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
Christmas Card Workshop
- Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
Join us for a cosy, craft-filled evening in our contemporary tasting room. Our workshop leader will…
Block Printing Workshop: Festive Gift Sack
Step into the festive spirit with a hands-on Christmas workshop led by Sarah from Sarita Prints Joy…
A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans
- Nov 22, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Step into a fairytale inspired Christmas at Nymans with a land of make believe inside the house and…
Christmas at Drusillas
- Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
Watch little eyes twinkle with wonder as they experience the glistening magic of Christmas at…
Christmas at Standen: All I Want for Christmas
- Nov 22, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Make your festive visit to this imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home, atmospherically lit…
Sussex Guild Selling Exhibition at Standen
- Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025
The Sussex Guild will be at Standen for some inspired Christmas shopping. Booking not needed. This…
The Jolly Holly Christmas Family Trail
- Nov 22, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Fun for all the family with games and activities for all. Follow the trail around the garden, play…
Glow Wild
- Nov 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026
Plan a magical Christmas at Glow Wild! Wakehurst's award-winning Christmas light trail is…
Winter Craft Market and Wellbeing
The Winter Craft Market & Wellbeing Fair is coming and it’s bursting with Christmas spirit…
Christmas Party with Toploader at Falmer Court
Falmer Court Christmas Party with Toploader and DJ Leon Sweet. A three course dinner with local…
Wreath Workshop
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- Dec 5, 2025 - Dec 6, 2025
Use willow and natural plants to make a wreath for your door - naturally made, simply beautiful…
Christmas Arts
- Dec 6, 2025 - Dec 7, 2025
Beautiful unique gifts by artist-makers for family, friends and yourself. Join us in the Sussex room…
Christmas Makers Market
We are thrilled to bring together a community of likeminded makers, producers, and artisans for…
Long Man Brewery Christmas Market
Long Man Brewery's Christmas Market is set to be an unmissable day, with live music, amazing…
Christmas Wine Tasting Weekends
- Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
Our Tasting Room will open for the return of our Christmas Wine Tasting Weekends with wine tasting…
Swing Into Christmas with The Down for the Count Orchestra
Celebrate the festive season in style with the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra, as…
Drop-in Festive Crafts
- Arundel Wetland Centre
- Dec 20, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Time: varies so check the 'What's On board' when you visit. Drop-in for hands on family…
Christmas Light Trails
Search all Sussex events during the Christmas period
Festive Family Christmas Events in Sussex: What’s On in 2025
- 5 min read
Magical Christmas Events for Families in Sussex in 2025 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…
Christmas Markets
Christmas Makers Market
We are thrilled to bring together a community of likeminded makers, producers, and artisans for…
Charity Santa Run & Christmas Market
Start the festive season with fun, fitness, and Christmas cheer - all in support of the Aldingbourne…
Christmas Market
Trenchmore Farm hosts seasonal food & drink markets throughout the year, which are a proper…
Trenchmore Farm's Winter Market
This event is free to attend. We have 15 food & drink producers from Sussex, plus wagyu burgers…
Shoreham's Christmas Makers Fair
Come join Paper Daisy Events for their annual Christmas Makers Fair at The Shoreham Centre on…
Sussex Craft & Design Christmas Fair
- Nov 29, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
The Sussex Craft & Design Christmas Fair returns to the Enterprise Shopping Centre, Eastbourne…
Winter Fair
- Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
The ever-popular Winter Fair will return to the South of England Showground, offering two full days…
Designer and Maker Fair
- Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
Join us this November for the winter edition of our Designer and Maker Fair - a great chance to find…
Designer and Maker Fair
- Charleston in Lewes
- Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
Join us this November for the winter edition of our Designer and Maker Fair - a great chance to find…
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…