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 101 to 120.
Show / Display
Brighton
The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…
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…
Childrens Events
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – an after-dark stroll through iconic conifers
The National Pinetum at Bedgebury is a place where new memories are made when over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Head to the South of England showground this November for the Ardingly Winter Fair where you can shop until you drop with a large selection of stalls boasting artisan products, gifts, and food and drink from independent and local vendors.
…
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…
Childrens Events
Horsham
Sprocket & Dibs have a problem!
Christmas is fast approaching & Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. will Sprocket & Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day? Only time will tell…
Childrens Events
Brighton
Treat your furry friend to a visit to Santa Paw’s Grotto, including a special gift from Santa himself
Give your canine companion their own festive experience with a trip to santa paws at your local Dobbies.
Plus, if you want the complete family…
Christmas
Midhurst
The annual Midhurst Christmas Street Party and Christmas Tree Light Switch will be lighting the way on Friday 6th December 2024 between 5pm and 8pm.
With a stage in the Market Square, entertainment, Christmas lights countdown along with Santa's…
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…
Christmas
Petworth
Explore Petworth House to see showstopping trees, twinkling lights, beautifully adorned garlands and floral displays this Christmas. Discover eight of our historic showrooms dressed for Christmas with playful mice hiding among the display, and…
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
Chichester
The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the worldwide smash hit musical SIX is back on UK tour, returning to Chichester after two sell-out previous runs. Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this sell-out Tudor take-off has won 35…
Christmas
Berwick
Watch little eyes twinkle with wonder as they experience the glistening magic of Christmas at Drusillas! Come and meet Santa in his cosy cottage, sing along with our singing reindeer trio, stroll through twinkling decorations, and marvel at our 24ft…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Get your skates on with a visit to Eastbourne's Lightning Fibre Ice Rink, which returns even bigger and better than before!
Family
Battle
The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 500 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.
© Visit South East England 2024. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
