Christmas in Sussex is a wonderful reason for a day out. From Brighton Festival to the Bluebell Railway, there are plenty of activities to get you feeling festive.
Sussex at Christmas is a truly enchanting atmosphere where festive-feeling goers of all ages can enjoy magical Christmas experiences. This winter season, you’ll find the perfect opportunities to meet Santa, so come ready to meet his reindeer and elves!
At Sussex Christmas Markets you’ll have the chance to stock up on all the Christmas essentials, from Christmas puddings to nuts and cheeses, so bring your reusable shopping bags and don’t miss a unique gift for your loved one. Loads of these items are handmade and crafted so spread some festive cheer this December by supporting local sellers.
From cosy Christmas markets to exhilarating beach walks, we’ve selected the best things to do in Sussex at Christmas. Some will require tickets due to their popularity, so book soon to avoid disappointment. Seriously, we can tell you’re all going wild for Christmas this year!
Grab a drink and get in the Christmas spirit as you scroll through these Christmas events in Sussex that cater to all kinds of joyous visitors.
Great Days Out in Sussex at Christmas
Want to find a great day out for Christmas in Sussex? Read on!
1. SteamLights at Bluebell Railway
SteamLights is a shimmering railway tour to immerse you and the family in a journey through the colourful show. Lasting 90 minutes, this experience gives you a chance to feast your eyes on thousands of beautiful Christmas illuminations.
Board the festive steam train on the platform at Sheffield Park and motor through the luminous Sussex countryside to Horsted Keynes before your return trip. Expect magical Christmas music and narration along the way to enliven all your senses.
Tickets start at £125 (for a table of 4 adults).
2. Fishers Farm Magic of Christmas
Fishers Farm is where you’ll find Santa and his reindeer waiting to greet the family with Christmas cheer. Kids can choose their own presents after meeting Santa in his very popular Christmas grotto.
During your visit, be sure to watch the Christmas Show, where the Fishers team take to the stage to perform an enchanting Christmas story.
Tickets start at £25 (includes a gift).
3. Leonardslee Illuminated Gardens
Prepare for a spellbound Christmas evening at Leonardslee Illuminated Gardens as you walk through the vibrant lakes and greenery. Bursting with Christmas cheer, the large-scale projections and illuminations offer a magical escape into a world of festivity (allow 60-90 minutes to complete the walk).
Perfect for the whole family this Christmas in Sussex, the Leonardslee Gardens offer funfair rides for all to enjoy and Christmas markets to buy the perfect gifts before you leave. They’re among the best gardens in England for a day out.
Tickets are from £10 to £18 and must be booked online.
4. A winter’s beach walk
Embrace the chills this winter and head over to the Camber Sands beach in East Sussex this Christmas. Voted one of the UK’s best coastal spots, Camber Sands offers a tranquil setting that is rarely achievable during the hot summer months.
Parking is stress-free and easy to find here at Christmas in Sussex. Then, you’ll find the crisp coastline just over the sandy dunes, where you’ll quickly experience the beauty of the sun shining down onto the sand and sea.
After a windy walk, escape to the nearby town of Rye where you’ll find a cluster of cosy cafes and pubs to enjoy a hot drink.
Free, but wrap up warm!
5. Brighton Christmas Festival
Voted 5th best in the UK, and arguably the best of the Sussex Christmas Markets, head down to Brighton’s Christmas Festival this winter to experience a bright and magical festive atmosphere.
Host to a wonderful variety of vendors, stalls and shows, this Christmas Market is not one to miss. Brighton’s Christmas markets are geared to entertain all ages, boasting a Santa’s Grotto for the younger visitors and an Après Ski Lodge to serve delicious, mulled wine to the adults.
The Elf Express is also arriving at Christmas in Sussex. Watch a fabulous performance and find out how the elves work together to help an unwell Santa deliver his presents to the children of Brighton and Hove. Make sure you book your tickets well in advance though.
Free entry – but tickets are required for The Elf Express and other attractions within the festival.
6. Bedgebury Trail
Witness this national forest as it’s transformed into a spellbinding Christmas walking route. This festive, night-time experience journeys through magical tunnels and under giant baubles to immerse you in a merry atmosphere of Christmas cheer.
This Christmas in Sussex, the Bedgebury Magical Trail will glow with sparkling illuminations and festive sounds. Bring the whole family to take pictures with the giant Christmas trees and to warm up over the crackling flames in the fire garden.
Don’t worry about bringing snacks, because all walkers can grab a bite from the street food vendors along the way.
Tickets cost from £14 to £21.
7. Bodiam Castle
Located in East Sussex, the 14th Century Bodiam Castle is an idyllic spot for winter walks and family photos. Enjoy the fresh air this winter, as you walk through the castle courtyard and grounds.
With vast grounds to discover, bring your walking boots or wellies and walk through the beautiful landscapes. Take your festive photos, with views over a picturesque moat and castle towers. This is a great spot to spend time amongst history this Christmas in Sussex.
When it’s time to warm up, pop into the Castle’s Wharf Tea Room, where you’ll find all sorts of hot drinks and snacks to enjoy. If it’s a Christmas present you’re after, then head to the gift shop where you’ll encounter all kinds of festive gift inspirations.
Tickets from £5.50 to £11.
8. Brighton Palace Pier
A fun-packed location that can keep the whole family busy. Christmas at Sussex is a magical time so make the most of the festivity by visiting the Brighton Pier. Here, you’ll find arcades, dodgems, rides and more!
With no entrance fee, you can enjoy all the pier has to offer at an affordable cost. Spending time with loved ones is crucial for the Christmas period – so sip on a hot chocolate at the Palm Court Restaurant and Bar, while the kids make life-long memories in the arcade.
Sea-views and crisp winds will keep you fresh this Christmas and set the perfect scene to enjoy fish and chips as a family.
Free entry
9. Glow Wild 2022 at Wakehurst
The Glow Wild trail at Wakehurst is a wonderful way to get in the Sussex Christmas spirit. The spellbinding winter lantern trail works for all ages, and is now in its 9th year.
“As darkness falls, the gardens are brought to life with beautifully hand-crafted lanterns and captivating light installations created by leading artists. This year, Glow Wild celebrates the spectrum of colours in nature, inviting you to explore how we see colour and the role it plays in our daily lives.”
– GLOW WILD 22
10. Seaford Christmas Magic Market
Head to the Seaford Christmas Magic Market on December 3rd 2022 to pick up your Christmas gifts for friends and family. Held in Seaford Town Centre, you’ll find some unique presents, and some tasty treats too.
11. Weald and Downland Christmas Market
Christmas in Sussex
See, loads of fun to be had at Christmas in Sussex. You can explore the Christmas markets, enjoy the many wonderful Sussex days out with all their Christmas decorations up, and head to the coast too.
We hope this has opened your eyes to some of the fantastic days out in Sussex for Christmas you can enjoy, and to get your coat on and wrap up warm to get out there.
Merry Christmas!
