Brighton Christmas Market 2026 Dates and What’s On

Brighton already has one of the best independent shopping scenes in the country, between The Lanes and the North Laine, and the Brighton Christmas Market slots in as a natural extension of that. It’s smaller and more personal than the big city markets, and the combination of seafront air and a compact, browsable layout makes for a relaxed day out.

Brighton Christmas Market 2026

Dates and Location

Status: Expected, based on previous years
Brighton dates: 15th November to 24th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Visit Brighton

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Location: St Peter’s Plaza and Richmond Square.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 8pm.
Friday: 12pm to 10pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 10pm.
Food and bar stalls close at 11pm daily.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Admission: Free.
Brighton Panto: TBA – 23rd to 30th December 2026 (unconfirmed). Book tickets.
Lights switch-on: 12th November 2026 at Shelter Hall, 6pm to 9pm (unconfirmed). Full details.
Santa: Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion.
Ice skating: Royal Pavilion Ice Rink: 24th October to 4th January 2027 (unconfirmed). Book online.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: See the beautiful lights at The Lanes and Valley Gardens, go skating at the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink and relax at the Apres Ski Lodge.
Recommended tour: Royal Pavilion Admission Ticket – Skip the line with this ticket to Brighton’s most popular attraction.
Specialities: Products from artisan bakers, markers, brewers, distillers and confectioners. There are also several charity chalets.
Where to stay: Blok-74 located in The Lanes, just across from Brighton Beach.

Convenient Hotels

The incredibly popular Brighton Lanes is where you’ll find some of the best independent boutique stores in the country and a huge variety of places to eat out or go for a drink. This is where I recommend staying when in Brighton.

I suggest staying at Blok-74, located right in The Lanes, across from Brighton Beach, and just 8 minutes from the famous Royal Pavilion.

Event Location

What to Expect

During Christmas in Brighton, there’s a huge focus on live entertainment, street artists and buskers, adding to the warm and lively atmosphere that Brighton is known for.

An alternative festive option in Sussex is Glow Wild at Wakehurst. Full details are here.

To find a traditional alternative to Brighton’s events, my guide to the best UK Christmas markets can help you decide where to go.

Food Specialties

• Sussex Pond Pudding: Not your typical street food, but a traditional Brighton treat. It’s a steamed dessert packed with a whole lemon and rich buttery sugar, all encased in pastry. As you cut into it, the golden syrup spills out like a pond – hence the name.
• Fish and Chips: Choose your favourite from local fish coated in crispy batter and served alongside hot chips. Typically served wrapped in paper, they make for a warming, easy-to-carry snack as you wander the stalls.
• Pierogi: Delicious Polish dumplings filled with a variety of stuffings like sauerkraut, mushrooms, meat, or cheese. Sweet versions are available too.
• Mulled Wine: No Christmas market would be complete without a warming cup of mulled wine. Steeped with spices like cloves, star anise, and cinnamon and served piping hot, it warms you up as you shop and take in the atmosphere.
• Brighton Rock Candy: An enduring symbol of Brighton, these traditional stick candies are a fun treat. They come in a rainbow of colours and flavours, often with the name “Brighton” running all the way through.
• Vegan Treats: Brighton is renowned for its vegan scene, so it’s no surprise to find a diverse range of vegan snacks. Look for vegan doughnuts, artisanal vegan cheeses, and plant-based pies.

What to Buy

• Brighton Artwork: It’s easy to spot the creativity of Brighton’s local artists in their unique prints and illustrations. You can pick up pieces that depict iconic Brighton landmarks, fun seaside-themed cartoons, or abstract designs that showcase the city’s character.
• Jewellery: Many stalls and shops in the Lanes carry handcrafted jewellery, from simple pendants to intricate bracelets.
• Sussex Wines and Beers: Look no further for the perfect gift for those who prefer liquid gifts. Brighton shops sell locally produced Sussex wines and craft beers.
• Vintage Clothing: As befits Brighton’s eclectic style, stalls sell carefully selected vintage clothing. These items range from classic coats to retro dresses, each piece a little bit of fashion history.
• Ethically Sourced Cosmetics: The stalls sell ethically sourced cosmetics and skincare products that are locally made and cruelty-free.

Sustainable Travel Tips

• Public Transport and Cycling: Brighton & Hove Buses provide frequent services across the city. For a more active alternative, Brighton’s comprehensive network of cycle lanes makes it one of the UK’s most bike-friendly cities. The city also has a bike-sharing scheme, BTN BikeShare, an excellent option for short journeys or a leisurely cycle along the seafront.
• Eating Sustainably: Brighton excels in catering to sustainable diets, with restaurants and cafes offering locally sourced options, as well as vegetarian and vegan choices.
• Cutting Down on Food Waste: Be mindful of food waste when dining out or shopping at the markets. Buy only what you know you’ll eat, and consider sharing larger restaurant dishes to prevent leftovers. For your shopping, the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership runs a directory of places where you can donate unneeded food items, which helps support the local community and reduce waste.
• Shopping Ethically: Brighton places a strong emphasis on ethical shopping, with numerous independent shops and market stalls offering fair-trade and locally made products. Look for the Fair Trade Brighton & Hove logo when shopping to ensure your purchases support fair wages and working conditions.
• Choosing Accommodation Wisely: Where you stay can also contribute to your sustainable visit. Many hotels in Brighton have strong environmental policies and use renewable energy sources. They actively promote water and energy conservation and have systems in place to minimise waste.
• Low-Impact Activities: Brighton offers plenty of low-impact activities. Walking on the beach, hiking in the South Downs National Park, or exploring the city’s history at Brighton Museum are all great ways to enjoy your stay while limiting environmental harm.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.