Artists Open Houses Winter Festival Returns to 70 Venues Across Brighton and Hove
The Artists Open Houses Winter Festival will open artist studios and homes across Brighton and Hove for three weekends this November and December, featuring handmade gifts and creative spaces.
Festival returns for festive season
The Artists Open Houses Winter Festival is returning to Brighton and Hove this year with 70 participating venues opening their doors to the public. The event will run across three weekends: 28 to 29 November, 5 to 6 December and 12 to 13 December 2026.
The festival invites visitors to explore artists' homes, studios and creative spaces across the city. Participants can browse and purchase original paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and prints whilst meeting the artists and makers behind the work.
Exploring venues across the city
The event spans multiple areas of Brighton and Hove, running across Hove, Portslade, Shoreham, Fiveways, Seven Dials, Ovingdean, Pyecombe, Ditchling and Kemptown. Participating venues include some unusual locations this year, with Shoreham Airport hosting an exhibition called HIGH LIFE! exploring themes of flight and imagination.
Other highlights include BAS 106: De/Frost in Hove, a group show of established and emerging artists held in a former refrigeration company.
A different approach to Christmas
Festival director Judy Stevens 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."
Stevens added: "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."
Many venues offer seasonal refreshments during the weekends, creating a festive atmosphere as visitors explore.
Planning your visit
A full list of participating venues is available at aoh.org.uk. Visitors can also follow @artistsopenhouses on social media to plan routes, view participating venues and find artist highlights.
The festival brochure cover for 2026 features Cats' Christmas, a playful illustration by festival director Judy Stevens inspired by her own pet.
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