There is no escaping the fact that the next stop is Christmas! From now on, Sussex starts to get festive, and as the nights get darker and the weather gets colder, it’s time to enjoy twinkling lights, time with family and friends and a little Christmas cheer. With this in mind, here’s our list of some of the best Sussex Christmas experiences, from Sussex ice rinks to festive train rides and magic trails, there is something for everyone here:
Sussex ice rinks and skating
Ice skating is always a great way to get into the spirit of things at Christmas (and justifies the eating of cake): Here are the Sussex Christmas ice rinks:
- The ice rink at the Royal Pavilions in Brighton: 25 October 2025 – 4 January 2026.
- Worthing ice rink in Steyne Gardens: 8 November 2025 – 22 February 2026.
- Eastbourne’s Lightning Fibre’s Ice Rink in the Enterprise Centre: dates to be confirmed but normally open from late November.
- The Rec Rink on tour at the Ardingly Showground: 26 – 30 November 2025 (as part of the winter show).
Christmas illuminations
Sussex is developing some really special Christmas illumination events which are suitable for children and adults alike. Glow Wild at Wakehurst opens on 27 November 2025 and sees the gardens lit up with beautifully hand-crafted winter lanterns and stunning installations. Leonardslee Lights opens on 28 November 2025 and takes you on a trail of illuminations, projections and interactive installations.
“Illuminated Battle” is not happening in 2025 and don’t forget that the Burning of the Clocks event is taking a break in 2025. Fingers crossed they will both be back in 2026.
Christmas train journeys
There is nothing quite as evocative as a Christmas train journey. At the Bluebell Railway, their SteamLights starts on the 22 November 2025 and takes you on a train covered in thousands of colourful lights which rushes past a spectacular light show as you travel through the Sussex winter landscape! They also have Santa specials. And over at the Kent and East Sussex Railway, their Christmas train rides start on the 29 November 2025 and include a meeting with Father Christmas, elves and a visit to the station’s own Winter Wonderland.
Pantomime and Sussex Mummers
Almost every large Sussex town hosts a pantomime, and this year you can catch:
- Robin Hood at the Horsham Capitol from 22 November 2025
- Cinderella at Chequer Mead in East Grinstead from 6 December 2025
- Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Hippodrome from 30 December 2025
- The New Adventures of Peter Pan at the Devonshire Park Theatre (Eastbourne) from 5 December 2025
- Jack and the Beanstalk at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings from 11 December 2025.
If it’s a more traditional play you’re after, look out for Sussex Mummers, which are groups of local actors who put on folk plays. Think Morris dancing meets Christmas.
A National Trust Christmas
The National Trust always do Christmas well and in Sussex, we’re lucky enough to have National Trust properties right across the region. On the outskirts of East Grinstead, Standen House Christmas also kicks off on 22 November 2025. Christmas trees and decorations fill the house and ‘The Jolly Holly Christmas Trail’, a trail for families, can be enjoyed by all. For an atmospheric experience, visit one of the evening openings with carols around the Christmas tree.
At Nymans, near Haywards Heath, Christmas starts on 22 November 2025 with a Fairytale Christmas inspired by the magic of much-loved stories. In the garden, a Christmas family adventure trail awaits, leading you through classic fairytales. Find Aladdin’s cave of treasures, play a game with Red Riding Hood’s basket of treats and take a seat in Cinderella’s carriage.
At Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, enjoy a magical Christmas and write letters to Father Christmas in the castle grotto, while his sleigh awaits in the courtyard – perfect for climbing aboard, dressing up in festive costumes and snapping a memorable Christmas photo. Explore the castle as you look for gifts left by a naughty elf on a festive family-friendly trail (£2 per trail, includes a small prize) and there’s magical storytelling on selected dates too. From 29 November 2025.
A Medieval Christmas
Weaving their storytelling magic and exalting the true spirit of Christmas with hauntingly joyous music, the Mediaeval Baebes will be performing at St Mary’s Church in Horsham on 12 December 2025. Evoking thoughts of the winter festival and its pre-Christian origins, the Mediaeval Baebes will enchant you with Christmas carol classics and traditional folk songs. Accompanied by a dazzling array of exotic and period instruments, this unique take on early music, traditional culture and the magic of folklore brings a unique opportunity to be uplifted and enchanted in the stunning and graceful medieval church.
Christmas cookery
Head on over to Ashdown Forest and the Ashdown Manna Cookery School where they have a whole range of Christmas cookery courses, from game cookery and a Christmas BBQ masterclass to Christmas canapes. At the Brighton Cookery School, they have Christmas parties where you “Learn, cook & Dine”.
Winter Solstice
To herald the change of seasons, The Wellderness normally host a Winter Solstice event. Details TBC. Meanwhile, at the Weald and Downland Museum they hold St Nicholas Day celebrations on 6 December 20205 and a tree dressing day on 7 December 2025.
Photo credit Lee Milner
Carols by candlelight in a 13th century chapel
Mark the start of the festive season with a glorious “Carols by Candlelight” performance in the 13th century chapel at Bailiffscourt, Climping, West Sussex. The acoustics of this beautiful building, filled with candles and sparkle, bring a whole new dimension to Christmas. Create your own family festive tradition and choose from three performance dates in December to get in the mood for Christmas with a fine festive lunch, indulgent afternoon tea, or make an evening of it with a delicious dinner. The dates for 2025 are the 14 to the 16 December. This event sells out early so book soon.
Alternatively, head to Chichester Cathedral where they host a number of festive events throughout December.
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