What's On in Sussex

Claire Fletcher: Illustrating the Jungle Book

Venue: Bateman's

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/batemans

In this family-friendly exhibition, go along with your little ones and see if you can spot bears, elephants and tigers. Original Christmas art works by Claire Fletcher will be added into the exhibition...

Santa's SteamLights

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Sparkle, glow and shimmer on a magical steam train covered by thousands of colourful lights. Feast your eyes on a magical and spectacular light show as you travel through the winter landscape! Santa will...

A Christmas Surprise Family Trail

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden

A trail for all the family to enjoy with a prize at the end. See if you can spot the hidden mice in the festively decorated house too and grab your walking boots for a walk in the woodland. Warm up in...

Christmas at Standen

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden

Make your festive visit to this imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home which will be atmospherically lit and filled with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. Be inspired by the centrepiece Christmas...

Fabulously Festive

Venue: Hurtwood Park Polo Country Club

Website: www.hurtwoodparkpolo.co.uk/fabulously-festive-16th-nov-5th-jan

Upon arrival, guests will find a charming village adorned with twinkling lights and filled with an array of traditional market stalls. Children can follow the snowy path through the enchanted forest to...

Ariel Drama Academies

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.arieldrama.com

Ariel offers wide-ranging opportunities from plays, musicals, industry professional days, fully costumed productions, LAMDA and much more! Visit www.arieldrama.com or call 01444 250407 to book a free session...

Be Yourself, Be Amazing at PQA

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.pqacademy.com

PQA academies have a project-based learning approach in filmmaking, drama, comedy and musical theatre nurturing skills for stage and screen. PQA offers everyone the chance to try a full session for free....

Crazy Fun at Hastings Adventure Golf

Venue: Hastings Adventure Golf

Website: www.hastingsadventuregolf.com

Home to the World Crazy Golf Championships, Hastings Adventure Golf boasts three imaginatively designed 18-hole courses - Pirate, Adventure and Crazy. They have delicious fish and chips, homemade gelato,...

Flip Out Chichester

Venue: Atlas House, Glenmore Business Park

Website: www.flipout.co.uk

Race on their huge indoor inflatable assault courses, take on the Wipeout machine, shoot hoops on slam ball, speed down their drop slide, play in the soft play Funhouse and launch yourself onto the giant...

Harbour Park

Venue: Harbour Park Amusements

Website: www.harbourpark.com

With a fantastic selection of rides from classics such as the Whirlpool Waltzer and dodgems to the Friendly Fish Coaster, there is something for everyone. For the younger family members there's fun to...

Hove Park Junior Parkrun

Venue: Hove Park

Website: www.parkrun.org.uk/hovepark-juniors

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds) every Sunday at 9am. Free to join but register before you first go along.

Kids for a Quid

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Any child (aged between 3-15 years old) can travel on the railway for just £1 with any fare paying Adult. This ticket would allow you to travel on the railway as many times as your like throughout your...

Nature Heroes

Venue: Wakehurst

Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/nature-heroes

Every half term and school holiday, young adventurers will have the opportunity to become a planet-saving Nature Hero. Put on your cape, join our mission and collect unique new badges. Prebooking essential...

Perform weekly Drama, Dance and Singing Classes

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.perform.org.uk

Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.To book a...

Quiet at the Aquarium

Venue: Sea Life Brighton

Website: www.visitsealife.com/brighton

Discover the range of fascinating creatures from sharks to seahorses while the centre is quieter to create a more enjoyable experience for those with sensory sensitivities. This is a pre-booked ticket...

Raystede Rangers Online Challenge

Venue: Online

Website: www.raystede.org/education/for-families

Take on the challenge to become an online Raystede Ranger with games, puzzles, make and do activities and much more. Learn about all the things your pet needs to thrive and be happy. Individual certificates...

Rowfant Trail

Venue: Rowfant Business Centre

Website: www.rowfanttrail.com

This enchanting trail is about creating memories and deepening your connection with nature. Cross charming bridges, wander along scenic boardwalks, and let your kids' imaginations run wild with playful...

Rox School of Dance and Drama

Venue: 35a Vale Road, Brighton

Website: www.roxschoolofdancing.co.uk

Students can compete at the highest level joining the Rox competitive Junior or Intermediate Festival teams or just dance for pleasure. Visit for a free trial and see why Rox School of Dance is the perfect...

Treasure Trails - Brighton Cultural Quarter

Venue: The City of Brighton and Hove

Website: www.treasuretrails.co.uk

This self-guided detective mystery investigation takes you on a real-life adventure through the heart of Brighton. Hunt high and low, past grand Georgian buildings and through fantastic parks, uncovering...

We Make Footballers Sussex

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.wemakefootballers.com/worthing

Whether your child has ambitions to play for their favourite Prem team, or they’re a complete beginner, they will refine their techniques, build skills and boost their self-confidence with WMF. You can...

WMCS: Nativity! The Musical

Venue: Connaught Theatre

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/wmcs-nativity-the-musical

Feel–good, funny and full of yuletide joy, Nativity! The Musical features all of the favourite sing-a-long hits from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She’s the...

Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Venue: Nymans

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans

See the house decorated as the Professor's home, go through the wardrobe into the world of Narnia and peek into the Beaver's burrow and Mr Tumnus' cave. Upstairs see the witch's castle, while out in the...

Mr Sleepybum

Venue: Pavilion Theatre Atrium

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/mr-sleepybum

Do you have stupid and silly dreams at night? Well, Mr. Sleepybum does, and he’ll reenact them all for you in this high-energy, silly comedy show for the whole family. Mr Sleepybum awakes in his bed...

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: www.groveeastbourne.com

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, is an adaptation of C.S Lewis’ classic and well loved children’s story, dramatized by Adrian Mitchell. Magically brought to life by a cast of talented children...

Winter Fair 2024

Venue: South of England Showground

Website: www.seas.org.uk

Visitors to the Ardingly Winter Fair can shop until they drop from a large selection of stalls boasting artisan products, gifts, and food and drink. Families can enjoy the giant snow globe for a perfect...

Little Forest School: Wilderness Women

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Forest School are often asked if they could recreate their popular Forest School sessions for mothers and women. Karen promises a fun, relaxed, supportive environment to make friends, reconnect with nature...

Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival. See Shakespeare’s timeless stories brought to life like never before, and support young people from...

Glow Wild

Venue: Wakehurst

Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2024

As darkness falls at Wakehurst, the garden is transformed into an illuminated wonderland, inspired by the hidden world of trees. Discover the iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, and fiery hidden dragon,...

Hailsham Christmas Lights Switch-on

Venue: Vicarage Fields, Hailsham

Website: www.hailsham-tc.gov.uk

Featuring festive entertainment, refreshments, stalls, and the big switch-on, which will see Hailsham transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling Christmas lights. Santa will be handing out free...

Let's All Dance - Christmas Wish

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

RH10 6YZ

A Christmas Spectacular at Petworth House

Venue: Petworth

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth

Explore Petworth House to see showstopping trees, twinkling lights, beautifully adorned garlands and floral displays this Christmas. Discover eight of their historic showrooms dressed for Christmas with...

A Merry Medieval Christmas Trail

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

It’s a busy time at the castle getting ready for Christmas. From practicing your festive minstrel dance to finding out what was eaten at a medieval Christmas feast, there are plenty of games and activities...

Christmas at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle

Visit Bodiam Castle this winter, to discover Christmas medieval style. With plenty of natural foliage and greenery decorating the castle, find out about the extravagant feasts and celebrations that were...

Christmas Trees and Winter Fayre

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Beautiful locally grown trees of different species and sizes available to choose from. Soak up the festive cheer with chestnuts, mince-pies and mulled cider over the fire, pizzas from the wood fired oven...

Eastbourne Christmas Lights Switch On

Venue: Terminus Road, Eastbourne

Website: www.visiteastbourne.com

See Eastbourne's Christmas lights and giant interactive LED tree switch on with live music and entertainment, children's rides, street food and a Christmas market. The Christmas lights will be switched...

Ivy’s Sparkling Snow Ball Adventure

Venue: Borde Hill

Website: www.bordehill.co.uk

This winter, children aged 3–8 years old can ignite their imaginations while exploring the Garden in the magical story trail, ‘Ivy’s Sparkling Snow Ball Adventure’. The trail is free to Members,...

Let's All Dance - The Nutcracker

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

RH10 6YZ

Santa in the Sky

Venue: Brighton i360

Website: www.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/santa-in-the-sky

For a truly magical experience this Christmas, meet Santa and his elves in the sky at Brighton i360 throughout the Festive Season. Ticket includes:25-minute festive pod journey, Meet and greet with Santa...

Santa's Grotto

Venue: Grove Theatre

Website: www.groveeastbourne.com

The experience starts as soon as you arrive. You’ll be welcomed by the cheeky Elf before being sent through to the Christmas Grotto where you get to meet Saint Nick himself. The children will get the...

Santa’s Grotto

Venue: Borde Hill

Website: www.bordehill.co.uk

Kick-start the festive season with a visit to see Santa in his magical grotto. Despite working hard all year preparing for the big day, Santa has taken time out of his mince-pie packed schedule to meet...

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Look out for twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™, along a winding wintry path, past...

Finding Father Christmas at Standen

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden

Excitement is building as Father Christmas has arrived at Standen to call on two of his festive helpers. Expect merry mirth-making, festive folk tales and, of course,  Father Christmas himself! (Also...

Join Snowy at SEA LIFE Brighton this Christmas!

Venue: Sea Life Brighton

Website: www.visitsealife.com/brighton

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...

Town House and Country Mouse

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

RH10 6YZ

Town Mouse and Country Mouse

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Join two friends as they embark on an amazing journey and discover that sometimes new can be exciting, and different can be good! An enchanting story Aesop’s much loved and heart warming tale told with...

Robin Hood

Venue: Pavilion Theatres

Website: wtm.uk/panto

Don’t miss this timeless tale of Robin Hood as it springs to life in a spectacular pantomime in the heart of Worthing. Prepare to journey deep into the enchanted Sherwood Forest for an epic adventure...

Robin Hood: The Pantomime

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/robin-hood-the-pantomime

Don’t miss this timeless tale of Robin Hood as it springs to life in a spectacular pantomime in the heart of Worthing. Prepare to journey deep into the enchanted Sherwood Forest for an epic adventure...

Christmas in Little Chelsea

Venue: Little Chelsea, Grove Road & South Street

Website: www.visiteastbourne.com

Gather your friends and family for some festive fun in Little Chelsea and welcome in December with a cheer! This street party returns with late night shopping, a Christmas market on Grove Road and South...

The Lightning Fibre Ice Rink

Venue: Enterprise Shopping Centre

Website: www.eastbournewinterwonderland.onlineticketseller.com

Enjoy a magical skating session at the Eastbourne rink, experience the thrills of the ice no matter what level of ability, nothing says Christmas more than a spin round the ice with family and friends...

Christmas Craft Weekends

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Explore the Christmas family trail, send Santa a telegram in the Connected Earth building, pick up a yuletide message from the Print Shop, purchase handmade wooden ornaments and reindeer in the Greenwood...

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Venue: Komedia

Website: www.komedia.co.uk/shows/comedy-club-4-kids

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without...

Meet Father Christmas

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Father Christmas is returning to Amberley and bringing the festive spirit with him. Join them each weekend leading up to the big day to celebrate the festive season with a selection of Christmas activities...

Meet The Snowman™

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Snowman™ will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day.The trail and personal appearances are free but normal garden admission applies. Pre-booking not required for the trail...

Sail to Santa 2024

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/arundel

Once again families can board an elf-powered boat for a gentle ride through the reedbeds to visit Father Christmas. Check-in at the Out Look In building, then experience the magic of a festive visit with...

The Brighton Lights

Venue: One Garden Brighton

Address: Stanmer Park

Website: www.thebrightonlights.co.uk

BN1 9SE

Crafty Christmas Family Workshop

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

A fabulous opportunity to get crafty with friends and family, making a specially crafted snowy scene of your own to take home to mark the winter festivities. This event is taking place in Anita's Room....

Family Drop-In Photo Collaging

Venue: De La Warr Pavilion

Website: www.dlwp.com

Join artist Abel Holsborough for a drop-in workshop for all ages. Go along for an afternoon of collaging, drawing and stitching with photographs. Open to all.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: De La Warr Pavilion

Website: www.dlwp.com

Join Jack on his journey up the enchanted beanstalk and rocket into the clouds as he tries to outwit the giant, rescue his love Jill and keep brother Silly Simon from getting into mischief! Can Jack get...

Kid's Workshop: Natural Christmas Decorations

Venue: Worthing Museum and Gallery

Website: www.wtm.uk

Let your imagination run wild and craft unique, homemade decorations that add a special touch to your Christmas celebrations. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, have fun, and...

Carol Concert

Venue: Arundel Cathedral

Get into the Christmas spirit with your local Air Ambulance at our Carol Concert on Tuesday 10 December, starting at 19:30 at Arundel Cathedral. We’ll be joined...

Christmas Jumper Raceday

Venue: Fontwell Park

Website: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Gather friends and family for the perfect pre-Christmas get together and experience this festive jumpers raceday with a thrilling day of excellent National Hunt Races at the UK’s only figure of 8 jump...

Slava's SnowShow

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Slava’s Snowshow, a spellbinding spectacle where laughter and wonder collide. It’s a celebration that knows no bounds, uniting people of all walks of life...

Christmas Jumper Day 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

It’s super-simple to take part on Christmas Jumper Day. All you have to do is sign up, put the date in your calendar then on Thursday 12 December, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, donate £2 to...

Aladdin

Venue: Royal Hippodrome Theatre

Website: www.royalhippodrome.com

Back by popular demand are Luke Roberts and Paul Leno in true hippodrome style with heaps of panto merriment and laughter alongside everything you have come to love and expect from Royal Hippodrome pantos.Santa...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

RH10 6YZ

The Magical Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Brace yourselves to meet the crazy crew and test your sea legs in this thrilling adventure that features spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects, lots of audience participation,...

Hailsham Christmas Market

Venue: Vicarage Field, Civic Community Hall

Address: Cattle Market, Hailsham

Website: www.hailsham-tc.gov.uk

Hailsham’s festive market event (8.30am – 3pm) will be taking place at three different sites and will feature a range of stalls, entertainment, live music, and refreshments. There will be a Christmas...

Skip's Family Workshop - The Snowman

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

This exciting, creative, themed family workshops for 5-10 year olds and their grown ups, gives you a chance to take a break and share some special time together. Inspired by the wintery tale of The Snowman,...

The Snowman

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

Get into the festive mood with the classic animated film The Snowman, based on the Raymond Briggs book and accompanied by Howard Blake's unforgettable score performed by a live orchestra. This is a firm...

WPO: A Fairytale Christmas

Venue: Assembly Hall

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/wpo-a-fairytale-christmas

The WPO's ever-popular programme of seasonal favourites and carols for all also featuring selections from The Sleeping Beauty, Mother Goose, Hansel and Gretel, and Cinderella. Suitable for all.

101 Dalmatians

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging...

Carol Concert

Venue: Lancing College

Get into the Christmas spirit with your local Air Ambulance at our Carol Concert on Wednesday 18 December, starting at 19:00 at Lancing College. We’ll be joined by a live choir and tickets start...

Dear Santa Live

Venue: Connaught Theatre

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/dear-santa-live

This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. The Christmas cheer continues, with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive...

Starchitects Save Santa!

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

Dive into the magic of childhood imagination where anything is possible... when the empty boxes from Christmas presents can transform into a rocket and take you on countless thrilling adventures. Full...

Franky

Venue: Komedia

Website: www.komedia.co.uk/shows/franky

It's Christmas time and Professor Frankenstein feels lonely. She has no friends and the local villagers won’t even speak to her. Is it something to do with her name? Go along to this comedy adventure...

Spongebob The Musical

Venue: De La Warr Pavilion

Website: www.dlwp.com

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world!That’s...

Breakfast and Santa Journey

Venue: Brighton i360

Website: www.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/breakfast-santa-journey

Enjoy a magical morning as a family with a festive breakfast in the beachfront event room before going 450ft up in the Brighton i360 pod to meet Santa and his Elves. This festive experience includes a...

Boxing Day Raceday

Venue: Fontwell Park

Website: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

Keep the festivities alive at Fontwell Park on Boxing Day! Featuring action-packed Jumps racing, a spirited atmosphere and roaming festive entertainment including the Grinch and Mrs Claus. Join in on the...

Sundae Club

Venue: Komedia

Website: www.komedia.co.uk

Over three fabulous hours of creative fun for kids aged 2 – 8! Book to see a wonderful children’s theatre show, enjoy a creative craft workshop by Saj from Pull & Pin and finish off the afternoon by...

Games Fest

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Providing a dream set up for every retro arcade enthusiast will be Game Over. Relive the magic of your youth and introduce the younger generations to classics such as Pong, Pac Man, Tetris, Sonic, Street...