A winter fair complete with wreath workshops and the chance to meet Santa and his elves is returning to Sussex.

The event is coming back to the South of England Showground in Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, later this year.

It is described as the perfect opportunity for people to begin their Christmas preparations while enjoying a fun-filled day with family and friends.

The Winter Fair features an array of shopping stalls from local and independent traders.

Visitors can also indulge in gourmet pies, cheeses, wines, handcrafted Christmas treats, and more, making it the perfect place to stock up on seasonal delicacies.

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For those looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit, the Winter Fair offers a host of hands-on workshops and activities including chocolate workshops where youngsters can decorate Christmas shapes, Santa’s Grotto and willow weaving.

These activities cost extra on top of the entry ticket which is £8.55 for adults and £7.20 for senior citizens or students. Children under 16 go free.

There will also be live music performances and the children’s fairground and capture a family photo in the giant snow globe.

The fair will also feature face painting, mini ride-on trains, and the chance to witness birds of prey up close.

Plans for the festive season are starting to emerge across Sussex.

Chichester District Council has allocated funding for nine days of Christmas events at The Guildhall in Priory Park.

The schedule includes arts and crafts, musical performances and silent discos, as well as a short pantomime written and produced by two local actors.

In Ditchling, an exhibition about the life and work of The Snowman author Raymond Briggs will stay open until Christmas.

Near Haywards Heath, the Bluebell Railway has announced a number of Golden Arrow lunches and dinners this December for guests to get into the festive spirit.

The railway's Pullman cars Christine, Fingall and Car 54 - a new accessible carriage - will recreate the once famous Golden Arrow service between London and Paris.

The journey will last three and a half hours and passengers can enjoy a three-course festive meal.