Christmas Markets

Looking for the best Christmas markets in South East England in 2026? From the award-winning Winchester Christmas Market and Southampton Christmas Market to festive artisan fairs in Kent, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight, there's no shortage of magical festive shopping experiences. Whether you're searching for handmade gifts, Christmas food and drink, festive entertainment or family-friendly days out, our guide showcases some of the best Christmas markets across the South East. 

As Christmas approaches, towns and cities across South East England are transformed into festive wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, artisan stalls and seasonal entertainment. From historic cathedral settings and grand country estates to charming town centres and creative markets, these Christmas markets offer everything from handmade gifts and stocking fillers to festive food, mulled wine and family attractions. Whether you're planning a festive day out in Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Berkshire, Oxfordshire or the Isle of Wight, our guide highlights some of the best Christmas markets in South East England for 2026.

Best Christmas Markets in 2026

• Southampton Christmas Market
  Location: Above Bar & Guildhall, Southampton, Hampshire
  Dates: 12 November 2026 - 27 December 2026
  Visit Southampton Christmas Market on Above Bar and Guildhall Square, and enjoy a wide range of tasty treats and live entertainment. There will also be children's rides, including a traditional horse carousel, festive bars stocked with tasty hot chocolates and hot mulled cider, and special gifts from a selection of vendors.
• Blenheim Palace
  Location: The Great Court, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
  Dates: 13 November 2026 - 3 January 2027
  The seasonal village of wooden chalets offers everything from inspired Christmas gift ideas to tasty treats, and if you have worked up an appetite, there is a tempting selection of street food stalls to share with loved ones under the stars.
• Reading Christmas Market
  Location: Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire
  Dates: 14 November - 3 January 2027
  Experience the festive atmosphere of this Berkshire Christmas Market, with seasonal shopping, delicious food, unique gifts and Christmas cheer in the heart of Reading.
• Winchester Christmas Market
  Location: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire
  Dates: 20 November 2026 - 22  December 2026
  Head to Winchester this Christmas for one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, with its bustling atmosphere, stunning location, and handpicked high-quality stalls - its ideal for a festive day out.

More Christmas Markets Across South East England

• Maison Dieu Christmas Market
  Location: Dover Town Centre, Dover, Kent
  Dates: 7 - 8 November 2026
  Coming for the first time to the historic Maison Dieu in the centre of Dover, this two-day local makets market supports local makers and small businesses in and around Kent.
• Folkestone Festive Market Place
  Location: Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone, Kent
  Dates: 13 November - 24 December 2026
  Returning for its sixth year, the Harbour Arm will be filled with independent makers, crafters and producers from in and around Kent, with festive films, snow, live music and delicious food to get everyone in the festive spirit - a great Christmas market in Kent.
• Christmas Gift Market
  Location: Rare Breed Centre, Ashford, Kent
  Dates: 14 - 15 November 2026
  Full of rustic charm, with twinkling lights, the Rare Breed Centre Christmas Market offers visitors the chance to find something special this Christmas.
• West Dean Christmas Market
  Location: West Dean Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex
  Dates: 27 - 28 November 2026
  Enjoy the magical setting of West Dean House and lawn with live music, carol singing and creative taster sessions, along with the chance to pick up personalised gifts with calligraphy, embossing or engraving. 
• Festive Creative Weekend Market
  Location: Hotwalls Studios, Portsmouth, Hampshire
  Dates: 28 - 29 November & 5 - 6 December 2026
  With 50 plus traders, festive lights, a Christmas tree, wooden chalets, the Hotwalls Studios festive market is set to be the best one yet with curated gift items, creative workshops and a wide range of work for sale.
• Christmas in Little Chelsea
  Location: Grove Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex
  Dates: 4 December 2026
  There will be live music, handmade craft stalls, a host of exciting street performances and opening parade, plus the day will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 8pm.
• Milestones Museum
  Location: Leisure Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire
  Dates: 5 - 6 December 2026
  Set amongst the cobbled streets of Milestones, this indoor Christmas market is one of the most distinctive Hampshire Christmas Market experiences, welcoming over 40 stalls filled with handmade crafts, unique gifts and seasonal treats.
• I Love Wight Festive Market
  Location: Garlic Farm, Newchurch, Isle of Wight
  Dates: 5 - 6 December 2026
  On top of the I Love Wight pop up shop, the two-day Garlic Farm Christmas market will be full of artisan craft stalls, music, food and drink and of course garlic!
• Cookham Christmas Market
  Location: Cookham High Street, Cookham, Berkshire
  Dates: 6 December 2026
  The Annual Cookham Christmas Street Fair is returning on Sunday 6 December, highlight of the local calendar with stalls lining the High Street with art, crafts and handmade gifts along with seasonal treats, fun fair rides and carols.

Festive Shopping Events and Christmas Inspiration

Looking for even more Christmas shopping inspiration? Alongside traditional Christmas markets, South East England is home to a variety of festive shopping events, seasonal workshops, gift fairs and Christmas demonstrations. From wreath-making classes and Christmas tree decorating workshops to festive styling talks and artisan shopping events, these experiences are perfect for finding unique gifts and getting into the festive spirit. 

Find Christmas Markets and Festive Events Near You

Browse our full events guide below to find Christmas markets and festive events in Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight, and plan the perfect festive day out.