Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? We’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas Craft Fairs in Brighton, so you can find something extra special and support local makers at the same time. Happy shopping!
Made in Sussex
– The Open Market
A brand new arts, crafts and food fair supporting the Sussex Heart Charity and hosted by The North Quarter Magazine. You’ll find lots of interesting and tempting crafts on offer with different stalls each week, right up until Christmas Eve, so plenty of chances to grab a special gift. Previous stallholders have included WordChatter HQ who make scented soy candles and personalised gifts, t-shirt company Smith & Crumble, Mandala Mosaics who create mosaic portraits and David Corbett who makes concrete animal plaques inspired by the Sussex countryside. As well as the stallholders, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the range of permanent stalls and shops at The Open Market which range from jewellery shops to organic wine merchants, plus if you needing to rest your feet, you’ll also find a range of cafes to take a break.
Every Thursday until Christmas – 10am – 4pm
A Whimsical Christmas – Various Venues
We’re looking forward to the return of The Fairy Tale Fair – a well- loved local craft and vintage fair from Brighton. The popularity of the fairs has meant this festive season is their busiest and biggest ever! The first of these at Brighton Open Market on Sun 15 Nov features over 40 local makers, plus live dancers, the snow queen and plenty to explore. If you are looking for a family day out then Patcham is not to be missed on Sat 21 Nov – pop along and take part in a craft workshop, get your face painted, stop in the vintage tearoom for cake and meet the stall holders. Finally their biggest fair of the year, ‘So This is Christmas’ in Worthing on Sun 6 Dec in aid of St Barnabas features over 70 stall holders, live performers, Santa and more magical extras. Sounds like a great opportunity to get unique, handmade gifts!
Sun 15 Nov – 10.30am – 4pm – The Open Market
Sat 21 Nov – 10.30am – 3.30pm – Patcham Methodist Church
Sun 6 Dec – 10.30am – 4pm – The Charmandean Centre
Sat 12 Dec – 10am – 5pm – The Open Market
MADE Brighton
– Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange
Celebrating its 10th year, the annual contemporary Made Brighton fair comes to Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange on Thurs 19 – Sun 22 Nov. Offering the public the opportunity to buy original pieces of craft and design direct from the best local and national makers, this event has become firmly established as a friendly, accessible and top quality show. There will also be a cafe so you can take a break from your perusing, have a coffee and a bite to eat. Showcasing handcrafted, unique and often quirky works including jewellery, textiles, ceramics, basketry, glassware, furniture, home accessories and fashion to thousands of visitors, this is one of the best arts and crafts fairs on the South Coast.
Fri 20 Nov – 11am – 6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
Sat 21 Nov – 10am – 6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
Sun 22 Nov – 10am – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Wild Strawberry Christmas Fairs
– Brighton Unitarian Church
Wild Strawberry hold a variety of craft fairs at Brighton’s Unitarian Church throughout the year, showcasing the creativity, imagination, flair and beauty of the wonderful crafty people of Sussex. They’ve organised three special Christmas events through November and December to help you find the perfect gift. The aim of these fairs is to give local crafters and makers a beautiful place to showcase their talents at an affordable price without them having to pass that cost on to the buyer. Expect a huge selection of crafts, including work from Painter and Printmaker Troy Ohlson, animal-inspired felt hats by Karen Rao, handmade, organic aromatherapy products from Corrine Taylor, up-cycled furniture by Recycled Treasures, vintage, fabric bags and accessories by Brighton Beautiful and Pre- Colombian jewellery from Aborigen along with much more including Christmas cards too. There will also be delicious cakes from Flower & Frost and festive mince pies and mulled wine to warm you up. You’re in luck if you’re strapped for time with your shopping too, as the events on Sat 28 Nov and Sat 5 Dec are open until 7pm. Although the events are free, the organisers will be collecting on the day for The Rockinghorse Appeal, so dig deep!
Sat 28 Nov & Sat 5 Dec – 11am – 7pm
*Fairy Tale Fair image and header image by Jenny Rutterford Photography.
