23rd and 24th November 2024 – South of England Showground, Ardingly
4 stars
The Winter Fair at The South of England Showground in Ardingly is a festive day out that brings all the Christmas magic under one roof, mostly.
Even with the bad rain and wind, the event is still a success as the majority of the fun happens indoors with just a quick wander outside between areas.
The Winter Fair is packed with activities for families, starting with a giant snow globe that’s as much fun to jump into as it is for snapping photos. Children were buzzing with excitement at the Elf Workshop where they sang songs, coloured Christmas tree decorations and wrote their letters to Santa.
Santa’s Grotto is also a must visit. For £5, the little ones get to meet the man himself who is as charming as you’d hope, with a gift for every child.
Foodies are spoilt for choice with street food stalls offering everything from burgers and chips to Thai curries and indulgent hog roasts. It’s impossible not to find something that hits the spot in the cold weather.
The artisan market is a treasure trove of unique gifts, handmade goodies and local treats, making it ideal for last-minute Christmas shopping.
For those in a creative mood, the wreath-making and chocolate-decorating workshops add an interactive twist, letting visitors take home their own festive creations.
There’s also a funfair for kids which adds to the lively atmosphere along with live music from local performers singing seasonal favourites.
While the ticket price gets you access to the event, extras like Santa’s Grotto, crafting workshops and the funfair require an additional spend which might stretch the budget for some families.
That aside, it’s a fun way to spend the day. With festive cheer, good food and plenty to see and do, the Winter Fair sets the scene for a proper Christmas countdown.
