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: October 2026 – January 2027 (dates tbc).
- Worthing ice rink in Steyne Gardens: November 2026 – February 2027 (dates tbc).
- The Rec Rink on tour at the Ardingly Showground: 2026 dates tbc (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 26 November 2026 and sees the gardens lit up with beautifully hand-crafted winter lanterns and stunning installations. Leonardslee Lights opens on 27 November 2026 and takes you on a trail of illuminations, projections and interactive installations.
Details are awaited from English Heritage as to whether “Illuminated Battle” is happening in 2026 and don’t forget that the Burning of the Clocks will return to Brighton on the 21 December 2026.
Christmas train journeys
There is nothing quite as evocative as a Christmas train journey. At the Bluebell Railway, their SteamLights starts on the 21 November 2026 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 2026 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:
- Dick Whittington at the Horsham Capitol from 29 November 2026
- Robin Hood at Chequer Mead in East Grinstead from 5 December 2026
- Dick Whittington at the Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne from 7 December 2026
- Snow White at Rock Theatre in Hastings from 12 December 2026.
- Puss in Boots at Worthing Theatre from 3 December 2026.
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. Have a look at this selection of fantastic displays:
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 18 December 2026. 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 usually have a whole range of Christmas cookery courses, from game cookery and a Christmas BBQ masterclass to Christmas canapes. Full details for 2026 tbc. At the Brighton Cookery School, they have Christmas parties where you “Learn, Cook & Dine” as well as other Christmas experiences.
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 a tree dressing day on 6 December 2026.
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 2026 are the 13 to the 15 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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