Christmas and New Year in Sussex: Festive Events 2025
Sussex sparkles at Christmas, offering a rich mix of seasonal events, cosy experiences and magical moments for all ages. Whether you're planning a festive day out, a winter weekend escape or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere, there's something special waiting for you.
Wander through twinkling Christmas markets in historic towns like Lewes and Arundel, where local makers and artisan producers bring a touch of charm to your gift shopping. Enjoy carol concerts in centuries-old churches, or take the family to one of the many illuminated trails lighting up gardens and estates across the county.
From ice skating to festive food festivals, Sussex is full of surprises. Don’t miss the chance to meet Father Christmas in woodland grottos, hop aboard a heritage railway for a Santa Special, or warm up with mulled wine at a country pub after a crisp coastal walk.
Whether you're visiting from afar or rediscovering Sussex closer to home, this season promises joy, tradition and a touch of magic.
What's on in Sussex this Christmas
Rapunzel
- Jan 1, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027
Join us for a hair-raising pantomime adventure with a tower, a twist, and loads of laughs and meet…
WSO Brass Quartet Perform Christmas & Brass Classics
Worthing Symphony Orchestra, the professional orchestra of Sussex, is thrilled to celebrate its…
Suspiciously Elvis
Join Southwicks own King for a Christmas Special. A festive rock-and-roll event, dedicated to the…
Festive Bauble Embroidery Workshop
Join Sussex Textile artist Beth Power of Dotty Textiles for a relaxing festive embroidery workshop…
Bottle Painting Workshop
- Nov 29, 2026 - Dec 6, 2026
Get creative this Christmas with a festive bottle painting workshop at Bolney Wine Estate. Enjoy a…
Santa's Best Ever Christmas!
- Ropetackle Arts Centre
- Dec 2, 2026 - Dec 3, 2026
Following last year’s sell-out performances of Santa’s Christmas Party, Honalee Media are delighted…
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
- Nov 25, 2026 - Dec 3, 2026
Get into the festive spirit during this relaxed two-hour workshop, taking place in the Animal Room…
Twelve Wines of Christmas Tasting
- Dec 5, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
Celebrate the festive season with a special wine tasting at Bolney Wine Estate, and discover the…
Beauty and the Beast
- Dec 3, 2026 - Dec 5, 2026
Beautiful Belle dreams of living the adventures she reads about in her books. When she becomes the…
Cinderella
- Ropetackle Arts Centre
- Dec 17, 2026 - Dec 30, 2026
LP Creatives and the Ropetackle Arts Centre proudly present: Cinderella! Get ready for the ultimate…
Festive Fridays
- Nov 13, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
A new take on our much-loved Festive Friday evenings, bringing you six Fridays of Christmas cheer in…
A Regal Visit to Anne of Cleves House This Christmas
- Anne of Cleves House
- Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026
Christmas is coming.. For two days only, our historic house will burst into life for a grand…
Santa's Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail
- Dec 5, 2026 - Dec 23, 2026
Book a 30-minute experience filled with festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before…
A Sparkling Christmas With Brasssparks & Lewes Brass
Join us for a heartwarming afternoon of festive cheer at A Sparkling Christmas with BrassSparks and…
Christmas Wreath Workshops
- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
- Nov 26, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
Surround yourself with friends, family or join in to make a new friend whilst indulging in warming…
Wreath Making Workshop
Get into the festive spirit with an evening of wreath making and wine at Bolney Wine Estate. Join us…
The Snowman with Lewes Brass
Join Lewes, Glynde & Beddingham Brass for a magical afternoon as we bring the beloved story of…
A Dickens of a Christmas
A traditional festive celebration on the reason why Dickens wrote A Christmas Story. Joy to the…
Leonardslee Lights
“A Midwinter Light’s Dream - A Garden Awakening” This winter, Leonardslee Lights returns with a…
Bolney Wine Estate Christmas Fair
Join us for a magical day of festive tasting and shopping at the beautifully decorated Bolney Wine…
Hits Parade
A fantastic festive family show! Take a magical musical journey through the decades, featuring…
Christmas Candle Making Workshop
Create a Votive Candle Gift Set – ideal for bringing a festive glow to your home or gifting to…
Christmas Light Trails
Search all Sussex events during the Christmas period
Festive Family Christmas Events in Sussex: What’s On in 2026
- 7 min read
Magical Christmas Events for Families in Sussex in 2026 Sussex sparkles with festive charm each winter, offering a wide range of Christmas experiences…
Where to go Ice Skating in Sussex this Christmas
- 2 min read
There’s something timeless and joyful about ice skating during the festive season. Whether you're gliding gracefully or clinging to the…
Father Christmas in Sussex – Best Places to See Santa in 2025
- 8 min read
As the festive season approaches, Sussex families will be searching for Father Christmas Sussex 2025 experiences. From cosy cottage grottos, merry…
Discover East Sussex Vineyards This Winter: Events, Tastings and Retreats
- 4 min read
Explore Sussex Winelands this winter, from the historic town of Lewes to the coastal culture of Rye. Whether you're looking for a festive day…
Make the most of the longer nights this winter
5 fun things to do in Sussex after Dark
- 6 min read
As the sun sets over Sussex, the county takes on a whole different vibe…Offering an array of…
Stargazing at Devil’s Dyke
- 5 min read
This astronomic itinerary is built around daytime foraging, wine tasting and baking experiences…
Stargazing in Chichester Harbour
- 5 min read
If you like the idea of stargazing by night and shopping, birdwatching and seeing stars on stage by…