In Inspiration

Christmas is when Brighton and Sussex shines! As the Christmas lights twinkle and thoughts turn to making magical memories, use our round up to book festive adventures that will stay with you forever!

Christmas at GLOBALLS: 8 November to 31 December

Experience glowing mini golf like never before this Christmas at GLOBALLS. Step into a dazzling winter wonderland where every hole sparkles with festive magic, glowing surprises await at every turn, and families and friends can celebrate the season in a fun, unforgettable glow-in-the-dark adventure.

Royal Pavilion Ice Rink: 11 November – 4 January

The UK’s most beautiful Christmas ice rink is back, powered by renewable energy. With its unrivalled setting in front of Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion, and ice like glass, the rink has been welcoming visitors since 2010. It’s still the UK’s only Christmas ice rink powered exclusively by solar, wind and wave energy.

Celebrate Christmas with Franco Manca’s Christmas Special: 12 November – 4 January

This Christmas Franco Manca has created a pizza with all the festive flavours you love. Full of rich and comforting ingredients Franco’s Christmas Special combines creamy béchamel, mozzarella and Stilton for an indulgent cheesy feel. The pizza is also topped with crispy bacon, smoked almond crumbs, cranberry sauce, and mixed wild mushrooms.

Make your own festive jewellery at the Jewellers Academy: 22 November

Get into the festive spirit with a creative Christmas jewellery workshop! This beginner-friendly class is a magical introduction to silver metal clay, a material that transforms from soft clay into solid silver right before your eyes. In this special Christmas edition, you’ll design and make your own silver jewellery, a pendant, a pair of earrings, or a couple of small pieces with a festive twist.

Christmas at Drusillas: 22 November – 23 December

Watch little eyes twinkle with wonder as they experience the glistening magic of Christmas at Drusillas! Meet Santa snuggled in his cosy cottage, join in with their jolly singing reindeer, stroll through twinkling decorations, and marvel at the spectacular 24ft Christmas tree. You are all invited to soak up the seasonal cheer at Drusillas Park.

A very Austen Christmas at the Royal Pavilion: 22 November - 4 January

Experience the splendour of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion as it marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with A Very Austen Christmas. The royal palace will come alive with dancing ballroom silhouettes, themed Christmas trees, delightful afternoon teas, sumptuous banquets, lively talks, historical tours, extraordinary characters and romantic encounters, all inspired by Austen’s work.

Glow Wild, Seed Safari at Wakehurst: 27 November – 3 January

This winter, Glow Wild returns to Wakehurst, with a bold new theme: Seed Safari – A Walk on the Wild Side. Sussex’s award-winning lantern trail invites visitors of all ages to wander into a radiant reimagining of the natural world, where seeds spark stories and the wild glows after dark. Now in its twelfth year, Glow Wild weaves science with storytelling across a trail of newly commissioned, handcrafted installations from award-winning artists and local makers, including their biggest installation ever.

Leonardslee Lights: 28 November – 30 December

This year’s spectacular event promises to be the most magical yet, with a brand-new route, immersive installations, and exciting new experiences. This year’s theme, A Midwinter Light’s Dream, transforms the Grade I listed woodland estate into an enchanting world of light, sound, and performance. Visitors will follow a brand-new route through illuminated gardens, with theatrical touches from ThirdSpace and magical lanterns from The Lantern House.

Artist Open Houses: 29 November – 14 December

Brighton’s Artist Open Houses returns this Christmas for three weekends starting on 29 November. During this time artists and makers across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Ditchling and beyond will be throwing open the doors of their houses and studios to showcase a hugely diverse selection of artworks. The festival is the perfect way to shop for unique presents this Christmas in a relaxed setting - with a glass of mulled wine and mince pie in hand!

Santa’s Grotto at Borde Hill: Weekends from 29 November - 21 December

Beginning with Elf Training Camp, children enjoy festive challenges and decorate a gingerbread cookie before meeting Santa himself. Every child receives a gift, certificate, and badge. Pre-booking required.

Join Snowy at SEA LIFE Brighton this Christmas: 29 November - 28 December

Join Snowy for a special arctic Christmas adventure to learn about the amazing North Pole and the animals that live there. Snowy is inviting children and their families to take part in an interactive trail through the aquarium as you meet all their jaw-some creatures along the way.

Komedia Christmas Party: 4 - 20 December

Brighton’s famous Komedia Christmas Party is back in 2025! Join in the festive fun with their month-long run of Christmas parties featuring a three-course dinner, an award-winning comedy show, and dancing until late – all under one roof. Already booked a Christmas dinner? Join after the meal for an award-winning comedy show, plus an after-party until late.

Brilliant Brighton's Festive Afternoon - 6 December

Brilliant Brighton’s festive afternoon takes place from 2–6pm, aiming to spread Christmas cheer and celebrate Small Business Saturday throughout the city centre. Visitors can expect festive helpers handing out goodies, a brass band and Christmassy performers popping up across the streets, creating a magical atmosphere.

Artelium’s Christmas Makers Market: 6 December

Artelium is thrilled to bring together a community of likeminded makers, producers, and artisans for another unforgettable Christmas Makers Market, their contemporary showcase of local craft and produce - ideal for gifting (or self-gifting). Join them as they curate a selection of the finest, luxury crafts and products, all together in one place. Discover unique, one-of-a-kind items, handmade with passion and skill by talented creators from across Sussex.

Festive Fayre at Brighton Toy & Model Museum:  7 December

Brighton’s Toy & Model museum’s annual festive celebration returns, featuring handmade gifts, local artists, seasonal refreshments, and a visit from Father Christmas. A welcoming, family-friendly event showcasing local creativity and festive spirit.

WILD: The Drone Light Show at Sussex Cricket Ground: 13 December

Bundle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the animal kingdom like never before. Watch the night sky transform into a living canvas, as hundreds of drones bring the animal kingdom to life in breathtaking detail. Journey through four stunning worlds - from sun-baked deserts to icy oceans, lush jungles to soaring mountains - all set to a powerful cinematic soundtrack. From the producers of hit drone light shows Evolution and A Christmas Carol, this unforgettable experience is perfect for all ages.

Kids Festive Baking at The Community Kitchen: 13 December

In this two-and-a-half-hour session, your child will prepare gingerbread inspired cupcakes with lotus biscuit icing and desiccated coconut snow, before getting creative and decorating them with a cute snowman design.

Christmas Wine Tasting Weekends at Albourne: 13 & 14 and 20 & 21 December

Albourne’s Tasting Room will open with wine tasting, mulled vermouth & mince pies on offer! They will have every bottle across their range open for you to sample so you can make the best possible choice for your Christmas wines and gifts. Their team will be on hand to offer guidance and advice.

Breakfast with the Naughty Elves at The Ivy:  14 – 23 December 

A magical morning for mischief makers. Join The Ivy for breakfast with Santa's naughty elves. The perfect occasion for adults and children alike to create new family traditions. Mischievous elves will be on hand for letter writing to the North Pole, tricks and treats to entertain the whole family and fabulous photo opportunities to treasure forever.

Christmas Choir: Gay Men’s Chorus at Shelter Hall: 15 December

For the second year in a row, The Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus will be putting on a show at Shelter Hall, and if last year’s ensemble is anything to go by you won’t be disappointed! The Hall will be fully decorated for Christmas, complete with a centre piece tree that reaches the mezzanine level! The perfect backdrop for the evening. 

Sunny Afternoon at Theatre Royal Brighton: 17 December – 3 January

Sunny Afternoon celebrates the raw energy, passion, and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, telling their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including “You Really Got Me”, “Lola”, and “All Day and All of the Night”. The perfect show to enjoy with family this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk: Brighton's Giant Family Panto: 23 – 30 December

This GIANT family panto returns this December, and the team is hard at work creating an udderly spectacular production of Jack And The Beanstalk! Join Jack on this fantastic adventure as he tries to outwit the evil Giant and win over the princess he loves. Why not make an evening of it and enjoy a pantomime dining package with the family, this is a specially curated themed menu to make your experience even more magical!

FLIP Fabrique Blizzard at Brighton Dome: 27 – 31 December

FLIP Fabrique takes you on a crazy, poetic and gentle journey where winter has taken over; lose yourself in a moment of complete wonder with beautiful snowy scenes and mind-blowing acrobatics. With performers at the peak of their art and outstanding visual poetry, Blizzard promises to blow away everything in its path.

Discover a Cabaret Christmas at Brighton Music Hall: Various Dates 

This festive season, swap the ordinary for the extraordinary! Brighton Music Hall invites you to celebrate on the seafront with their Cabaret Christmas Party Packages – a dazzling mix of drag, dining, and dancefloor magic. Hosted by the fabulous Ophelia Payne, (drag royalty and Brighton Pride 2025 headliner.) Get ready for a night packed with show-stopping performances, a high-energy drag DJ, outrageous party games with prizes, and nothing but non-stop party anthems.

The Brighton Christmas Party Tour: Various dates, bookable experience 

A private, tailored festive 3-hour food & drink tour for groups of 8 or more, celebrating Brighton's finest independent food & drink heroes. The perfect alternative Christmas activity for office parties, team building & corporate events… or friends & family festive celebrations.

Get party ready with Get Glossy: Bookable service  

Book Brighton’s best glam squad and enjoy luxury hair and makeup in the comfort of your own home or hotel room. Whether it’s a night out with friends, your office Christmas party, or ringing in the New Year, their hand-picked artists, trusted by Brighton’s leading hotels and venues, will make sure you feel red-carpet ready.

Celebrate Christmas with Bewilder Box Escape Rooms: Various Dates 

The Box of Bewilderment – the ultimate escape-room style experience for large groups (20 or more) who want to stay together and play together. Perfect for office parties or big festive gatherings. It can be hosted at one of their partner venues in Brighton. You can also find two fantastic Escape Rooms located upstairs at The Brunswick pub – gather friends, family, or colleagues for a puzzle-packed adventure at their Brighton escape rooms.

Year round fun at Brighton Palace Pier: Various Dates

Enjoy some timeless family fun on Brighton Palace Pier. Perfect whether you are an adrenaline junky or prefer the more traditional rides and games. Plus winter is the perfect time to see a murmaration, so grab a hot chocolate and enjoy some traditional fish 'n' chips while watching this specatactular show!

Santa Experiences at Brighton i360: Bookable event, various dates

Meet Santa in the clouds with this incredible experience on the Brighton i360. Make sure you are on Santa’s nice list this year, capture some incredible memories and photographs and get a special gift from Santa himself. This is Santa’s Grotto high in the sky!

With so many Christmas events to choose from why not book a festive stay so you can pack in more Christmas fun? You'll find all things merry & bright in Brighton! 

Caroline  

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