Chichester Festive Markets return to the city this December
Published 17:40 on 17 Nov 2025
Festive markets will be returning to North Street and East Street in Chichester city centre on two weekends in December.
Organised by Chichester District Council, the markets will take place on 6, 7, 13, and 14 December, with the Saturday markets running from 9am until 5pm, and the Sunday markets running from 10am until 4pm.
People will be able to find a range of unique gifts from a variety of traders with festive homewares, garden ornaments, special cheeses, gin, rum and liqueurs, honey mead, chocolate, jewellery, seasonal plants, natural skincare, original artwork and a range of handmade craft goods, all to browse whilst enjoying festive refreshments in the city centre.
Were thrilled to be bringing a festive market back to the city in the lead up to Christmas, says Councillor Harsha Desai, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Communications, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council.
Its the perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping and enjoy festive food and drink, all while taking in the citys ambience at this wonderful time of year. The city centre offers a fantastic variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants, and we encourage visitors to take the time to explore everything it has to offer.
As a council, we understand the vital role that all businesses play in shaping our local economy. We hope the festive market will not only create a lively and welcoming atmosphere, but also help attract increased footfall, complementing city traders and businesses in the lead up to Christmas.
In addition, were also leading a series of exciting events in Priory Park, to accompany the market and support other city centre events. Our festive programme includes a specially commissioned pantomime, magic shows, silent discos and a Live Performance Trail. This programme has been thoughtfully designed to support local businesses, attract more visitors to our beautiful city, and create joyful, memorable experiences for people of all ages to enjoy together.
You can start getting into the Christmas spirit with The Chichester BIDs (Business Improvement District) annual lights switch-on on Saturday 22 November at 5pm, outside the Assembly Rooms on North Street. And while youre there, enjoy a pop-up street food market and entertainment. We are also pleased to be working in partnership with the BID, Chichester City Council and Chichester Cathedral for the Let It Glow: Chichesters Magical Winter Illumination event which runs 821 December.
The Novium Museum, Chichester Cathedral, Pallant House Gallery, and Chichester Festival Theatre are also running their own events and activities, so make sure you check their websites. You can find more events across the Chichester District this Christmas period at: www.chichester.gov.uk/whatson, and by following our Chichester District Events and Markets pages on Facebook and Instagram.
For more council-related Christmas information head to our Countdown to Christmas pages:www.chichester.gov.uk/countdow...
People can stay up to date with events and activities across the district by signing up to the initiatives+ email newsletter: www.chichester.gov.uk/newsaler...
