Hastings Christmas Markets
Hastings hosts some of the most popular Christmas markets in East Sussex. Throughout the festive season, visitors can browse artisan gifts, handmade crafts and seasonal treats while enjoying the unique atmosphere of Hastings Old Town.
The Stade Christmas Village brings festive activity to Hastings Old Town. Visitors can browse independent market stalls and enjoy seasonal food and drink. Live entertainment and family activities add to the Christmas atmosphere. Attractions include Santa’s Grotto and craft workshops.
Hastings Designer Maker Fair is hosted at the Observer Building on Cambridge Road. The fair showcases independent designers and makers from East Sussex. Visitors can discover handmade textiles, ceramics, stationery, homeware and distinctive gifts. It’s an opportunity to support local creative talent and independent businesses.
The Yard Market brings together almost 50 independent stalls and open studios on Waterworks Road. Visitors can browse handmade products, food, artwork and other goods from local makers, artists and small businesses.
The Hastings Museum Community Christmas Market celebrates local culture and creativity with crafts, artwork and products from local makers, alongside seasonal food and festive treats.
St Andrews Mews Christmas Market offers festive shopping, seasonal entertainment, carol singing and a visit to Santa’s Grotto, making it a popular Christmas event for families.
Together, these Christmas markets showcase the best of Hastings’ independent businesses, artists and makers, making the town one of the top destinations for festive shopping in East Sussex.
Rye Christmas Markets
Rye is one of the most picturesque places to visit during the festive season. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings and independent shops create a magical backdrop for Christmas shopping and seasonal celebrations.
The Festive Makers Market at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre showcases more than 20 local artists and craftspeople. Visitors can browse handmade homeware, ceramics, prints and chocolates, while enjoying festive drinks and treats from the on-site café.
The Rye Creative Centre Christmas Market brings together over 20 makers, bakers and potters. The event offers handcrafted gifts, artisan food and festive refreshments in a creative setting.
St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival takes place at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin. This much-loved local tradition features beautifully decorated Christmas trees alongside community and charity stalls.
Christmas in Rye Festival
Many of Rye’s festive events form part of the annual Christmas in Rye Festival. The town-wide celebration brings together markets, entertainment and seasonal activities throughout the festive period.
Popular highlights include:
- Street celebrations featuring fairground rides, street performers, live music and pantomimes.
- The High Street Races, including children’s races and the famous Christmas Pudding Race.
- A festive procession through the town centre led by Father Christmas.
Together, these events make Rye one of the most popular Christmas destinations in East Sussex, attracting visitors looking for festive shopping, family entertainment and seasonal cheer.
Battle Christmas Markets
Battle offers a charming festive experience, with Christmas lights, late-night shopping and seasonal events bringing the historic town to life throughout the festive season.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade is a highlight of Battle’s festive calendar. The parade travels along the High Street with Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and festive entertainment before the Christmas lights are switched on at Abbey Green.
Late-Night Shopping Events give visitors the chance to browse Battle’s independent shops after dark. Festive window displays, carol singing and seasonal entertainment add to the atmosphere, making it a lovely opportunity to find unique gifts while supporting local businesses.
First Foodie Sunday takes place in Market Square, bringing together local food traders, community stalls, music and activities. Around the festive season, these markets offer another way to discover local produce and enjoy Battle’s welcoming town-centre atmosphere.
St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival is hosted at St Mary’s Church in Battle. Dozens of decorated trees created by local organisations and community groups fill the church, with refreshments, children’s activities and a tombola adding to the festive atmosphere.
A Taste of Sussex offers another opportunity to discover local food, drink, crafts and gifts from Sussex producers and makers at a festive event hosted at Battle Abbey School.
Great Park Farm Festive Makers Market in Catsfield, near Battle, showcases independent makers and creative small businesses from across the South East. The market features more than 20 stalls each day, with over 30 makers exhibiting across the weekend. Products include handmade jewellery, clothing, candles, artwork, food and skincare.
Battle’s combination of historic surroundings, independent shops and seasonal celebrations makes it a lovely destination for Christmas shopping and festive days out in East Sussex.
Eastbourne Christmas Markets
Eastbourne offers a wide range of Christmas markets and festive events throughout the holiday season. From artisan makers fairs to town centre shopping and community celebrations, visitors can enjoy seasonal food, gifts and entertainment across the town.
Eastbourne Christmas Farmers Market takes place in the square outside Towner Eastbourne and Congress Theatre. It brings together local farms, bakeries, craftspeople and street food traders offering fresh produce and festive treats.
Eastbourne Christmas Lights Switch-On and Market is held on Terminus Road, bringing together a Christmas market, live music and children’s activities. Market stalls offer festive food, handmade items and Christmas gifts, with the day’s celebrations building towards the switching-on of Eastbourne’s Christmas lights.
Towner Christmas Fair is an annual celebration of independent makers and designers at Towner Eastbourne. Visitors can browse handmade ceramics, jewellery, textiles, prints, artwork and homeware. It’s a lovely opportunity to discover distinctive Christmas gifts while supporting independent artists and small businesses.
Christmas in Little Chelsea takes place in the Little Chelsea area. This festive street event includes handmade craft stalls, live music and family-friendly entertainment.
Community and Charity Christmas Events
Eastbourne also hosts a number of popular community and charity Christmas fairs.
Meads Magic on Meads Street brings together a festive market with entertainers, carol singers and a Santa’s Grotto, making it a popular family event.
St Wilfrid’s Hospice Christmas Fair at 1 Broadwater Way features artisan stalls, pottery painting, a raffle and festive activities, supporting a local charity while kicking off the Christmas season.
Together, these events make Eastbourne a key destination for Christmas shopping, festive markets and seasonal celebrations in East Sussex.
Christmas Craft Fairs and Makers Markets
Many of the best Christmas shopping events in East Sussex take the form of craft fairs and makers markets. These events focus on locally made products and often feature:
- Handmade gifts
- Artisan food and drink
- Christmas decorations
- Jewellery and accessories
- Artwork and crafts
- Seasonal treats and baked goods
Shopping at local markets is a great way to support independent businesses while finding unique Christmas gifts.
Stay in Hastings and Explore East Sussex Christmas Markets
Hastings makes an excellent base for exploring Christmas markets across East Sussex. Visitors can easily reach Rye, Battle, Eastbourne and many of the county’s most popular festive events.
Apollo Guest House offers comfortable accommodation close to Hastings Old Town, making it an ideal place to stay while enjoying Christmas markets, festive fairs and seasonal attractions throughout the county.
Please check dates and times with event organisers before travelling, as details may change from year to year.
Choose Apollo Guest House For Accomodation
At the Apollo Guest House, you’ll have easy access to all the best that Hastings has to offer, thanks to its prime location. So if you’re looking for comfortable accommodation in the heart of this beautiful coastal town, look no further than the Apollo Guest House.
