A Guide to Christmas Shopping in Brighton
With a litany of independent shops, bookstores, second-hand outlets, antique shops, and markets, Brighton overwhelms the Christmas shopper. Take a look at our guide for some pointers
By Charlie Walker | Updated Oct 30 2024
The pressure we all put on ourselves this time of year… to appease almost everyone in our life, buying endless gifts with the knowledge that you may just not know what you are doing.
So rather than marauding aimlessly through thronging hoards of Brightonians, each desperately looking for stocking fillers and othersuch festive trinkets, you can take our recommendations of where to go to do Christmas shopping in Brighton this year:
Snoopers Paradise
7-8 Kensington Gdns, Brighton, BN1 4AL
In Christmas shopping for people whose tastes you don’t really know, Snoopers Paradise is the dream.
A multi-floor antique/vintage/second-hand shop in Kensington Gardens, Snoopers has got duplicates of things you didn’t even know existed.
Old records, cameras, vintage tins, walking sticks, dated kids toys, masks, football programmes going back to the mid-20th century. It is truly a paradise for snoopers, for the bargain bin warriors, but also the pop culture iconographers, those who cherish and preserved old marketing materials, print-outs, and collectibles.
It may not appeal to the early teen whose only concern for Santa Claus is his ability to drop Black Ops 6, but for the young ones, right to the very top, Snooper’s will have the perfect last-minute gift that gives the appearance of thoughtfulness and consideration.
Not only that, but because everything is second-hand, you’re not only catching pure bargains, but also helping with humanity’s growing waste problem by not buying new. Good for you.
Beyond Retro
23 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AD
A Brighton staple, catering fluently to the local population of indie sleazes, campsite marauders, and teenagers who wished they were born in the early 60s, Beyond Retro has long been the dominant vintage outlet in town.
The vibrant spot in North Laines is the go-to for students looking for a bargain, teenagers looking to fit in, and elders who are still down with the kids. Some retro clothing, some newly-made in retro style, you must keep a discerning eye for the truly retro stuff if purchasing for an older friend, relative, or well-wisher.
But whether you’re looking for stocking fillers, or thoughtful gifts to your child who has recently discovered Joy Division, Beyond Retro has enough to keep you in there for hours.
City Books
23 Western Road, BN3 1AF
If knick-knacks or vintage clothing don't appeal, a book is always a safe choice - and there’s no better place to scout out a good paperback (or hardback) than City Books.
This literary emporium is Brighton’s largest independent bookstore - and its most widely stocked. Sections include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, cooking, art, history, travel - pause for breath - fashion, biographies, business, and children’s books.
There’s almost nothing you cannot find in City Books. Join their list of venerable perusers (including Grayson Perry, Ranulph Fiennes and Jamie Oliver) and pick up a Penguin classic, or something more adventurous!
Kemptown Trading Post
28 St George's Road, Kemptown Village, BN2 1ED
Now here’s a basket of goodies for the undecided. If you can’t find a Christmas present at one of the many independent units at Kemptown Trading Post, just sack it off and get them a Lynx Africa.
Mainly containing outlets for second-hand or crafted clothing, you can throughout the trading post find a great variety of jewellery, up-cycled vintage crafts, antiques, collectibles, and even Tarot cards at Unit J.
Moreover, it’s just a fantastic place to explore and walk about during the Christmas shopping season. If you ever were in need of inspiration – or, indeed, a stylish men’s shirt (See Unit I) – then Kemptown can answer your calls.
Brighton's Christmas Makers Fair
Wagner Hall, Regency Road, BN1 2RT - December 14th and 15th - 10:30 - 16:00
It looks like the Brighton Christmas Market isn’t returning again this year, but there are a few other small Christmas markets dotted around the city, like the Christmas Makers Fare.
In the heart of Brighton, each year since the pandemic, Wagner Hall hosts a great spread of products made by local, independent, small businesses. Quality crafts across many diverse stalls, many handmade by those of the local community, this unique festive shopping experience hosts 85 exhibitors over the pre-Christmas weekend.
Entry is completely free, and there will be numerous food and drink options including home bakes and mulled wine. It may be a last-minute attempt at a Christmas gift, but it can also just be a great day activity to get you and yours into the festive spirit.
Brighton Christmas Artisan Market
Circus Street Market 10 Dec 2024 to 10 Dec 2024
Tis the season to shop local and sparkle bright at Brighton's Christmas Artisan Market.