Brighton & Hove’s Artists Open Houses Winter Festival returns, offering a unique alternative to online and high-street Christmas shopping and commercial Christmas markets
Artists Open Houses Winter Festival returns, with artists’ homes, studios and creative spaces set to open across Brighton & Hove and beyond over 28–29 November, 5–6 & 12–13 December 2026
For anyone looking to step away from online shopping, crowded high streets and commercial Christmas markets, Artists Open Houses Winter Festival offers a more personal way to find Christmas gifts. Visitors can discover original, handmade pieces, meet the people who created them, buy directly from artists and makers and support independent creatives.
But Artists Open Houses Winter Festival is about much more than Christmas shopping. Exploring the houses is a festive activity in its own right, a chance to spend a winter weekend discovering different corners of Brighton & Hove, stepping inside artists’ homes and studios and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. Many venues add to the festive experience with mince pies and a glass of something mulled along the way.
Judy Stevens, Artists Open Houses Festival Director, said:
“Artists Open Houses Winter Festival is a chance to enjoy Christmas in a more creative and personal way. Instead of scrolling online or heading to the high street, you can spend the day exploring Brighton & Hove, discovering wonderful art and handmade gifts and meeting the people who actually make the work.
“We hope people will make a day of it, bring friends and family, explore a new part of the city, stop for something mulled along the way and enjoy the Open Houses as part of their Christmas traditions. And when you find something you love, you’re supporting an independent artist or maker directly.”
Visitors can browse all participating houses, discover artists and plan their routes at aoh.org.uk, and follow @artistsopenhouses on social media for artist highlights and festival updates.
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