Eastbourne Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Celebrate the holidays at the Eastbourne Christmas Market 2025, set against the town’s picturesque seafront. With a mix of festive shopping, delicious bites, and cheerful entertainment, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the spirit of Christmas and create memorable moments by the coast.
The best Christmas Markets in Eastbourne for 2025
1. Eastbourne Town Centre Christmas Market & Lights Switch-On 2025
The Eastbourne Town Centre Christmas Market runs alongside the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the seaside town. Expect around 40 stalls offering seasonal food, handmade gifts, winter drinks, and family-friendly entertainment. Live performances, a torchlit procession, and festive music build up to the big switch-on moment, creating a warm and lively Christmas atmosphere.
- Opening date: 9 November 2025 (Market from 9:00am, Lights Switch-On at 6:00pm)
- Location: Bankers Corner & Terminus Road, Eastbourne Town Centre, BN21
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: The nearest bus stops include Terminus Road (served by routes 1, 1A, 3, 5, 12, 12A, 12X, 51, 54), all within a short walking distance.
- By Train: Eastbourne Station is a 5–7 minute walk from Terminus Road and is served by Southern Rail services from Brighton, London Victoria, and Hastings.
- Opening date: 13 December 2025 (9:30am – 1:00pm)
- Location: Outside Towner Eastbourne, Devonshire Quarter, College Road, Eastbourne BN21 4JJ
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By train: Eastbourne Station is about a 15-minute walk, with regular Southern Rail services from across Sussex.
- By bus: The nearest stops include Devonshire Park (served by routes 3, 3A, and LOOP), just a few minutes’ walk away.
- Opening date: 14 December 2025 (12:00pm – 4:00pm)
- Location: The Belgian Café, 11–13 Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YN
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By train: From the Eastbourne Station, the cafe is a 12–15 minute walk.
- By bus: The nearest stops include Grand Parade (served by routes 12, 12A, 12X, and LOOP).
- Opening date: 29 November 2025 (11:00am – 4:00pm)
- Location: St Wilfrid’s Hospice, 1 Broadwater Way, Eastbourne BN22 9PZ
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By train: Hampden Park Station is the closest, around a 20–25 minute walk.
- By bus: Routes 1, 1A, and LOOP stop near Broadwater Way, within walking distance of the hospice.
- Explore Eastbourne Pier: A classic stroll out onto the iconic Victorian pier, with cafés and festive pop-up stalls adding to the charm.
- Visit Towner Eastbourne Gallery: Discover regional and contemporary art in one of the South East’s premier art destinations.
- Relax at Eastbourne Bandstand: Enjoy seasonal live music or simply soak up the atmospheric architecture of this seaside bandstand.
- Walk the Seven Sisters & Beachy Head cliffs: Breathtaking winter coastal hikes with spectacular sea views and fresh air.
- Catch a show at Devonshire Park or Congress Theatre: Choose from festive concerts, pantomimes or seasonal performances at these historic venues.
2. Eastbourne Christmas Farmers Market
The Eastbourne Christmas Farmers Market outside Towner offers a cosy festive shopping experience, showcasing local produce, artisan goods, baked treats, handmade crafts, and seasonal food. It’s a charming, community-focused market ideal for picking up unique gifts while enjoying a friendly Christmas atmosphere.
3. Christmas Gift Market at The Belgian Café (Eastbourne Seafront)
This small but festive Christmas Gift Market offers a selection of handmade crafts, seasonal gifts, artisanal items, and independent sellers. Held at the popular Belgian Café on the Eastbourne seafront, it’s ideal for picking up unique presents in a relaxed coastal setting.
4. St Wilfrid’s Hospice Christmas Fair 2025 (Near Eastbourne)
This festive charity fair offers handmade gifts, crafts, wreath-making, pottery painting, seasonal food, and family activities, including a Christmas grotto for children. It’s one of the most popular community holiday events in the area.
Decorations
Eastbourne's Christmas Market is a feast for the eyes, with elegant light installations draping the high street in a warm, festive glow. A towering Christmas tree often takes centre stage, bedecked with sparkling baubles and fairy lights, creating a charming focal point for family photos. Scattered throughout the market, seasonal ornaments, wreaths and thematic displays enhance the festive ambience, perfectly capturing the spirit of Christmas in the UK .
Best Activities to do
While the full schedule for 2025 is still to be announced, festive fun in Eastbourne usually centres around the market itself. Previous years have featured delightful activities such as live carol performances, ice-skating rinks and appearances by Santa in his grotto - all nestled among the market stalls. Stay tuned here for the latest updates on what’s planned this December!
Food to try
At the Eastbourne Christmas Market, you can expect to find a mouth-watering array of festive treats. Mulled wine and spiced cider will warm you as you browse, while the alluring aromas of roasted chestnuts, gourmet hot dogs, and artisanal mince pies tempt at every turn. Don't miss local delicacies like Sussex cheese and freshly baked Christmas stollen, perfect for savouring while enjoying the live entertainment .
Shopping
The market offers a wonderful selection of handcrafted gifts and seasonal keepsakes. Look out for beautifully crafted ceramics, bespoke jewellery, festive wreaths and hand-knit scarves - ideal for thoughtful UK-made presents. It's also a great opportunity to support local artisans by picking up unique homeware items, wooden toys, and festive décor that capture the charm of Eastbourne.
Tips
Do stalls accept card payments or is it cash-only?
Most stalls now accept card payments, including contactless, but it's still wise to carry some cash just in case - especially for smaller or independent traders who may have signal issues or minimum spend limits.
What should I wear to the market?
Layers are your best bet, as Eastbourne can be brisk in December with chilly coastal breezes. Comfortable footwear is also recommended, especially if you plan to walk through the town or stand for performances.
Where to stay in Eastbourne?
When planning your festive getaway, it’s best to stay close to the Christmas Market to make the most of the atmosphere and evening illuminations. Check this page regularly for exclusive hotel discounts and seasonal packages available near Terminus Road and the seafront. Many local hotels include festive perks, making them perfect for a cosy, convenient stay.
Other things to do while in Eastbourne
Eastbourne offers a variety of activities beyond the enchanting Christmas markets: