The bright lights of Christmas are fading, and a new year is once more upon us. Don’t let the cold days ahead and obligatory resolutions get you down because there is much to enjoy in Sussex in January! And here is our pick of things to do in January 2026!
New Year’s Day concert at Eastbourne Bandstand
1 January, from 11 am.
Eastbourne will ring in 2026 with a free New Year’s Day concert, bringing cheer to residents and visitors across the town. Performed by Eastbourne Silver Band from 11 am, the New Year’s Day concerts is a long-standing tradition and this year is being held at the Wish Tower Slopes, as work continues at the Bandstand to ensure it is ready to welcome audiences in 2026. On New Year’s Day, Eastbourne Silver Band return to celebrate the first day of the year with a range of classics, songs from the movies and party hits for all the family.
Free to attend with standing room only and no ticket required. For warming refreshments, West Rocks Beach Club will be open on the lower parade.
Lewes Speakers Festival
16 to 18 January
This annual literary event returns, featuring talks, debates and discussions with a diverse range of authors, journalists, politicians, and public figures on current affairs, history, culture, and personal experiences. Ticket required.
Wassailing
There are various wassailing ceremonies across Sussex this January and as a fun tradition, they are a great way to see in the new year. You will find wassailing at Michelham Priory in East Sussex on the 26 January, at the Weald and Downland Living Museum in West Sussex on the 17 January, and at Tarring in West Sussex on the 5th of January.
Michael Palin in Conversation
28 January. At Charleston near Lewes. Booking required.
Step into the world of Michael Palin, comedian, actor, writer and adventurer whose work with ‘Monty Python’ rewired the rules of humour and whose adventures have taken him – and us – to the far-flung corners of the globe. In this unmissable conversation, Michael reflects on a career defined by collaboration, curiosity and a singular blend of affability and anarchy.
Stargazing at Helen Garden, Eastbourne
24 January
Use the Eastbourne Astronomical Society’s telescopes to explore the craters on the moon. There will be a telescope set up on planet Saturn where visitors will be able to see the rings and clouds bands. Other telescopes will be taking images of The Andromeda Galaxy and The “Seven Sisters”, a blue open cluster of stars. Stargazing will not go ahead if it rains.
Evening Roost Watch
21 and 26 January
Head to the Arundel Wetland Centre to watch pied wagtails, egrets, and marsh harriers gather for their evening roost. The hides will remain open an extra hour.
Big Garden Birdwatch 2026
23 – 25 January
If you can’t make it to Arundel, the Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers like you take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring. You can take part by signing up on the RSPB website.
Bexhill After Dark
31 January
A brilliant mix of illuminated installations, interactive artworks and atmospheric performances inspired by The Four Elements. Expect towering inflatable creations, glowing walkabout characters, aerial performers, storytellers, dancers, hula-hoopers, acrobats and whimsical roller-skate acts. Shopfronts and streets will transform into vibrant galleries of light, while large-scale puppetry, kinetic sculptures and sound-led experiences invite audiences to explore, play and discover. A colourful night-time parade will wind through the town, filled with rhythm, movement and illuminated wonders.
Free and from 5 to 8 pm.
Burns Night Celebrations at Ashling Park
25 January
Raise a glass to Robert Burns with canapés and an arrival drink, a four-course supper prepared by our Scottish chef, and a room dressed to impress. The highlight? The Address to the Haggis, with our bagpipe player piping in the haggis for full Highland drama! An evening of poetry, music, and fine Scottish cuisine awaits. Pre-booking required.
January Jumps Raceday
26 January
Kick off the new year in style with an afternoon of exciting National Hunt action at Plumpton Racecourse. With seven competitive races, there’s no better way to banish the January blues.
We hope you have enjoyed our list of things to do in January in Sussex, and if so, you may also like:
