Don't miss the last weekend of the Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses Christmas festival on the 15th/16th December (generally from 11am-6pm but check individual venues) The festival offers an array of work from contemporary and original local artists and makers. Follow the Open Houses Christmas trail to discover unique and unusual Christmas gifts for friends, family or for yourself. Choose from the host of beautiful handcrafted objects: jewellery, furniture, ceramics, textiles, clothing as well as some out of the ordinary artworks and objects, to suit everyone's taste and budget. The Artist Open Houses Christmas festival offers visitors the opportunity to buy original and exceptional arts and crafts from the best local and national artists and makers, to chat to the artists in the warmth and comfort of their homes and to browse the work whilst sampling home made mince pies and glasses of hot mulled wine. As well as Christmas cards, wreaths, calendars, stockings and handmade tree decorations, homemade preserves, bunting, gingerbread and cake stands, you'll find a wealth of extraordinary things. Look out for newspaper jewellery, shabby chic furniture, ceramic dressing bottles, shrines to the found object, millinery and hosiery, angel winged cups, Korean Hanji art, hubcap creations, top shelf piggy banks, tea lights with snuffers, strange beasts, exotic air-borne people, a snowflake tearoom installation and live shadow puppetry. Meet artists' cats Doris and Dolly or take part in printing your own Christmas cards and design your own badges. At the Artists Open Houses at Christmas, there really is something to be found for everyone. Don’t forget to visit www.aoh.org.uk where you can find out more about the Artists Open Houses. You will also find links to many of the artists’ and makers’ own websites. AOH Xmas Festival 2012 printed brochures are now available citywide, in cafes, bars and shops as well as at Brighton and Hove libraries, museums and stations. Copies are also available at all Open House venues from the start of the festival. Or you can download and print out a copy of the brochure by visiting the AOH website: http://www.aoh.org.uk AOH Printed Xmas Brochure 2012 Venue opening times vary and be sure to check individual listings although the most popular times are between 11am and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The majority of houses are ordinary homes and may not have disabled access. Please also check individual listings and take a look at our 'disabled access' section on the AOH website if applicable. Finally, do remember to bring your cheque books or cash as most houses are unable to accept plastic!