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 81 to 100.
Christmas
Amberley
Our two-night New Year's Celebration package includes:
30th December (if arriving on this date)
Three-course à la carte dinner
New Year's Eve
Full English & continental breakfast (if arriving on 30th December)
String duo on arrival
Champagne…
Walking
Brighton
Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air. Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but…
Christmas
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Explore the wonder of our woodland gardens awash with light, sound and colour.
Bigger, better, and even more magical than before! Leonardslee Lights is set to bring a fun winter experience for the whole family. Join us for an incredible winter…
Arts
Chiddingly
Join us in Farleys gift shop during December to pick up gifts for family and friends from our special range of unique and exclusive products.
Our gift shop offers a range of items that are directly related to Roland Penrose and Lee Miller and their…
Christmas
Chichester
Filling the North and East Streets of Chichester, the annual Chichester Christmas Market will be opening from 7th - 15th December.
With around 50 stalls selling Christmas gifts and novelties, accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of…
General event
Brighton
Fabuloso is the UK's biggest LGBTQ Pride festival and the Brighton & Hove Pride official fundraiser for the Brighton Rainbow Fund
“Historic, inspired and unparalleled. Brighton Pride is one of the best international pride festivals, we love it”…
Christmas
ALBOURNE
Join experienced local artist and teacher Ella Berthoud as she guides you through painting your own personalised and beautifully designed Christmas bauble.
You will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of designs, create unique patterns,…
Christmas
Battle
See Battle Abbey in a whole new light this festive season.
Childrens Events
Brighton
Join us for this festive event with breakfast for the whole family plus fun activities and a special visit from Santa!
Each child will get to build their very own festive soft toy to take home, meet Santa Claus and take part in storytelling and…
Food
Bolney
Find the tastiest Pizzas around every Wednesday - Sunday we are in Bolney serving at the Cider Tap at Wobblegate . Set in beautiful Apple orchards and with a bar menu to die for the and the best Pizzas in the UK and local craft cider , beer and…
Childrens Events
Amberley
Father Christmas is returning to Amberley and bringing the festive spirit with him.
Join us each weekend leading up to the big day as we celebrate the festive season with a selection of Christmas activities and book a magical visit to see Father…
Arts
Midhurst
This year's Sussex Guild show at Midhurst will feature over fifty designers, exhibiting a wide range of contemporary crafts. You'll find a colourful feast of creativity to brighten the dark days of winter and provide inspiration for unique and…
Indoor
Brighton
Enjoy an overnight stay at The Grand, Brighton and indulge in one of their iconic signature experiences - the award winning afternoon tea. Located on the seafront, this iconic historic hotel, offers a luxury escape by the sea.
Take a seat in…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Talks
Eastbourne
Warrior Women of 1066: talk about queens, mothers, sisters and wives of 1066. Free for English Heritage members. For non-members talk is free with admission ticket, and visit to exhibtions and audio. Talk is indoors and talk places are limited…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
This winter, experience the magic of Christmas at Borde Hill. From 30th November to 22nd December, the Garden will be open from 10am to 3:30pm, welcoming families for a day of festive fun.
Children can write their letters to Santa and explore the…
Theatre
Chichester
After the Act is a new 1980s-inspired musical about pride, protest… and abseiling lesbians.
Thatcher's Section 28, which banned the "promotion" of homosexuality in schools, was the landmark legislation that silenced a generation, offered a global…
Theatre
Chichester
An inspiring story about hope, love and belonging, from the company that produced hit shows Peak Stuff and How Not To Drown.
Two brothers on a beach need to figure out what to do with their dad – but the sea has other ideas. Mark and Tiny walk the…
Christmas
Amberley
Experience a hands-on masterclass showcasing the art of crafting a beautiful Christmas wreath to decorate your home. Begin with a warm welcome of tea and coffee before delving into the intricacies of wreath-making, guided by our expert from The…
Performance
RYE
Join MC Rye Town Crier Paul Goring as he hosts the 72nd National Town Criers' Championship in beautiful Rye, Sussex.
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