What's On in Sussex

Hurrah for Shippam's

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson

Step into the story of one of Chichester’s most iconic companies in this nostalgic and surprising exhibition. Discover quirky adverts, colourful packaging, factory memories and family-friendly interactives.Admission...

Halloween Mad Scientist Show

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Address: Birch Grove Suite

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Get ready for a wild, wacky science-filled adventure this Halloween! £5 per person to see the show. This includes all adults and children. Limited seating – pre-booking is preferred. Kids For A Quid...

The Jungle Book Christmas spotter trail at Bateman's

Venue: Bateman's

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore the garden at Bateman’s on this festive family-friendly spotter trail. Can you find all the hidden Christmas presents and match them to the correct characters? Don’t forget to pick up your...

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,...

Harbour Park Parties

Venue: Harbour Park

Website: www.harbourpark.com

They love a celebration at Harbour Park and their party package includes your very own party host, a whole range of hot and cold food choices and an ice cream treat. You can even print their own party...

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.

Reindeer Run

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.stch.org.uk/reindeer-run

Once signed up, helpful materials like Reindeer Run Teacher’s Toolkit and a Festive Fun pack full of Christmas themed activities will be shared. A special ‘good luck’ video from their friends at...

A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans

Venue: Nymans

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans this winter is inspired by the magic of much-loved stories. In the garden, a Christmas family adventure trail awaits, leading you through classic fairytales.Created by Tin...

Christmas Market

Venue: Weald and Downland Museum

Website: www.wealddown.co.uk

There will also be lots to see, do and hear over the weekend, with the opportunity to meet the donkeys, enjoy festive treats and say hello to Father Christmas as he is busy working in his festive workshop....

Meet Santa in his Magical Grotto 2025

Venue: Squire's Garden Centre

Website: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Children can enjoy a lovely chat with Santa and every child will receive a wrapped gift to take home along with a special ‘I’ve Seen Santa’ badge to wear with pride. They also have a quiet grotto...

Santa's Grotto

Venue: Paradise Park and Gardens

Website: www.paradisepark.co.uk

Meet Santa at Paradise Park this Christmas. This festive event offers the chance to meet Santa Claus and receive a special gift, making it a memorable day out for the whole family. Step into Santa’s...

Skip's Family Workshop – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Grab your golden ticket and step inside for a sugary confection of fun! Wonderfully imaginative arts,crafts,making and playing inspired by the much loved story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Children...

Starlight Trail

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk

Join The Novium Museum, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester Library and Chichester Cathedral for a festive family afternoon of craft and fun. Book your place and get a Starlight Trail passport and make your...

SteamLights

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Journey through the Sussex countryside under cover of darkness, bringing shimmering light and colour as you go. Along the way, enjoy new festive-themed scenes among the trees and clearings and a colourful...

The Jolly Holly Christmas Family Trail

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Fun for all the family with games and activities for all.Follow the trail around the garden, play traditional games then collect your gift at the end. £4.75 per trail.

Winter Fair

Venue: South of England Showground

Website: www.seas.org.uk

Visitors can shop until they drop from a large selection of stalls boasting artisan products, gifts, food and drink from independent and local vendors. Includes a street food area featuring live music,...

Sundae Club

Venue: Komedia Brighton

Website: www.komedia.co.uk

Book to see a wonderful children’s theatre show, enjoy a creative craft workshop and finish off the afternoon by dancing to the house band. Take your own picnic and ice cream sundaes, hot drinks and...

The Fantastic Northern Lights

Venue: South Downs Planetarium

Website: www.southdowns.org.uk

Visit the Planetarium to understand how eruptions on the Sun cause displays of the Northern Lights, find out the best times and the best places from which to see them and when they might once again be...

Glow Wild

Venue: Wakehurst

Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2025

2025 brings a brand new trail, inviting visitors to walk on the wild side and discover the mystery, beauty and resilience of nature, exclusively handcrafted by leading artists. Reimagine wildlife, walk...

Christmas Trail | The Great Christmas Hunt with Wilfrid the Seal

Venue: Chichester Cathedral

Website: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

Join Wilfrid as he encounters familiar characters from the Nativity story, explores the Cathedral's colourful artworks, and enjoys moments of festive wonder in one of Chichester’s most beautiful settings....

Let's All Dance presents A Christmas Wish

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

This gorgeous Christmas show is perfect for young audiences and their families. With lovely dancing, music and costumes, children will be enthralled by this magical festive tale of love and friendship.

Let's All Dance presents The Nutcracker

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is delighted to present their dazzling festive favourite for the whole family! With stunning dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, beautiful costumes and crystal...

A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House

Venue: Petworth House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House is a dreamlike midwinter journey, inspired by the beauty of nature. With towering trees, celestial skies, roaming woodland creatures, and a special appearance...

Christmas at Bodiam Castle

Venue: Bodiam Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy a magical Christmas and embrace the festive spirit at Bodiam Castle. You can write letters to Father Christmas in the castle grotto, while his sleigh awaits in the courtyard – perfect for climbing...

Christmas in Battle

Venue: Battle Memorial Hall

Website: www.battlememorialhall.co.uk

Watch Father Christmas come to town in a fantastic festive parade, accompanied by a marching band, dancers, elves and much more. You can visit Father Christmas in his grotto at Battle Memorial Hall from...

Darlington Winter Wonderland

Venue: Darlington CE School

Synthetic Ice Rink, Christmas market, bar and BBQ. Marshmallow toasting, raffle, reindeer feed station and much more!

Kids Trail and Grotto

Venue: Borde Hill

Website: www.bordehill.co.uk

Children can write their letters to Santa and explore the Garden on an uplifting Christmas story trail, or for an additional charge, book to visit Santa in his magical grotto.The Garden will be open, with...

Let's All Dance presents The Nutcracker

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

The Nutcracker is perfect for children of all ages, whether this is their first trip to the theatre or they are regular visitors. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they journey to the magical land...

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer -The Drone Light Show

Venue: South of England Showground

Website: https://luminadrones.com/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-sign-up

Follow Rudolph’s journey through the stars at a magical drone light show this Christmas. The sky comes alive with the heart-warming tale of the world’s most famous reindeer, told through cinematic...

Santa Specials

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Visit Bluebell Railway this festive season as their beautifully restored steam trains whisk you through the Sussex countryside on an unforgettable journey. Follow the route to Santa’s Parlour where every...

The Elf on the Shelf® at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark

Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for The Elf on the Shelf® Christmas trail! Discover twelve hand-painted sculptures around the garden as you take in the glorious wintry scenes and delight...

Autumn Stars, Moon and Planets

Venue: South Downs Planetarium

Website: www.southdowns.org.uk

During the autumn months it is getting darker much earlier in the evening. It is in December that we have the longest nights and the shortest days. In early December it is dark soon after 5pm. Come to...

Christmas Trees and Winter Fayre

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Beautiful locally grown Christmas trees of different species and sizes available to choose from in the festive courtyard. Immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere with: chestnuts, home-made mince-pies...

Leonardslee Lights

Venue: Leonardslee Gardens

Website: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/lights-2025

This winter Leonardslee Lights returns with a dazzling new route and expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle. Wander through woodland scenes bathed in light, music and mystery as nature becomes the...

Cinderella: The Pantomime

Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Website: www.wtm.uk/events/cinderella-the-pantomime

Cinderella promises to be a pantomime extravaganza for the whole family, packed with dazzling costumes, show-stopping musical numbers, and side-splitting comedy. Cheer for Buttons and boo the dastardly...

Christmas Shopping at Wadhurst Commemoration Hall

Venue: High St, Wadhurst

Website: https://wadhurstcommemorationhall.org

Visit Wadhurst Commemoration Hall for a festive evening of shopping, delicious food and drinks, live choirs, brass bands, and the ever-popular tractor run! 4pm – 8pm.

Christmas Shopping at Wadhurst Commemoration Hall

Venue: Wadhurst Commemoration Hall

Join this festive evening of shopping, delicious food and drinks, live choirs, brass bands, and the ever-popular tractor run! It’s a very family- and child-friendly event.

James B Partridge: The Big Christmas Assembly 2025

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Get ready for an evening of festive joy and nostalgia with James B Partridge’s The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 this Christmas season. James brings his beloved show to Hastings White Rock, inviting audiences...

Santa and the Pirates

Venue: Ropetackle Arts Centre

Website: www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk

With pieces of eight at stake, a stolen red nose – and Santa all at sea – will Christmas be able to go ahead at all? You will have to join us to find out in a feel-good action-packed family show.

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Whatever you do, don't miss this year's spectacular fun-filled family pantomime starring Strictly's Ore Oduba (Strictly Come Dancing), Quang Luong aka Gladiators' Viper and Crawley Legend Michael J Batchelor...

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

Venue: The Hawth

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Whatever you do, don't miss this year's spectacular fun-filled family pantomime starring Strictly's Ore Oduba (Strictly Come Dancing), Quang Luong aka Gladiators' Viper and Crawley Legend Michael J Batchelor...

Amberley Christmas Adventure

Venue: Amberley Museum

Website: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Join Amberley each weekend leading up to the big day to celebrate the festive season with their exclusive Christmas event. Ride the Christmas train to meet Father and Mrs Christmas in their cosy parlour,...

Crafty Christmas: Wonderful Winter in a Box

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

A fabulous opportunity to get crafty making a specially curated snowy scene of your own to take home to mark the winter festivities, using a combination of natural and found materials as well as a few...

Gonk Trail

Venue: The Novium Museum

Website: www.thenovium.org.uk

Back by popular demand, find the gonks hidden around the museum. There will be a puzzle to complete and prize for each person who completes puzzle. Puzzles cost £2 and are available on the day from the...

The Jungle Book

Venue: The Grove Theatre Eastbourne

Website: www.groveeastbourne.com

As a pre-Christmas treat, enjoy this classic favourite, fun for all the family. This animated, colourful production, includes puppetry, dance and musical accompaniment from a live band, with a very talented...

The Three Little Pigs

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk/events/the-three-little-pigs

This charming and witty adventure is full of catchy songs and clever rhymes which will have you squealing with glee as three superstar piglets set about defeating the Big Bad Wolf. This hugely entertaining...

Twilights at Standen

Venue: Standen House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

See the house atmospherically lit and decorated for Christmas on these special early evening openings. Gather round the Courtyard Christmas tree for carols from 5pm onwards. The shop and cafe will be open...

Crafty Christmas: Fabulous Festive Shadow Lanterns

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

A wonderful opportunity to get crafty making a silhouette shadow lantern to light up those dark wintery nights, bringing joy and colour to your home. These sessions are designed to suit children aged 3+...

Festive Family Workshop: Make Your Own Clay Christmas Tree Decorations

Venue: Weald and Downland Museum

Website: www.wealddown.co.uk

Step into the festive spirit with a hands-on family workshop where you’ll design and create your very own clay Christmas tree decoration, inspired by the much-loved carol The Twelve Days of Christmas....

Santa Paws 2025

Venue: Squire's Garden Centre

Website: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Take your furry friends for the ultimate festive experience and capture the paw-fect selfie moment with Santa—pups of all sizes are welcome! Free event, charity donations welcome. No booking required....

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Royal Hippodrome Theatre

Website: www.royalhippodrome.com

Once upon a time in a land far away, Princess Aurora is given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt Carabosse. By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is placed under a cruel...

Christmas Jumper Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

Sign up with your workplace, school, community or friend group and join millions of people getting silly for a seriously good cause with Save the Children.You get to have fun, commit some crimes against...

Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime

Venue: White Rock Theatre

Website: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer hero Jack on his magical journey to Cloudland as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the Cow! As always there’ll be spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes,...

Peter and the Starcatcher

Venue: The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre

Website: www.stablestheatre.co.uk

The story of how a poor orphan boy came to be Peter Pan, with the help of Molly, a Starcatcher, in a rollicking adventure with magical mermaids, dastardly pirates, a sprinkling of precious star-stuff –...

Christmas Carol Concert

Venue: Sheffield Park and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/sheffield-park-and-garden

Enjoy carols sung by Sussex Chorus whilst you get into the Christmas spirit. Mince pies, mulled wine and spiced apple juice will be served from 6pm, and the choir will begin at 6.30pm.A mince pie, mulled...

Christmas Ceilidh

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

A magical evening of dance for all ages with legendary barn dance band The Sussex Pistols plus Caller to keep you on the move! No experience? No problem – all welcome to learn as you go! Recommend for...

Green Father Christmas’ Elf School

Venue: Weald and Downland Museum

Website: www.wealddown.co.uk

Guess who’s coming back to the Museum this December…?Gather round the fire to learn all about the origins of Green Father Christmas before being issued with your ‘Elf in Training’ lanyard. All...

Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Fair

Venue: Peter Smith Scout Hall, Southfields Rd

Website: www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk

7th Littlehampton Air Scout Group’s Annual Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Fair returns in 2025. Travel through the amazing light tunnel before meeting Santa. There will be amazing raffles & Tombola’s,...

Victorian Christmas Family Workshop

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Follow the festive trail around the theatre to find out how Christmas was celebrated 150 yrs ago, then create your own fabulous Victorian style Christmas decorations using a range of different materials...

A Boy Called Christmas

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk/events/a-boy-called-christmas

An enthralling, charming and magical tale that tells the true story of Father Christmas.Join Nikolas on this life-changing adventure, full of fantastic characters and beautiful moments, and watch how one...

Grow Up Wild - Home-ed Forest School

Venue: Wilderness Wood

Website: www.wildernesswood.org

Monthly sessions have been running since September 2024, serving the existing community of Wilderness Wood families as well as welcoming newcomers from all over Sussex. Ages 6 - 14 welcome. They cater...

Once Upon A Whispering Wood

Venue: Theatre Royal Brighton

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Puppetry, immersive design, and music create a storytelling adventure filled with joy amidst the rustle and chatter of the leaves and branches in this very special wood, a place where secrets are discovered...

Santa's Grotto - SEN Sessions

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

These sessions are designed to provide a calm, private experience, giving you and your family the chance to enjoy a peaceful visit with Santa (and his cheeky elves.)To book your slot, call the Box Office...

Drop-in Festive Crafts

Venue: WWT Arundel

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

Drop-in for hands on family fun with Festive Crafts every day of the school Christmas Holidays. Timings may vary so check the 'What's On board' when you visit. This activity is included in your admission...

Flyaway Katie

Venue: Komedia Brighton

Website: www.komedia.co.uk

Long Nose Puppets present Flyaway Katie at Komedia Brighton this Christmas, an inspiring flight of fancy about the power of imagination based on the wonderful children's book by Polly Dunbar. Perfect for...

Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas

Venue: De La Warr Pavilion

Website: https://birminghamstage.com/shows/horrible-christmas

From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, join this hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry...

The Snowman

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

A Christmas classic brought to life with live orchestra and movie magic. Experience a cherished festive classic like never before. Watch the beloved animated film come to life on the big screen with an...

Children's Crib Services

Venue: Chichester Cathedral

Website: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk

These services are specially designed to appeal to children, young people and their caregivers, but are open to all! Children are also warmly invited to dress up as characters from the Nativity (angels,...

The Elves Christmas Party

Venue: Oaklands Park

Website: www.cft.org.uk/offstage/elves-christmas-party

Once the sleigh is all packed up and Santa’s on his way, Sprout, Stitch and the other Elves get up to mischief – and you’re invited to join them! Explore the workshop, take an ‘elfie and pick a...

Boxing Day Racing 2025

Venue: Fontwell Park

Website: www.fontwellpark.co.uk

With crisp winter air, lively entertainment, and heart-pounding jump racing, the annual Boxing Day races are a highlight of the jump racing season. The relaxed atmosphere makes this fixture a firm favourite...

A Town Called Christmas

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

Buckle in for a rollercoaster of magic, music, and mayhem as our hero crash-lands in a crumbling town where only the long-forgotten fables, a cantankerous caretaker and a glitching robot remain! Can they...

FLIP Fabrique: Blizzard

Venue: Brighton Dome

Website: www.brightondome.org

FLIP Fabrique takes you on a crazy, poetic and gentle journey in the dead of winter, and invites you to lose yourself in a moment of complete wonder. With performers at the peak of their art and outstanding...

Little M

Venue: Minerva Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk/events/little-m

Little M is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid for anyone who feels like they're swimming against the tide. Featuring puppetry, magical transformations, and dance, Little M...

Little M

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

Little M is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid for anyone who feels like they're swimming against the tide. Little M is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little...

AI Panto (Kids Show)

Venue: Komedia Brighton

Website: www.komedia.co.uk

Witness a pantomime unlike any other — the world’s first professional Panto written entirely by AI! This family show is fast-paced and filled with pure panto mayhem and the performers must bring the...

Nick Sharratt's Picture Book Drawalong

Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre

Website: www.cft.org.uk

Join much-loved children's writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt in a family-friendly, fun-filled drawalong for all ages. He’ll be sharing his favourite books, introducing you to brand new ones and showing...