets don’t quite tick the box for your shopping requirements this festive season, there’s no need to stress.
From independent boutiques and farm shops, to popular high street names and designer brands, our corner of West Sussex offers some of the best Christmas shopping around.
- For fine farm food produce, visit our famous Estates including the Goodwood Estate and Cowdray Estate
- Find hand-crafted artisan food at The Hungry Guest Cafe, in Petworth - don't miss The Hungry Guest Festive Street Party on 16th November, providing a stylish start to the season
- For hand-made, locally produced gifts visit the gift shops at West Dean Gardens or The Weald & Downland Living Museum
- For gifts with an arty twist, explore Newlands House Gallery or Pallant House Gallery
- Head to Denmans Garden for gifts for gardeners or lovers of the great outdoors
- Find all the high street brands and big names at Chichester City Centre
- Or, give the gift of experience with gift vouchers to any of our great attractions
The list could go on and on…
For more shopping inspiration, see our full range of shops in West Sussex here.