Brighton isn’t just a summer seaside retreat — it transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland every December. With its quirky personality, artistic edge, and strong sense of community, Brighton’s Christmas markets offer a unique festive experience that rivals larger cities. Whether you’re after handcrafted gifts, mulled wine under twinkling lights, or activities for the whole family, Brighton delivers in style as a top Christmas venue on the South Coast.

This guide dives deep into the best Christmas markets in Brighton, including hidden gems, festive events, shopping highlights, and everything you need to plan your perfect visit.

1. Brighton Christmas Market at St Peter’s Plaza

Brighton’s main festive hub is the Brighton Christmas Market, located at St Peter’s Plaza, opposite the church near London Road. This market has grown rapidly over the past few years and now includes dozens of wooden chalet-style stalls, food trucks, bars, and rides.

What You’ll Find

This German-style market brings a magical alpine atmosphere to the city. Traders sell:

• Handmade Christmas decorations

• Wooden toys and traditional gifts

• Aromatic candles and festive diffusers

• Chunky knitwear, hats and scarves

• Handcrafted jewellery and crystals

The Après Ski Lodge Bar is a fan favourite. Cosy, warm, and festive, it serves steaming mugs of mulled wine, spiced cider, and creamy hot chocolates with optional Baileys. There are also pop-up food vendors selling bratwurst, raclette, loaded chips, sweet crêpes, and vegan options.

Entertainment

Expect live music performances, carol singers, and street performers throughout December. There’s also a small Ferris wheel, carousel, and a Christmas-themed VR experience for older children and teens.

Dates and Details

• Runs from: Late November to Christmas Eve

• Opening hours: 10am–10pm daily (later on Fridays and Saturdays)

• Entry: Free

• Closest station: Brighton Railway Station (10-minute walk)

This is the most popular and central Christmas market in Brighton, so expect large crowds at weekends.

2. The Open Market’s Christmas Weekends

If you prefer a more independent, local vibe, head to Brighton Open Market on London Road. This covered market is open year-round, but the Christmas weekends in December are extra special.

A Local Artisan’s Paradise

Each weekend brings a different themed Christmas market, focusing on:

• Local art, prints, and photography

• Upcycled crafts and sustainable fashion

• Handmade soaps, bath bombs, and natural skincare

• Eco-conscious children’s toys

• Brighton-themed home décor

Many of the sellers are Brighton-based creatives and small businesses, giving you a chance to shop locally and ethically. This is the best market for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Food and Drink

Expect everything from vegan bakes and plant-based pies to locally-roasted coffee and rich hot chocolate. The Open Market also houses permanent cafés and food outlets, so there’s plenty of indoor space to take a break from the winter chill.

Details

• Christmas markets run on: Saturdays and Sundays throughout December

• Time: 10am–5pm

• Entry: Free

• Covered: Yes (great for rainy days)

• Dog friendly: Yes

This is a great market to escape the larger crowds and support the local economy while finding truly unique gifts.

3. Brighton Marina’s Festive Pop-Ups

Brighton Marina may not be your first thought for Christmas cheer, but it hosts a number of seasonal pop-ups and events, especially around the Boardwalk and inner square.

Why Visit?

From mid-November through to early January, you’ll often find small markets or weekend fairs, with stalls selling:

• Festive chocolates and sweets

• Scented candles and ornaments

• Artisan cheeses and chutneys

• Small leather goods and accessories

There are also themed events for children, including Santa’s Grotto, elf storytelling sessions, and face painting. Evening firework displays are sometimes held on weekends before Christmas.

Shopping and Dining

The Marina’s existing shops and restaurants make it a practical and festive spot, particularly for those driving into Brighton. It’s more relaxed than the city centre and has parking available.

• Best for: Families with young kids, last-minute gift shopping

• Market type: Small pop-up events on weekends

• Bonus: Outdoor ice rink (some years only)

While not as atmospheric as the city centre markets, the Marina offers convenience and fun for all ages.

4. The Lanes and North Laine Independent Markets

Brighton’s North Laine and The Lanes are not official “Christmas markets”, but they might just be the best places in the city for festive shopping. These two areas are packed with independent shops, pop-up stalls, and cafés decked out in fairy lights from mid-November onward.

What Makes It Special

• Street stalls pop up outside shops and along Kensington Gardens

• Seasonal pop-up markets inside art galleries, coffee shops and pubs

• Window displays are full of creative and handmade goods

• You’ll find ceramics, fine art prints, handmade jewellery, and curated vintage

The atmosphere here is unbeatable. Buskers sing Christmas classics. Steam rises from takeaway cups. Fairy lights hang from every awning. This is the real heart of Brighton at Christmas.

Insider Tip

Don’t miss Snoopers Paradise for vintage treasures, and Papillon Living for stylish homeware. Also look out for posters promoting short-term Christmas fairs and craft events happening in cafés and community spaces.

• Entry: Free

• Opening hours: Varies by shop (usually 10am–6pm)

• When to go: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds

5. The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink and Gift Stalls

While not a market in the traditional sense, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink includes several festive food and gift stalls that are well worth a visit.

Magical Setting

The rink is set up directly in front of the Royal Pavilion, with its Indian-style domes glowing beneath fairy lights. It’s a stunning backdrop, especially at sunset. Even if you don’t fancy skating, you can enjoy the view with a mulled wine or toasted marshmallow in hand.

Food and Drink

The rinkside bar and café area serves:

• Mulled wine, cider, and festive cocktails

• Loaded hot chocolates

• Savoury toasties and warm desserts

• Artisan mince pies and cakes

Gift stalls offer handmade Christmas baubles, woollen hats, winter accessories, and small stocking fillers.

• Rink open from: Early November to mid-January

• Skating sessions: Book in advance online

• Gift stalls: Open during rink hours (10am–10pm)

This is an ideal spot for couples and Instagram-worthy moments.

6. Pop-Up Christmas Events Across Brighton

In addition to the main markets, Brighton hosts a variety of one-day or weekend pop-up events throughout December. These can be found in:

• Churches and community halls (e.g. St Augustine’s Centre)

• Independent schools (Brighton College holds an annual Christmas Fair)

• Pubs and breweries (such as The Walrus, which hosts a Christmas craft fair upstairs)

• Galleries and co-working spaces

Check Eventbrite, local Facebook groups, and the Brighton Fringe website to find these smaller but charming events. These are especially good for:

• Ethical gifts

• Upcycled fashion

• Organic food and drink

• Meeting the makers directly

These hidden gems often feature live acoustic music and warm, community vibes.

7. Burning the Clocks – A Brighton Tradition

While not a Christmas market, Burning the Clocks deserves a mention. Held on the winter solstice (21st December), it’s a lantern parade that winds through the city centre, ending with a ceremonial fire and fireworks on the beach.

Locals create paper lanterns to symbolise their hopes for the year ahead, parading through the streets in a mix of light, costume, and performance. It’s a deeply moving community event and an alternative to commercial Christmas events.

After the parade, bars and cafés often stay open late, offering warm drinks and small bites. It pairs beautifully with an afternoon visit to one of Brighton’s Christmas markets.

Planning Your Christmas Market Day in Brighton

With so much to see and do, here’s how to plan a festive day out:

Sample Itinerary

10:00 – 11:30am
Start at Brighton Open Market. Grab a coffee, browse early stalls and pick up a few gifts.

11:30 – 1:00pm
Walk through The Lanes and North Laine for artisan shopping and lunch at a cosy café.

1:00 – 3:00pm
Head to St Peter’s Plaza for the main Christmas Market. Sip mulled wine, listen to live music, and ride the Ferris wheel.

3:00 – 4:30pm
Make your way to the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Either skate or enjoy hot drinks and browse gift stalls.

4:30 – 6:00pm
Stroll to the seafront or Brighton Marina. If it’s a weekend, check for pop-up markets or fireworks.

6:00pm onwards
Dinner and drinks in a decorated pub, or catch a Christmas show at Brighton Dome.

Tips for Visiting Brighton’s Christmas Markets

• Go midweek if possible – weekends can get very crowded.

• Bring cash and card – some stalls are cash-only.

• Dress warmly – Brighton’s seafront wind bites harder in December.

• Use public transport – parking is limited and expensive in the city centre.

• Bring your own shopping bag – most stalls are plastic-free.

Eco-Friendly Gifting in Brighton

Brighton prides itself on being ethical and green. Most of the city’s markets support sustainability:

• Reusable and recycled packaging

• Handmade goods from local materials

• Vegan-friendly products

• Plastic-free beauty and home gifts

By shopping at Brighton’s Christmas markets, you support small businesses and reduce your festive footprint.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Magic of Christmas Markets in Brighton

Brighton’s Christmas markets reflect the city’s personality — creative, bold, inclusive, and a little bit cheeky. Whether you’re sipping spiced cider under fairy lights, picking out a hand-thrown mug for your sister, or skating beneath the Royal Pavilion, you’re guaranteed to leave with a little extra sparkle.

The festive spirit in Brighton isn’t just commercial. It’s personal. It’s found in the handmade cards from an illustrator who lives down the road. It’s in the choir singing outside St Peter’s Church. It’s in the smile of a child watching fireworks after Burning the Clocks.

So bundle up, grab a reusable cup, and immerse yourself in the charm of Brighton’s can’t-miss Christmas markets.