Christmas shopping in Rye is not like Christmas shopping in other towns. In fact it is not like Christmas shopping at all – it’s a real pleasure. Visitors can park for just £2 a day at The Cattle Market, in addition there is some free parking at council carparks in December, and when your feet begin to ache there are plenty of cosy tea shops in which to relax and re-energise with a nice slab of homemade cake and a pot of tea (you deserve it after all).
Rye is a charming medieval town, the festively lit High Street and winding lanes are crammed with interesting shops with beautiful Christmas window displays like this one with delightful illustrations by Evie May Adams at homewear shop Hunter Jones
We have lifestyle and gift shops like Ethel Loves Me and Lola & SiDney and Forget-Me-Not and apparel shops like Eddie Franks, W.J. Bennett and Marsha by the Sea , Niche and Cordelia James.
Rye Christmas Festival 2019 takes place on 7th and 8th December when the town comes alive with lots of drop in events, street performers, fairground rides, craft workshops, a Christmas market and, of course, Father Christmas, who will be arriving by horse and cart around 10:30am on the 7th December and then welcoming children to his grotto during the weekend.
Other events during the festival include an Elf Academy, a pantomime and story telling sessions for primary aged children at Ethel Loves Me on Sunday 8th, which are free but booking is advised.
…. and to make the weekend special … book a relaxing getaway at The Salty Dog or Rock Lobster our award winning cottages three miles from Rye at Camber Sands.
