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 121 to 138.
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…
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…
Theatre
Chichester
The greatest, most powerful and dangerous figures who shaped English history are brought vividly to life in Robert Bolt's award-winning play. Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII.…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
This winter, experience the magic of Christmas at Borde Hill. Children can write their letters to Santa and explore the Garden on a magical story trail, 'Ivy's Sparkling Snow Ball Adventure', or for an additional charge, book to visit Santa in his…
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
Chichester
Experience the magic of the festive season at the West Dean Christmas Market
Join us at the West Dean Christmas Market, where a collection of hand-picked stallholders will be showcasing the best in arts, crafts and food.
Enjoy an array of festive…
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…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Get your skates on with a visit to Eastbourne's Lightning Fibre Ice Rink, which returns even bigger and better than before!
Childrens Events
Brighton
Embrace the festive season with a must-have visit to Santa
WHAT BETTER WAY TO BRING THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS TO LIFE THAN A MEETING WITH SANTA HIMSELF!
From 28th Nov - 24th Dec | £8.99 per child
Santa will be bringing the festive joy right to the…
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.
Christmas
Chichester
We're elf-static that Father Christmas is coming to CFT! We've been tinkering away with Master Elves, Tinsel and Beau, for a brand-new family experience.
Believers get to go behind-the-scenes at the Elves' Workshop, where creativity and craft…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
This Christmas holiday, join the Nature Heroes in exploring the magical Glow Wild trail by day. Keep your eyes sharp, solve riddles and uncover Wakehurst's nocturnal creatures on a winter quest around the gardens.
A special glow in the dark badge…
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 &…
General event
Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham Christmas Makers Fair
Join Paper Daisy Events as we return to Shoreham for our 8th year for our Christmas Makers Fair, a festive extravaganza that celebrates the spirit of the season! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity…
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.
…
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
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…
Childrens Events
Brighton
Join us for a fun-filled Festive Fair at the Brighton Toy Museum on Sunday, December 15th, from 11am to 4pm. It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique, last-minute Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, all within a charming and festive…
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