10 dates for your Christmas diary: West Sussex event round-up

Is it ever too early to get into the Christmas spirit? White & Brooks doesn’t think so. We’re leaning in to all things festive and ensuring our diary is packed full of local events. Here are 10 places to soak up the seasonal feeling.

1. 13^th – 16^th November

Christmas market: go big and go early is the theme at The Barn in Little London, Chichester. The Rare Brand Market takes up daily residency between 13^th and 16^th November, trading between 9am and 4pm. Pop along and get your festive shopping off to a flying start, with live music and drinks tastings bonus events.

2. Saturday 22^nd November

Chichester Christmas Lights Switch On: Chichester slips into full Christmas mode on Saturday 22^nd November. Although there are events and activities from 10am, the city’s lights will be turned on at 5pm. Enjoy a pop-up food and drink market, live entertainment and visual effects, together with an after party that takes places across the city’s hospitality venues.

3. 27^th November & 18^th December

Carols at The Beach Bracklesham: hats, coats and gloves at the ready as you’re invited to gather outside at The Beach Bracklesham for carols. A complimentary glass of mulled wine on arrival should get you in fine fettle to sing along with the choir. The music starts at 7pm on both nights and the restaurant is taking bookings for its three-course celebratory meal.

4. 28th November 2025 – 4th January 2026

Ice skating: get your (ice) skates on from 28th November, when Ice Skating in the Park returns to Bognor Regis. Rink sessions must be booked in advance but you can visit anytime to enjoy the Christmas market, funfair and food stalls.

5. Saturday 29^th November

Bognor Christmas Lights Switch On: the seaside resort will get its festive glow on Saturday 29^th November. Proceedings start from 4pm and the lights will dazzle the crowds from 6pm. One of the biggest draws will be a performance by The K-Pop Superstars.

6. 2nd – 6th December

Christmas concerts: The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth and Chichester Cathedral Choir will take up a five-day residency at Chichester Festival Theatre, performing stirring renditions of classic Christmas carols and festive favourites.

7. 6^th & 7^th December

Gonk Trail & Festive Market: The Novium Museum is running a completely Christmas weekend during December. Its festive gonk trail takes place on Saturday 6^th – you have to track down the cheeky gonks who have stolen all the Christmas ornaments (turn up on the day, no booking required). Sunday 7^th sees local makers and producers set their stalls up inside the museum between 10am and 2pm.

8. 6^th, 7^th and 13th December

Wreath making & festive market: the wonderful Our Back Garden team at Mill Meadows Farm in Westbourne, together with its fluffy alpacas, is hosting a number of Christmas events. Wreath making workshops take place across the 6^th and 7^th December, while its festive market and open day is being held on Saturday 13^th December.

9. 6^th – 23^rd December

Santa’s Grotto: if your little ones have been preparing their list, they can head to Santa’s Grotto at Chichester Festival Theatre to share their letter with the big man himself. Families will need to book ahead, and there are SEN-friendly slots between 10am and 1pm on 19^th December.

10. 13^th – 23^rd December

Children’s elf workshop: Green Father Christmas is returning to Weald & Downland Living Museum on various dates in December, running his Elf School for children aged between 4 and 11. Each school day starts at 10 am and ends at 3pm, with activities including fireside stories, toy making, decoration workshops and hot chocolate.