Looking for the best festive dining experiences in Sussex this Christmas and New Year? From Michelin-starred dining and vineyard restaurants to Christmas afternoon teas and luxury New Year's Eve celebrations, Sussex offers memorable experiences for foodies. Whether you're planning a winter getaway, a special celebration with friends or a Christmas Day feast, these standout venues showcase the very best festive hospitality across the county.
Where can you enjoy the best festive dining in Sussex?
Some of the most sought-after festive dining experiences in Sussex can be found at country estates, wineries and luxury hotels, including Gravetye Manor, Rathfinny, South Lodge Hotel, Knepp Estate, The Star, Alfriston, Wiston Estate, Amberley Castle and Ockenden Manor. Many combine exceptional food with seasonal entertainment, sparkling Sussex wine and beautiful winter settings.
Festive dining experiences
Gravetye Manor, near Haywards Heath
A Michelin-starred festive celebration
Set within stunning grounds near Haywards Heath, Gravetye Manor offers one of Sussex's most elegant festive dining experiences. Its Boxing Day celebration includes a Taittinger Champagne and canapés reception followed by a six-course tasting menu. For New Year's Eve, guests can enjoy an English sparkling wine reception, a six-course tasting menu with wine, midnight Champagne and live swing band entertainment.
Why visit?
Michelin-starred dining in a historic manor house
Premium wine pairings
Live entertainment on New Year's Eve
Ideal for a luxury festive break
Rathfinny, near Lewes
Festive creativity, Sussex wine and dining
Sussex wine lovers will find plenty to enjoy at Rathfinny, one of England's leading sparkling wine producers. Its festive wreath-making events combine a hands-on workshop with a glass of Rathfinny Rosé, professional floristry tuition and a three-course dinner at Flint Barns.
This experience is ideal for visitors seeking a festive day out that combines food, wine and seasonal creativity.
South Lodge, near Horsham
Festive afternoon tea in the South Downs National Park
For those seeking a classic Christmas treat, South Lodge serves a festive afternoon tea throughout December. Expect seasonal flavours, festive pastries and a touch of sparkle, making it an excellent choice for families, couples and groups of friends.
Festive afternoon tea details:
Available throughout December
£49.50 per adult
£22.50 for children aged 12 and under
Knepp Estate, near Horsham
A seasonal workshop with lunch
At Knepp Wilding Kitchen, sustainability and seasonality take centre stage. The winter wreath workshop includes materials gathered from the estate, festive refreshments and lunch. Guests can create their own wreath using natural foliage, willow and dried flowers grown on the estate.
For visitors looking for a festive experience beyond traditional dining, this offers a uniquely Sussex twist.
The Star, Alfriston
Festive with Friends dinners
In a historic village setting in the South Downs National Park, The Star, Alfriston invites friends, family and colleagues to gather for a festive meal with a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate the season. Alfriston village is famous for it's independent boutiques and retailers, so it's the perfect way to pair a Christmas shopping trip with a celebratory festive lunch or dinner.
Festive with friends is available on 9, 16 or 17 December at 12.45 or 10 December at 7pm.
What's included:
Champagne on arrival
3 course lunch or dinner
Mince pies and a Christmas cracker
Wiston Estate, West Sussex
Fine dining and vineyard tour
The Taste of Chalk experience at Wiston Estate combines a winery tour, vintage wine tasting and a six-course seasonal dinner at Chalk Restaurant. Guests are welcomed with a cocktail before sampling four special Wiston wines alongside exceptional food.
For food and wine enthusiasts, this is one of the most comprehensive vineyard dining experiences in Sussex.
Isca at Borde Hill, Haywards Heath
Seasonal festive menus
Isca at Borde Hill offers a sophisticated seasonal menu throughout the festive period, with both three-course and five-course options, alongside wine and alcohol-free pairings.
Menus are inspired by produce from the restaurant's own kitchen garden and is the perfect celebration of the festive season.
Available from 25 November to 31 December 2026. Prices from £69 per person.
Bolney Wine Estate, West Sussex
Festive Fridays with live music
Every Friday from 13 November to 18 December, Bolney hosts relaxed evenings featuring welcome drinks, sharing boards, small plates, live music and award-winning local wines.
If you're looking for a sociable festive night out in Sussex, these events offer a more informal alternative to traditional Christmas dining.
Bolney also hosts festive events throughout the season, including wreath-making workshops and a Christmas fair.
Terra Restaurant. Tottington Manor Hotel
Festive events throughout December
Terra restaurant delivers one of Sussex's most varied festive programmes. Throughout December, visitors can enjoy afternoon teas, festive lunches with close-up magic, live music, carol performances, cocktail brunches and New Year's Eve celebrations.
The broad range of events makes it suitable for everything from family gatherings to festive parties with friends.
Glyndebourne, near Lewes
Christmas concerts with dining
Enjoy a truly festive treat at the world-renowned Glyndebourne, with its popular Christmas Concerts in December.
Before the performance, the Middle Wallop and Over Wallop restaurants serve a seasonal Christmas menu, perfect for celebrating in style.
Tickets for the 2026 Christmas Concerts are limited, so it is worth booking in advance to secure this experience.
Dining packages with an overnight stay
Ockenden Manor, West Sussex
An elegant Sussex New Year's Eve
For a sophisticated end to the year, Ockenden Manor offers an overnight New Year's Eve package featuring a six-course tasting menu, Sussex sparkling wine, live musical entertainment and midnight celebrations. Guests also enjoy full access to the spa and pools.
Amberley Castle, West Sussex
A festive stay fit for royalty
For those seeking a truly indulgent Christmas break, Amberley Castle offers a three-night festive escape in one of Sussex's most distinctive historic properties. Highlights include live music, Nyetimber sparkling wine receptions, a seven-course Christmas lunch with matching wines and entertainment throughout the stay.
The combination of award-winning dining and historic castle surroundings creates an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
Celebrate the festive season in Sussex
Whether you're looking for a festive afternoon tea, a vineyard dining experience, a Christmas Day lunch or a luxury countryside escape, Sussex offers unforgettable ways to celebrate the festive season. From historic castles and award-winning hotels to renowned wineries and charming village restaurants, there is a festive dining experience to suit every taste.
