Where to shop in West Sussex this Christmas

If you’re still looking for those all-important Christmas gifts, shopping in the beautiful towns, cities and villages of West Sussex won’t disappoint. From late-night shopping to festive markets, you’re bound to find something for everyone on your list.

For a beautiful city that comes alive at this time of year, look no further than Chichester Christmas Market. East Street and North Street are once again teeming with a huge variety of stalls selling seasonal gifts, unique jewellery, crafts, artwork, food and drink. Open daily until Friday 23^rd December, between 9am and 5.30pm Mondays to Saturdays, and between 10am and 4.30pm on Sundays.

Chichester is also open for late-night shopping on 15^th and 22^nd December, between 4pm and 7pm. To add to the appeal, there will be some free and discounted parking in December. For example, if you select two hours, you’ll get a third free in most council-owned car parks across the district when using the MiPermit app. There’s also free parking after 4pm in the Avenue de Chartres car park between 15^th and 22^nd December.

Colonnade House, home of local art in Worthing, is holding a Festive Winter Pop-Up between Tuesday 13^th and Saturday 24^th December. There will be plenty of creative and unusual gifts on offer if you’re after something a bit different this year. Open between 10am and 5pm, with a late-night shopping event on Thursday 15^th December.

If you’re looking for a Christmas market in a beautiful location, then look no further than The Christmas Brocante in Midhurst, right in the heart of South Downs National Park. On Saturday 10^th December between 10am – 4pm, you’ll have the chance to browse the market square and the surrounding area to buy gifts created by independent local businesses.

The Sussex Peasant is a community of enterprising Sussex farmers, who sell the finest local produce at its events. It’s hosting two Christmas markets, one in Ditchling on Thursday 15^th and the other in Arundel on Saturday 17^th December. Its festive offerings come from selected local artisan producers, including mulled apple juice, Christmas gift packs, Christmas bakes, home decorations and much more.

Cowdray – a unique country estate in the South Downs National Park – is offering late night shopping every Thursday in December, giving you a chance to relax and take your time looking for gifts, all while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a Cowdray mince pie. You’ll need to register online for your free ticket to these special late-night events.

Local businesses and crafters will be selling their goods at The North Star in Worthing on Saturday 10^th December, from 10am to 3pm. Donations will be made to local Chichester-based charity, Children on the Edge.

St Mary’s in Burgess Hill is raising funds for St Mary’s and St Peters & St James Hospice at its Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas Market, from Friday 9^th to Sunday 11^th December. Visitors will be treated to a market with food, drink, sparkling trees and music.

The Bolney Stage pub in Bolney Village is hosting its first Christmas market from noon to 4pm on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th December. Aside from local suppliers offering plenty of fantastic gift ideas, the barbeque will be fired up to offer some delicious food to accompany mulled wine and hot chocolate.

If you’re not feeling very festive yet, then the Marlipins Museum Christmas Fayre on Friday 9^th December might just get you in the mood! With mulled cider and homemade cakes on offer, a visit from Father Christmas himself and a performance from the Wellington Wailers Sea Shanty group, you’ll be feeling merry and bright in no time.

Beachy Head Story in Eastbourne is holding its first Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th December. Not only could you pick up some fabulously unique gifts, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy some carols from the Eastbourne Community Choir on the Saturday at 1pm.

With so many shopping options available, you can take your pick of all the festive offerings in this beautiful part of the country and really get in the mood for Christmas. Happy shopping!