Chichester Festival Theatre 3rd - 7th December
Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot spots including the stunning South Downs National Park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, an array of seaside resorts, characterful towns, and charming villages. Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers to enjoy.
To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place. If you're looking for what's on when it's raining, the coastal geography of Sussex means you can switch the beach for a trip to a local castle, all of which has a calendar of seasonal events to entertain children and adults.
You'll find an enviable supply of themed festivals in Sussex, from food and drink festivals bursting with local produce, which is amongst the best in the UK, and full to the brim with English wine as this county has the ideal conditions for a host of vineyards giving a unique flavour to any event. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Light up the night sky with Steamlights, a colourful trip on the Bluebell Railway, (15th Nov - 31st Dec 24), or visit the famous Battle of Hasting site and see it in a whole new light with Illuminated Abbey (3rd - 8th December). Explore the free sculpture and drawing exhibition - Here and Now, There and Then, Towner Eastbourne (16th November - 3rd March 25). Head along to the Ardingly Winter Fair, West Sussex and pick up a Christmas gift of two, (23rd & 24th November) before making a visit to Arundel which will be dressed to impress with twinkling Christmas trees and lights throughout the town for Christmas at Arundel (1st December - 31st December). Make sure you pop the 21st December into your diary, Brighton will be once again celebrating the shortest day of the day of the year and the move towards spring, with the fantastic free colourful Burning the Clocks parade (21st December 24).
Take a look at our featured list for inspiration and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see hundreds of more events in Sussex.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Sussex, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Sussex Accommodation
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.
Number of results: 138
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Childrens Events
Brighton
Have a wonderful morning spreading festive cheer at Brighton i360s Breakfast and Santa experience taking place on 23rd & 24th December. Start the day off right with a delicious full English breakfast (buffet style) accompanied with continental…
Shopping
Rye
See the Christmas tree light switch on and start your Christmas shopping in Rye.
Theatre
Chichester
Nathaniel is a serious romantic who sees love as a fine art. He's looking for the Mona Lisa to his da Vinci, and tonight is the night: his date with Destiny…'s Child.
Winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022, and written and performed by…
Theatre
Saxon Lane, Seaford
Hey Kids, wanna come and see Santa? Join him on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th of December, 11am-3pm @ the Barn Theatre, Seaford, and experience a magical Christmas moment!
-Children's Activity Table
-Bake Sale - Delicious Home Made Cakes &…
Music
Chichester
The Chichester Singers come together to perform Handel's seminal oratorio Messiah at Chichester Cathedral this January - 18th January 2025
This stunning choral music contains some of the most sublime music with arias such as Iknow that my…
Childrens Events
Chichester
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family – the Olivier Award-winner for Best Family Show 2024.
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted…
Theatre
Brighton
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the UK as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.
Directed by…
Exhibition
Eastbourne
Towner Eastbourne presents a selection of sculpture, prints and drawings by internationally renowned artist Nigel Hall (b.1943). The exhibition includes some of his earliest American desert landscape sketches from the late 1960s, alongside a number…
Childrens Events
Brighton
Catastrophe strikes! It’s Christmas Eve and Santa has gone missing... Join the Starchitects on their daring mission into space to save him.
A brilliant festive show for families from world renowned dance circus company Motionhouse comes to Brighton…
Music
Polegate
Last year's Advent concert at Alfriston was such a success that we decided to do it again in 2024. Come and hear four well-known local singers – Noa Lachman, Rebecca Hughes, Ben Hancox-Lachman and Jozik Kotz – as they kick off the festive season…
Music
Bexhill
Bexhill Choral Society presents… "… a delightful entertaining Christmas evening"
Our Christmas concert is a feast of seasonal music and carols - traditional and modern, familiar and less familiar - with the audience invited to join in singing…
General event
Brighton
Brighton’s Christmas Makers Fair at Wagner Hall
Paper Daisy Events return for their 4th year at this lovely venue, right in the heart of central Brighton, for a highly popular Christmas Makers Fair. Renowned for curating quality and diverse fairs,…
Childrens Events
west Dean
Christmas Grotto at West Dean
Saturday 30 November, Sunday 1 December, Sunday 8 December
West Dean Gardensfrom £8
West Dean Gardens is the perfect destination for an enjoyable family day out during the lead-up to the Festive Season and on Saturday…
Shopping
Near Wadhurst
Our Gift Shop will be open for Christmas shopping for 14 days in November/December from 10am to 3.30pm each day (Thursday 21st November every day up to and including Wednesday 4th December).
As usual the shop will be packed with a wide selection of…
Other
Wartling, Herstmonceux
Stargazing evenings at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux.
Food
Amberley
Savour an outstanding six-course tasting menu this Valentine's Day to the truly romantic backdrop of our castle grounds. Served in our award-winning restaurant, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fireplace,…
Christmas
East Grinstead
It's the big reveal and Christmas Light Switch on in Haywards Heath, West Sussex on the 23rd November 2024.
Town traders are busily preparing their windows for Christmas and they will be revealing their displays to coincide with the festive…
Music
Brighton
Join the friendliest choir in town!
The Free Brighton Choir is a volunteer-led singing group, open to everyone, regardless of age, singing ability or experience. No auditions, no requirements, no cost.
Free Event
Brighton
Join us for a fun, joyous, family-friendly 'Wintering' creative writing workshop at Saddlescombe Farm, with hot drinks, songs and stories around the fire.
Part of the WOL @ Changing Chalk programme.
Saturday 7 December
12noon-3pm
FREE
Covert…
Food
Cowfold Roaf, Bolney
Cider and Pizza Served fresh from Wednesday to Sunday
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