Festive Days out in Sussex for families

Santa Specials at Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden

Selected dates from 29 November – 24 December
Enjoy a 75-minute steam train ride with Santa, festive treats, and unlimited rides on vintage gallopers. A magical experience for all ages.
More info and book with Kent and East Sussex Railway

SteamLights  & Santa Specials at Bluebell Railway

SteamLights: 22 November – 28 December
Watch the steam train transform into a dazzling spectacle of light and sound, themed around the Ice Queen and mystical creatures.

Santa Specials: 29 November – 24 December
Meet Santa on board a heritage steam train, enjoy festive treats, and create lasting Christmas memories.
More info and book with Bluebell Railway

Christmas Kids Trail & Santas Grotto at Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath

Christmas Trail: 29 November – 21 December
Follow Bella the Pony’s magical story trail through the gardens. Children help find a missing bell to save Christmas and receive a prize.

More info and book: Christmas Trail

Santas Grotto: Weekends only 29 November – 21 December
Children can enjoy Elf Training Camp, decorate gingerbread, and meet Santa in a magical grotto setting.
More info & to book: Santa's Grotto

Knockhatch – The Christmas Carol Experience, Hailsham

13 – 23 December
Step into Victorian London and become Scrooge in this immersive walk-through experience based on A Christmas Carol. Rated 12A.
More information and book at Knockhatch

Christmas at Amberley Museum

Selected dates in December
Enjoy festive crafts, meet Father Christmas, and explore the museum’s seasonal displays. A charming day out for families with younger children.
More information and book at Amberley Musuem

Christmas at Fishers Farm Park, Wisborough Green

Late November – 24 December
Meet Santa in his cosy grotto, explore the festive farm trail, and enjoy seasonal activities including gingerbread decorating and storytelling.
More information and book at Fishers Farm Park

Christmas at Drusillas Park, Alfriston

Selected dates in December
Visit Santa’s grotto, enjoy festive lights, and meet real reindeer. A great option for younger children with plenty of animal encounters.
More information and book at Drusillas

Christmas at Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

Late November – December
Experience a magical light trail through the gardens, with festive food stalls and storytelling sessions for children.
More information and book at Leonardslee Gardens

Christmas at Weald & Downland Living Museum, Singleton

Weekends in December
Step back in time with traditional Christmas crafts, storytelling, and historical festive displays. A unique way to experience the season.
More information and book at Weald and Downland Living Museum

Festive days out with National Trust this Christmas

The Jolly Holly Family Trail at Standen House

Sat 22 Nov 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026: 10am - 3.30pm.

Explore a family trail around the garden with fun and games at Standen House, all inspired by the Beale families Christmas wish list with a gift at the end. Enjoy the Arts & Craft era home decorated for a traditional Christmas. 

The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s, Burwash

15 November – 4 January

Step into the world of Rudyard Kipling at his former home, Batemans. Beautifully decorated with scenes from The Jungle Book, children will love spotting Mowgli’s animal friends hidden throughout the house.
 

Brambly Hedge at Petworth House, Petworth

29 November - 4 January

Discover the nostalgic charm of Brambly Hedge at Petworth House, with beautifully imagined festive scenes inspired by Jill Barklem’s beloved woodland tales. Families can explore cosy displays in the Historic Kitchens and enjoy a reading nook in the North Gallery, perfect for a seasonal day out.

A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans, nr Haywards Heath

22 November - 4 January

Step into a world of wonder at Nymans this winter with A Fairytale Christmas, where the gardens come alive with a family trail inspired by classic tales like Aladdin, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. Inside the house, beautifully decorated rooms reveal magical scenes from beloved stories, offering a festive experience full of imagination and charm.

The Elf on the Shelf® at Sheffield Park and Garden, nr Uckfield

29 November – 11 January

Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for a magical The Elf on the Shelf® Christmas trail! Discover twelve beautifully hand-painted elf sculptures around the garden as you take in the glorious wintry scenes and delight in festive games and activities for all the family. Warm up with a hot chocolate and mince pie at the festive food stalls and make magical Christmas memories.

Why not check out these events just outside of Sussex:

Christmas at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest

21 November – 31 December
Celebrate Bedgebury’s centenary with a reimagined light trail through the forest. Dogs are welcome, making this a festive outing for the whole family.

More info at Bedgebury

Christmas at Bewl Water, Lamberhurst

15 November – 24 December
Embark on Santa’s Quest with over three hours of immersive festive fun, including a visit to Santa’s Grotto, Mrs Claus’ Bakery, and the Elves’ Workshop.

More info at Bewl Water