Eight of the best Christmas markets in this year

Nothing feels more Christmassy than strolling round a Christmas market with the smell of mulled wine in the air as you browse unique and handcrafted gifts for your loved ones.

Last week Brighton and Hove was named as one of the top ten cities in the country for Christmas shopping, so we have put together a list of some of the best festive markets across the county. From fluttering snow, artisan foods, real donkeys, zero waste gifts and Olaf the snowman, there will be something in the selection box for everyone.

Zero Waste Christmas Market

The Old Market, Hove

December 15, 11am - 6pm.

The largest sustainable Christmas market in the South.

Get all your last-minute shopping done with festive must-haves that don't cost the Earth.

There will be 43 unique, independent, zero-waste brands dedicated to the environment.

Lots of cool brands, great workshops and mulled wine served from The Old Market’s bar.

Brighton Christmas Artisan food market

Brighthelm Centre

December 14, 1am - 4pm.

The largest Christmas craft and street food market in Brighton.

Inside will be packed with up to 40 local artists and makers selling a wonderful mix of artisan crafty gifts and handmade wares.

From stocking fillers to quality bespoke gifts. Outside you’ll find a bustling street food market, with dishes from across the world including vegan options.

There will be live festive performances throughout the day, with special visits from Olaf, Santa and his elves.

The artisan cafe will be serving delicious homemade cakes, bakes and hot drinks, 10% of all hot drinks sales will be going to Chestnut Tree House children's hospice.

Lewes Artists and Makers fair

Lewes Town Hall

December 7 10am-5pm

Local artists and makers will be selling unique gifts and crafts.

There will be a mixture of new and old craftspeople.

The annual contemporary arts and craft fair offers a chance to purchase contemporary design, craft and art from highly original local makers and designers across all media.

With jewellery, furniture, ceramics, textiles, and clothing the fair offers beautiful handcrafted objects to suit everyone's taste and budget.

The University of Sussex Christmas tree lights switch-on and Christmas market

Library Square, Falmer

December 6 midday -7pm.

Students, staff and alumni are invited to join the Students’ Union as they switch on the Sussex Christmas tree lights from 4pm.

Sussex Food will also be holding their annual Christmas Market from 12pm in Library Square. Find the perfect Christmas gifts and festive food, raising money for the children’s charity Rockinghorse and the Injured Players Foundation.

There will be complimentary mince pies and mulled wine for all.

There will also be performances from Sussex societies including Big Band.

All proceeds go to support creativity at Western Road School.

The Fairy Tale Fair

Brighton Open Market

Sunday, December 8, 11am- 4pm

The Fairy Tale Fair returns to Brighton Open Market.

The market features more than 60 talented local makers, artists and creatives.

A great place to shop local and handmade this Christmas and get one off unique gifts you won’t find on the high street.

There will also be face painting by Tick Boom Face Painting all day and some yummy home baked treat stalls, as well as the markets wonderful permanent cafes and shops.

Entertainment and special guests include a Christmas choir, singers, and visits from Elsa, Olaf and Cinderella.

Picture: Candfloss and Bow Ties Photography

Petworth Christmas Market

Petworth Market Square and Leconfield Hal

December 7, 11am-8pm.

The Market Square and Leconfield Hall will be filled with stalls.

Entertainment includes singers, local choirs from schools and choral societies, the Town Band, Father Christmas, lantern making and parade, buskers, magician and funfair.

There is also a live nativity with Darcy the donkey which travels from St Mary’s Church down Lombard Street and into Market Square. The shops stay open until 8 pm and there is a shop window competition and live window displays.

The Christmas tree lights will be switched on at 6pm with community carol singing lead by the local churches.

The Sussex Snowdrop Trust which provides nursing car at home for terminally ill children will be selling Christmas Cards and raising funds.

New England Studios Christmas Open House

New England House

December 6, 7 and 8. 11-6pm

A once a year opportunity for visitors to buy unique gifts directly from the artists and makers and enjoy an alternative to high street Christmas shopping.

The annual Christmas event is now in its 21st consecutive year.

The eight story brutalist building opened in 1963 it is the worlds first purpose built high rise industrial business centre. It is now the vibrant home to a variety of organisations from digital media companies to magazines, from a French bakery to life drawing and ceramics.

Artists and makers on four floors will be exhibiting and selling ceramics, textiles, fashion and accessories, children's and baby wear; jewellery; paintings, illustrations, sculpture, greetings cards and stationery, tree decorations, stocking fillers and lots more.

Picture: Artist Heike Roesel at work.

Magical Winter Wonderland

Marina Square, Brighton Marina

December 20-24, 12pm – 6pm.

Touch the snow, meet the characters, taste the treats and watch the performers.

Brighton Marina is presenting a free, fully immersive experience for the whole family inspired by festive films Frozen and Narnia.

Marina Square will be transformed into a world of fantasy where visitors will be able to walk through the wardrobe and into a Frozen world.

Children can interact with princesses, snowmen, lions, and Ice Queens.

Have their photo taken, enjoy tea with a faun, sit on the sleigh, pin the carrot nose on the snowman and dress up as their favourite character.

There will be snow machines, food and drink stalls selling hot chocolate, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts.

There will be performances and music from bands and choirs plus a raffle with great prizes.

Picture: Tim Henson of The Argus Camera Club