With steam train rides to meet Santa, winter walks with The Snowman and magical journeys to Narnia after stepping through a wardrobe at a beautifully decorated country house, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Sussex from Arundel to Worthing
Christmas 2024 in Arundel
With its fairytale castle complete with turrets, cobbled streets and shops that look like something from a Charles Dickens novel, decorated with real Christmas trees aglow, Arundel is the twinkling epitome of the festive season.
More than 800 Spruces, illuminated with strings of warm white LED lights, have been lit up throughout Sussex by Festive Illuminations but nearly half of them are here, literally making the tiny town twinkle. For every tree ordered, Festive illuminations donates to charity, raising £4,000 so far. They even take down the trees on Twelfth Night and recycle them. Festiveilluminations.info
Used as the setting for the hit comedy movie, Wicked Little Letters, starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley as warring neighbours, Arundel is a tourist and shopper’s delight. Head to Arundel Museum on 9 November 10.30am - 4pm for their Artisan Christmas Fayre where you’ll find handmade cards, Christmas decorations, prints, jewellery and more, all made by local artists and artisans. Browse the stalls and then sit back with some homemade cake, smug in the knowledge you’ve done all your Christmas shopping early.
Forget going for a wild swim over Christmas – it’s far too cold for that – and head for a festive lap or two in a heated pool at Arundel Lido. Tickets go on sale 1 December, £8 Adult/£5.50 Junior/£21.50 Family of four, arundel-lido.comThe true fun of Christmas, along with spending time with the family, is to eat, drink and be merry and Arundel has a smorgasbord of quaint tearooms, cosy cafes, pubs and restaurants to enjoy. Step inside the low doorframe of Pallant of Arundel, and breathe in the cosy and comforting scent of freshly-baked cakes and cakes. The purveyors of fine food and wines on the High Street support local, artisan producers and do a roaring trade in hampers at Christmas and offer wines from local vineyards as they do their bit to champion the very best of Sussex. www.pallantofarundel.co.uk If it’s a drink you’re after, there are plenty of popular riverside pubs. For a pint with plenty of atmosphere head to the Kings Arms with its bunting and cobbles, while a further half a mile up Mill Road, the Black Rabbit has vistas over the river and castle keep. (theblackrabbitarundel.co.uk).For something rather special – and who doesn’t want that at Christmas – head to The George at Burpham, just three miles from Arundel. Located in the beautiful countryside of the South Downs, the 17th Century Grade II-listed pub and restaurant serve only the freshest, local ingredients from their AA Rosette awarded kitchen in homely, dog-friendly surroundings. Treat yourself to a Christmas lunch, all washed down with Sussex wines or beer. URL Turn to page XX for our review of the pub. georgeatburpham.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Burgess Hill
Steeped in history, on the edge of the South Downs and with charm galore, Burgess Hill believes in giving back and helping others at Christmas.
With artefacts dating back to the late Bronze Age found here, the town gained importance from its location on the London to Brighton way in Roman Times. But the town steamed into the 19th century when the London to Brighton railway line opened in 1841 and the population doubled in the years following WWII.
Now a busy, thriving town, the local Town council, businesses and residents work together to help those in need at Christmas. The Hamper Project brings some Christmas cheer to families on low incomes and ensures no one goes hungry during the festive holidays. School pupils from across the town join volunteers to deliver the hampers. A total of 272 Christmas Hampers were distributed last year. To donate or volunteer contact communityteam@burgesshill.gov.uk
Mid Sussex charity, Time 4 Children, is hosting their annual Winter Fayre at Adastra Hall, in nearby Hassocks on Saturday 23 November from 1pm - 5pm.
Santa will be attending in his Grotto and parents can book time slots in advance through time4children.org.uk/winterfayre. Tickets cost £5. There is a SEN hour for the Grotto which is from midday – 1pm. As well as picking up gifts from local businesses, there is a café and craft activities for children.
Entry is £1 per adult. All funds raised go towards supporting the charity’s ongoing work with primary school aged children in Mid Sussex.
Get into the festive spirit early with the Burgess Hill Marching Youth’s Christmas Concert on Saturday 30 November, at St John’s Church at 7.30pm. More than just a performance, the concert celebrates the community’s young talent and the enduring spirit of tradition that has been cultivated since the band’s formation in 1986. Tickets are available at ticketsource.co.uk/stjohn’schurch.
With so much emphasis on helping others, it’s also important to look after yourself and your finances. Samantha Kaye, is a Chartered Financial Adviser at Wellesley Wealth’s bespoke female-led financial advice service, Her Wealth. Providing clear, personalised, transparent financial advice for women across Sussex, the firm offers a complimentary meeting to discuss your financial matters. wellesleywa.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Chichester
What sparkles more than the Christmas lights of Chichester, the only cathedral city in West Sussex that comes complete with Roman Baths, amphitheatre, plenty of Grade-II listed buildings and shops galore? The answer is diamonds, of course, and while we can’t promise those under the tree this year, we do love browsing the jewellery stores, including R L Austen, which stocks the kind of range we’re dreaming of this Christmas, including our favourite gems and pearls. Men don’t miss out as top brand watches, such as Tissot, are on offer there, as well as Mont Blanc pens and accessories – all perfect for that special someone. They also have a great collection of pre-owned Rolexes and vintage jewellery from top brands such as Roberto Coin and FOPE. And if you really want to spoil that special someone, and push the boat out, this year why not make an appointment about having to a unique commission made? austenjewellers.co.uk
Shopping aside, music lovers can enjoy Chichester Cathedral Choir and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood for the traditional Christmas Concerts at Chichester Festival Theatre on December 3, from 7.30pm. Brimming with carols and classic Christmas melodies, alongside some enchanting new arrangements, you’ll also have a chance to cast your vote for Chichester’s Favourite Christmas Song for an uplifting rendition of the winning number, complete with an audience sing-along. Tickets from £10, box.office@cft.org.uk
The entire family can enjoy a spellbinding new telling of the classic folk tale Cinderella, by the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre December 17 - 31 at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Packed with theatricality and comedy, Cinderella is written by Philip Wilson (Grimm Tales), with original live music and songs by Jason Carr, and directed by Jon Pashley (CFYT’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream). From £10, for ages 7 plus, box.office@cft.org.uk
Make a Christmas toast on a tour of Tinwood Estates where you can explore the vineyard and taste award-winning English sparkling wines made in Sussex. There are tours daily throughout November and December and dogs are welcome, too. After being guided around the vineyard to discover the journey from grape to glass, you will enjoy three glasses of Tinwood Sussex Sparkling wine as you are guided through the flavours, smells, and food pairings of each wine. £21, tinwoodestate.com
Christmas 2024 in Eastbourne
Boasting a gold-domed pier, candy-striped lighthouse against the dramatic backdrop of Beachy Head and five-star hotel known as The White Palace, it’s hard to find a place more festive than Eastbourne.
Named the UK’s – and one of the world’s – coolest destinations to visit last year, beating the likes of Kyushu in Japan and the Nordic charms of Norway, it’s the most wonderful place to be at Christmas.
Go for a festive afternoon tea at The Grand Hotel on the promenade and sit in front of a toasty fire in The Great Hall with Christmas trees decked out in bows and baubles. Dine on fancy finger sandwiches – the crusts cut off, of course, –scones with cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and pastries from 1 – 22 December, from £36, Monday – Thursday and £40.50 Friday - Sunday. Treat yourself to a glass of champagne, too. Well, it is Christmas. grandeastbourne.com
Get in the festive mood early with a trip to the Congress Theatre to see the most famous ballet in the world, The Nutcracker on 2 November, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Expect snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic, and familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy .Tickets, £35 - £41. Eastbournetheatres.co.uk
The whole family will love Christmas at Drusillas where you can pet the animals and meet Santa. From 23 November – 23 December, 10-5pm drusillas.co.uk
There are some festive surprises at the Rhythm of The Dance Christmas Special where all the classic seasonal songs are performed live by star musicians, vocalists and world champion dancers. Tickets, Congress Theatre, 26 November.
Don’t miss the Christmas market, entertainment and a festive parade at Meads Magic, in Meads Street, Meads Village on 29 November, 2.30 – 7.30pm. There is a Santa’s Grotto, too.
Watch the town’s Christmas lights switch on at 6pm the following day, 30 November, in Terminus Road, where there is also activities, street food and a Christmas market.
And if that isn’t enough festive fun, catch the Fairytale of New York at the Congress Theatre, on 19 December. Direct from the West End and after two sell-out tours, the ultimate feel-good Christmas show is back. £30, eastbournetheatres.co.uk
And if all you’re dreaming of this Christmas is a new bespoke kitchen, fitted furniture or custom cabinetry, head to Barn Joinery on Seabeach Lane, renowned for their quality craftsmanship and unique designs. The family-run business also offer a Heritage Joinery service for period properties, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas and promote and protect the heritage of traditional woodworking methods for future generations to come. barnjoinery.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in East Grinstead
Father Christmas seems to get everywhere at this time of year but he has his own parlour for meets and greets on board the Santa Special trains at the Bluebell Railway.
Forget the Polar Express, this festive season board the Santa Special from Sheffield Park for a ride through the winter countryside to Horsted Keynes.
Chocolate coins will be given to all the children while there is a drinks trolley on some services or indulge in a glass of mulled wine at The Pantry & Buffet in Horsted Keynes. But the main attraction on the two-hour trip is meeting the man himself in Santa’s Parlour where you can take a photo with him and the family and get a special present. Trains operate 30 November – 24 December, 20204, various times. Tickets, £8 for infants under three, £180 for third class compartment (seats eight people) or £220 for first class compartment (seats up to six people). bluebell-railway.com/special/santa-specials/
Elsewhere in the town, traders in the town, which has one of the longest continuous runs of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England, will be wrapping up their windows for his year’s Big Reveal which coincides with the switch on of the Christmas Lights on Saturday 23 November.
The mayor, Steve Ody, will flick the switch to illuminate the Rotary tree of light at the same time as the main Christmas lights at 5pm, bathing the centre in twinkling garlands as late night Christmas shopping gets underway.
After all that retail therapy, why not take a winter walk with The Bookshop’s John Pye. The bookseller extraordinaire guides a stroll down the famous High Street, sharing fun and fascinating facts on 7 December from 2pm – 4pm. The afternoon finishes with a well-earned glass of mulled wine in the shop where you can browse for gifts or a new Christmas read. £20, plus 50p booking fee online at eastgrinsteadbookshop.co.uk.
Welcome in the winter – and the final countdown to Christmas – at Ashdown Forest Centre on 14 December where there will be demonstrations from the East Grinstead Spinners, Wood Turners and carol singers. Buy a unique gift from local artisans at the pop-up stalls, take part in festive craft activities or buy a last-minute Christmas tree. Entry is free. ashdownforest.org
Over the Christmas holidays why not put yourself first for a change and book in a consultation with The McIndoe Centre, the home of plastic surgery and women’s health in East Grinstead. Offering all kinds of cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, ophthalmology and even a top toe ‘MOT’ of your general health, perhaps Santa might leave a surprise voucher for a tweakment or more under the tree this year?
themcindoecentre.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Forest Row
Just three miles away from East Grinstead is Forest Row, the village crowned one of Britain’s ‘poshest’ last year. (SUBS NOTE: by Country Living which is why not mentioned) So, it’s no surprise to find not one, but two spectacular National Trust houses, Standen and Sheffield Park and Garden, in the area.
Step inside the Arts and Crafts-style rooms at Standen, which have been dressed with atmospheric softly-lit Christmas trees for Twilight Lates weekends. Be inspired by the centrepiece Christmas tree in the courtyard, festooned and sumptuously decorated by interior designer Siobhan Murphy who has designed two special fabrics inspired by Arts and crafts motifs. Enjoy the fun, adventure ‘Finding father Christmas’ with theatre company, This Is my Theatre, Sun 1 Dec, Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec, Sat 21, Sun 22 Dec & Mon 23 Dec, £10 child, £8 adult.
Afterwards gather together for a festive trail around the garden, £4, which includes a gift, all activities plus usual admission.
At nearby Sheffield Park and Gardens, Uckfield, families can enjoy an enchanting festive walk and even meet The Snowman from Raymond Brigg’s heart-warming picture book that was made into the classic Christmas movie. Walk the Grade 1-listed gardens, reliving the magic of the illustrated book and trying to spot 12 decorated sculptures of The Snowman along a winding wintry path, past beautiful lakes and trees. There are plenty of games and activities along the way, before warming up with hot chocolate and mince pies in the café, 30 November – 12 January (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
9am - 4pm, last entry 3.30pm.
On 7, 14 and 21 December, families can meet The Snowman, who will be making personal appearances and posing for photos throughout the day. The trail and personal appearances are free but normal admission applies. Dogs are welcome on short lead apart from Saturday mornings before 1pm. You can even pick up hand-crafted goods from local Sussex makers and festive treats – perfect as Christmas gifts – in the shop and plant centre. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden.
The students at Greenfields School from the village will be entertaining the crowds with community carol singing and will be making festive decorations.
The independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 will also be holding their first Christmas market at the end of the school term where treats, stocking fillers and gifts galore can be picked up.
greenfieldsschool.com
Christmas 2024 in Henfield
Dating back to 770AD, and slap bang in the middle of the beautiful South Downs, the historic town of Henfield has a strong community spirit – which means Christmas is always a friendly, traditional affair.
The countryside is incredible to explore and blow away the cobwebs in preparation for a shopping and festive extravaganza. Head to one of the three commons that can be found down the town’s twittens – Henfield Common leads to Swains farm shop and garden centre where you can pick up some local produce and drinks.
But if you don’t fancy cooking, or are looking to indulge in a festive tipple, Tottington Manor Hotel is the award-winning destination where you can dine in TERRA and even stay in one of the four star hotel’s 12 gorgeous rooms.
Christmas starts early with a Christmas market and Big Christmas Light switch on at the hotel on 22 November. There is a plethora of Sussex vendors with stalls attending offering gift inspiration for all the family.
The traditional Candlelit Carols celebration, lead by a professional choir, will cover the usual classics plus everyone’s favourite festive songs. Held outside, you can book dining tables on the decking of TERRA restaurant. The £1 fee for the carols will fund additional parking with the farm next door and Tabletalk Foundation who deliver food education to children in the region. Booking essential, 21, 22, and 23 December.
Don’t miss the musical production of Dickens A Christmas Carol on 21 and 23 December performed by professional actors. It’s a matinee event that starts at 3pm. Tickets, £15 adults, £10 children, infants on laps, free.
Don’t fancy cooking, or doing the mountain of washing up this year? Why not book a five course festive lunch instead? Christmas Day is already full but there are (at the time of writing) places available on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, £150, plus service charge.Finally, see in the New Year in style at TERRA restaurant and Tottington Manor with a three-course dinner, cheeseboard and entertainment until the bongs of Big Ben ring out. £99. tottingtonmanor.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Haywards Heath
Fancy discovering a giant owl, or step through a wardrobe to discover the magical world of Narnia? Then head to Haywards Heath, the quintessential mid Sussex town that seems to have it all – and not just for Christmas.
Pop along to the Christmas Festival in South Road and The Orchards shopping centre on 23 November from 1pm – 4.30pm for a fun-filled family afternoon which will culminate in the countdown to switching on the Christmas lights. There will be choirs, bands and dance performances on stage, funfair rides and food stalled along with a balloon modeller, face painting and Father Christmas himself. There will also be a competition running for the ‘Best Dressed Shop Window’, and a fun Christmas Trail for children, including a small prize for all entries completed!
Once night falls, head to Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden here, to explore the award-winning lantern trail Glow Wild and take an immersive journey discovering the hidden world of trees. More than 1,000 hand-crafted lanterns and bespoke art installations - including that giant owl - will bring trees and the vital role they play on our planet to dazzling life as darkness descends over the gardens.
Running on selected evenings 28 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, this year the trail - featuring a brand-new route - will also be open to visitors on Christmas Eve for the first time. Tickets must be pre-booked, £19.50, adults, £13 for 4- 16. Under 4s free. https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2024
What could be more festive than stepping through the
wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans between 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 this year? Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ classic tale The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, explore enchanting scenes on a magical, festive journey through the National Trust house and botanical gardens.
Follow in the footsteps of wartime evacuees, Edmund, Lucy, Susan and Peter in the kingdom of the White Witch. A trail in the garden takes families on a voyage to Narnia, from the White Witch’s kingdom to the Beavers’ cottage. Find Father Christmas’s sleigh and sit on the throne at Cair Paravel while in the house there’s the sparkle of a 1940s Christmas. Free, usual admission. nationatrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans
Christmas 2024 in Horsham
What doesn’t look better with a festive glow? Leonardslee, the Grade 1-listed garden becomes a magical winter wonderland for Christmas.
Explore the woodland gardens illuminated for Leonardslee Lights from 22 November until 30 December. There is a new trial to explore, which takes 60- 90 minutes and takes in the impressive art installations and sculptures inspired by the stunning gardens. There is a Christmas market and funfair rides for the family to enjoy, too. From £17.50, under twos go free. You can also get in the festive mood with a wreath making workshop – choose from 29, 30 November or 1, 6, 7, or 8 December – to make a spectacular and festive decoration for your front door. Indulge in mulled wine and mince pies as you craft your enchanting wreath. £50, garden entry included and all tools and materials. leonardsleegardens.co.uk/all-events.
A family Christmas isn’t complete without a pantomime and this year Jack and the Beanstalk will be on at The Capitol. Director John Partridge, who also stars as Fleshcreep, brings a fresh vision to this classic tale, while Chrissie Cartwright who has worked on West End productions such as Cats and Phantom of the Opera, joins as choreographer and assistant director. Expect flamboyant costumes and a bespoke set designed by Jack Lane — recently nominated for the National Panto Award 2024 for Best Set Design — in this meticulously crafted production! There is also a Relaxed Performance with a BSL Interpreter on 19 December, at 6pm, for families who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those with sensory sensitivities, autistic minds and other neurodiverse conditions, learning disabilities, or anyone who prefers a gentler theatre experience. Tickets, from £20 from 30 November – 5 January 2025. thecapitolhorsham.com/events/jack-the-beanstalk/
Meanwhile pupils at Pennthorpe School, the co-educational independent Prep and Pre-Prep school, bring the spirit of Christmas to the community in a series of heart-warming traditions. From the youngest pupils in Beehive to Year 4, the Christmas season begins with the Christingle Service at Holy Trinity Church in Rudgwick, where children craft Christingles to symbolise hope and light and the Year 7 and 8 choir spreads festive cheer to the wider community, sharing carols at the local care home. pennthorpe.com
Christmas 2024 in Petworth
Christmas was made for Petworth. With its cobbled streets, chocolate box character period cottages and Grade II-listed former market hall all that’s needed to turn this picturesque town into a winter wonderland is a dusting of snow.
Star of the show? That accolade, Christmas or not, always goes to Petworth House, which sits within 700-acres of parkland with roaming deer and picture-perfect landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown.
Displaying one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust – this is where JMW Turner came to paint after all, the house has been the backdrop of Bridgerton, Maleficant and the recent hit film, Napoleon starring Joaquin Phoenix.
Step inside this historic location for A Christmas Spectacular at Petworth House to see showstopping trees, twinkling lights, beautifully adorned garlands and floral displays. Discover the eight historic showrooms dressed for Christmas with playful mice hiding among the displays. There will be choirs singing festive songs in the courtyard on weekends from 30 November until 15 December at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
On 30 November and 1 December there will be a Christmas makers market in the Battery House and Exhibition Room selling festive gifts, run in partnership with Petworth Pop-up. Free event but normal admission price applies. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/petworth
Tearing yourself away from such history and culture might be difficult but there are plenty of incredible shops here to entice even the most reluctant Christmas shopper into a spot of retail therapy. Petworth is the town for finding something unique as it is filled with 28 antiques stores and has been named the antiques capital in the county. Petworth Antiques Market on East Street where more than 35 seasoned dealers sell everything from bric-a-brac to heirlooms. The home of unique treasures, it’s the ultimate destination to find that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift. Or why not indulge in a little browsing at Rountree Tyron Gallery on Market Square which has a Royal Warrant and specialises in art from the 18th century to present day.
Christmas 2024 in Pulborough
All aboard the South Downs Light Railway for a magical Christmas ride on a steam train where you can get a glimpse of Santa and the North Pole at a special station just outside Pulborough.
The distinctly festive ride, which leaves from Stopham Road Station in the pretty market town which has come out from under the shadow of neighbour Petworth but is still one of the county’s best-kept secrets.
The home of the late, and great, Dame Maggie Smith, Pulborough, which is in the middle of the South Downs and packed with quaint Tudor buildings, will transform into a winter wonderland for the festive season.
And for the whole of December, families can travel on the special steam train which can accommodate 35 passengers. After pulling out of Stopham Road station, the train will slow down through a festive North Pole station where Santa and his Christmas Team will wish everyone the Season’s Greetings. The ride, which is operating on 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23 December, will then continue back to Stopham Road. Tickets are £4 per person. Under twos go free. south-downs-railway.com
After that, why not head to Wiston Estate Winery where you can dine at Chalk restaurant, which celebrates the best of Sussex produce, drink and be merry – and even stay in one of their self-catering cottages for a festive ‘escape to the South Downs’ staycation. Kick off Christmas in style on 27 November with a Wiston Winter Tasting where you’ll be given a walkaround tasting at the winery, sampling both sparkling and still wines for £15. There’s even a 15% discount if you want to stock up on your new favourites for the festive season.
For a traditional evening, pull on a Christmas jumper and festive hat for Carols in the Courtyard at the estate on 11 December. Belt out some of your best-loved classics before sipping warm Wiston Winter punch wine in front of a fire pit. wistonestate.com
Christmas 2024 in Worthing
As the epitome of coastal cool, Worthing is awash with culture and creativity all year round – this is the town where Oscar Wilde wrote the Importance of Being Earnest and playwright Harold Pinter lived, after all. But at Christmas, Worthing comes into its own with its contemporary take on a traditional time.
From meandering around The Royal Arcade or Emporium for that special trinket for your loved ones to discovering the true meaning of Christmas at The English Martyrs Catholic Church in Goring Way. One of the most beautiful churches in the country, it has the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling in the world – and what better time to see it than at Christmas while paying respects over the season. sistinechapeluk.co.uk
Get ready for Christmas with a Mind, Body, Spirit Christmas Festival on 1 December. Led by Deb Parrott of Haven Events and Beautiful Life by Debra, the holistic event teaches you find inner calm, helping you to live creatively and connect to the natural world. There will also be pop-up stalls in the Exhibition Centre, Field Place, where you can buy unique and artisan presents and enter a raffle. Entry is £3 on the door and all raffle money goes to local charity Safe in Sussex which helps families facing domestic abuse. Doors open 1pm – 5pm.
And while you calm the inner you, why not take the Christmas holidays to get organised with any outstanding legal matters with GWCA Solicitors. The local team deal with family law, personal injury, commercial/business law, conveyancing, wills, probate and much more. They can even visit you at home or at your workplace to fit in around your busy lifestyle and can give unbiased advice so you can enjoy the festive season and start the new year with a more organised you. gwca.uk
