What’s on in Bognor & Chichester: December Events

It’s the most magical time of the year. Wrap up warm for ice skating, shimmy into the party in your sequins or write a list for Santa – December is a month full of celebratory moments and memory making. Here are some ideas to keep you occupied across the Bognor Regis and Chichester areas.

Throughout December – Live Christmas Performances 

Chichester Festival Theatre is the place to head if you want to infuse the family with Christmas cheer. Its programme of festive events includes performances of traditional Christmas music by The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood and the Chichester Cathedral Choir, ‘Mistletoe & Melodies: a series of live music suppers in The Brasserie restaurant and performances of Hey! Christmas Tree - festive story created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo.

Throughout December – Santa’s Grotto

Santa will be welcoming families to his grotto up to and including 24^th December, with his temporary home taking up residence in Brick Kiln Garden Centre on Bognor Road. The grotto will be open on various December dates between 9am and 5pm, with tickets priced from £8. If you visit on the 3^rd, 10^th or 12^th December, you can also book to see a Christmas-themed live music show – enjoyed with a festive cream tea. Or why not just browse the Christmas items and pick up a real tree?

Throughout December– Home Visits by Santa

The Magic of Father Christmas specialises in home visits, with Father Christmas and one of his elf helpers able to visit homes in the Bognor, Chichester and surrounding areas. The visits are designed for a family with up to four children, and includes a gift, a stocking, reindeer food, a personalised decoration for each child, a certificate complete with a magical elfie-selfie, a magic key and a personalised poem for the family. Prices are from £99 for a 20 minute visit.

Throughout December – Christmas Tree Stroll

Ensure you don’t miss some of Chichester’s most amazing decorations by completing the Christmas Tree Stroll. An online map, which is available to download, pinpoints where 11 beautifully decorated trees are dotted around the city centre. Look carefully and you’ll also find seven stunning sculptures specially commissioned and created by talented local artists using sustainable materials. On display until the 31^st December.

Throughout December – Ice Skating

Get your glide on and head to Bognor’s London Road coach park, where the space has been transformed into a wintery ice rink. The covered arena means skating will take place whatever the weather, and there are rides, attractions, food vendors and marshmallow toasting for those not lacing up their skates. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult and no under 3s are allowed on the ice. Advance booking is advised, with skate slots available up until 5^th January 2025.

7^th December – Christmas At The Movies

Is there a more atmospheric place in the city than Chichester Cathedral? Add in candlelight and classic songs from Christmas movies (including It’s A Wonderful Life and Elf) performed by London Concertante, and you have the perfect December evening. The event takes place on Saturday 7^th December, with doors open from 6:45pm and tickets priced from £30.83.

8^th December – Creatives Christmas Market

Wild City and The Duke & Rye are coming together to host a seasonal shopping extravaganza. The Creatives Christmas Market takes place on Sunday 8^th December on Chichester’s West Street, with local makers and mulled wine proving hard to resist. Purchase some presents between 10am and 2pm.

14^th December – Polar Express Pyjama Party

Grab your Christmas pyjamas and popcorn for a relaxed screening of the holiday classic The Polar Express. The event takes place at Bognor Regis’s Picturedome Cinema on Saturday 14^th December, with the screening starting at 11am. Wear your PJs and head to screen 1 for this feel-good Christmas film!

31^st December – New Year’s Eve Party

Members and non-members are welcome at Bognor Regis Golf Club as they host a dazzling New Year’s Eve party. Arrive at 7pm for a 7:30pm dinner, followed by live music from singer Nathan Smithers and a midnight toast to usher in 2025. Tickets are priced at £31.50. The club is also hosting Christmas boogie bingo on 8^th December and a children’s Christmas magic show on 15^th December.