Christmas In Rye

As the doors of our advent calendars countdown the days until Christmas, it is a magical time to visit the picturesque town of Rye. Dating back to Norman and Saxon times, this stunning medieval gem is at its very best at dusk, when the festive lights are turned on and the cobbled streets sparkle with a sprinkling of frost, so why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a Christmas in Rye.

Rye makes an evocative trip any time in winter. Beautiful and impressive architecture, curious nooks and delightful shops, accompanied by countless fantastic places to enjoy a pitstop by an open fire, making Rye an enchanting place to do a spot of festive shopping. But do make a date for the 12th December and enjoy Christmas In Rye; a whole day of festive spirit, gift hunting and indulgence, all wrapped up with the theme of Great Expectations.

On the 12th December the cobbled streets will echo with the sound of Father Christmas and his sleigh, pulled by reindeer and accompanied by pipers and drummers as they make their way through these enchanted streets to the Christmas market at Strand Quay for Christmas In Rye, here the smell of roasted chestnuts and glühwein will fill the air amongst an array of market stalls selling a range of Christmas gifts, hand-crafted goods and festive fayre, you can even visit the reindeer!

For those really wanting to get into the Christmas In Rye spirit, why not get your skates on and enjoy a spin around Rye’s very own ice rink, and then puffed out and rosy cheeked, enjoy a warming winter spiced hot chocolate at Knoops before exploring the treasures to be found within the citadel walls.

Unique gift shops, galleries and specialist stores make finding the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one easy and enjoyable and on 12th December many of the shops and Inns in Rye are putting on special festive fun, such as live music at The Standard Inn, Jazz and Joy at Rye Retreat and Book- Signing and Story Telling at The Rye Bookshop to name but a few happening during the Christmas In Rye event.

Food is an integral part of a great Christmas and rest assured you will certainly be eating well during your Christmas in Rye trip. From festival fayre at the Christmas market, tea and cake in one the many cosy tearooms, to great menus featuring local produce in one of many character-filled Inns or something special from Rye Deli to prepare your own meals in the comfort of a cosy cottage, you will be able to enjoy a festive feast to suit the whole family.

As you explore the side streets and lanes make sure you leave time to visit Rye’s most iconic landmark, St. Mary’s church, that has gazed over this town for centuries and complete your Christmas in Rye day with a candle lit whole community Christmas Carol Concert with warming mulled wine and mince pies.

Christmas in Rye will be full of magical moments, so don’t miss out on this beautiful winter wonderland.

We have limited availability for accommodation so don’t delay!