A traditional Christmas market is coming to Valley Gardens in Brighton city centre, directly opposite the Royal Pavilion. It is the first event to be held at the city's new public space, and it runs every day from 26 November to 27 December 2026.
Quick facts
Opens: Thursday 26 November 2026.
Closes: Sunday 27 December 2026.
Hours: every day, 12 noon to 9pm.
Where: Valley Gardens, Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1EN, directly opposite the Royal Pavilion.
What is there: Christmas craft stalls, hot food and drinks, and live music on selected dates.
Facilities: refreshments and takeaway food are available.
What will be at the market
Craft stalls: Christmas gifts, decorations and handcrafted treats from local and independent traders.
Hot drinks: hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Hot food: a Bavarian grill.
Sweet treats: cheese and dessert cabins.
Live music: on selected dates through the run.
Brighton and Hove City Council describes it as a small traditional Christmas market, giving residents and visitors another reason to spend time in the city over the festive season.
Plan your visit
Getting there: Valley Gardens sits in the city centre beside the Old Steine, on the route between the Royal Pavilion, the shopping areas and the seafront.
Make a day of it: the council says the central, well-connected spot makes it easy to combine the market with Christmas shopping in the city centre, a walk along the seafront or a visit to the Royal Pavilion.
Skating: there is no ice rink this winter. The council says the rink will return to a new venue at the Old Steine for Christmas 2027. We explain why in Brighton Ice Rink Moves to the Old Steine in 2027, but There Is No Rink This Winter.
What the council said
Councillor David McGregor, the council's Cabinet member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said the market would make good use of the city's newest public space.
The central and well-connected location will help to draw visitors to the city centre where they can easily get to the seafront, shopping areas and attractions to eat, drink and spend time.
He added that the council looks forward to hosting many more events at Valley Gardens throughout next year.
About the new Valley Gardens space
The market follows the official opening of the third and final phase of the Valley Gardens project in October. Our full report, with before and after pictures, is Valley Gardens 3 Officially Opens in Brighton.
The dates, times and details above are from Brighton and Hove City Council's announcement of 4 November 2026, Welcoming a Christmas market to Valley Gardens.
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