Family fun

Feeling festive at the South of England Winter Fair 2026

Let the countdown to Christmas begin at the ever-popular Winter Fair, held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, on Saturday 21st November (9am–5pm) and Sunday 22nd November (9am–4pm) 2026. Packed with festive shopping, delicious seasonal treats and entertainment for the whole family, this two-day event offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the magic of the season.

Kickstart your Christmas shopping with artisan makers and independent retailers from across the south east and beyond, showcasing a variety of unique Christmas gifts. From handcrafted decorations and luxury cashmere to natural skincare, bespoke jewellery and thoughtful stocking fillers, there will be plenty of inspiration for every Christmas list. Meanwhile, food and drink lovers can stock up on festive favourites, with stalls offering award-winning cheeses, gourmet pies, seasonal bakes, preserves and a tempting selection of local and artisan wines and spirits.

Visitors can also get into the Christmas spirit at one of our hands-on workshops and activities (additional fees may apply), including:

CHOCOLATE WORKSHOPS: Hosted by The Chocolate Genie, these drop-in sessions offer young and old alike the chance to get creative with Belgian chocolate.

SANTA’S GROTTO: Young visitors can meet Father Christmas in a magical, festive setting that’s perfect for memorable family photos.

ELF WORKSHOPS: Join Mistletoe the Elf for free interactive 45-minute sessions of festive storytelling, singing, crafts, Christmas games and a letter-writing activity to Santa.

GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOPS: Guided by White Rabbit Gallery, visitors can experience the art of glassblowing while creating their own unique Christmas bauble to take home.

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS: Run by My Little Flower Boutique, let your imagination run wild crafting a beautiful festive wreath using evergreen foliage, dried orange slices, fir cones and ribbons.

Away from the shopping and workshops, families can soak up live music performances, visit the children’s fairground, step inside the giant snow globe for a memorable Christmas photo, and meet the famous Watermill Wolves, stars of television and film.

Commenting on the 2026 Winter Fair, Corrie Ince, Show Director at the South of England Agricultural Society, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome visitors back to the Winter Fair for another year. Offering quality shopping, delicious festive food and interactive experiences, the event offers something for everyone while providing a fantastic opportunity to support independent and local businesses. Every ticket purchased also helps fund the work of our charity, inspiring young people to learn about countryside industries and consider potential careers as well as professional development for those training or working in the sector.”

Tickets for the Winter Fair 2026 are available now at www.seas.org.uk/winter-fair/. Entry is priced at £9.45 for adults and £8.10 for senior citizens/students (including a 10% online discount available until midnight on 13^th November 2026). Children under 16 go free (a suggested donation of £2). Please note that due to the high number of indoor areas, this event is not recommended for dogs.