Uncover the must-see holiday events in Brighton! Explore our guide for all the top festive highlights. For Brighton natives and newcomers alike, our guide illuminates the path to festive fun.
One eagerly anticipated attraction is the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, where skaters glide gracefully against the backdrop of the stunning Pavilion. You'll also find the enchanting glow of Glow Wild at Wakehurst, featuring illuminated gardens that create a magical atmosphere. And the vibrant Burning the Clocks event is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it brings the community together in a celebration of light and fire. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Brighton
- Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
- Burning the Clocks
- Glow Wild at Wakehurst (Ardingly)
- Brighton Christmas Market
- Artists Open Houses
- A Christmas Carol with Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra
- Organoke at Brighton Dome
- Brighton Santa Dash
- Now That’s What I Call Bingo
- Starchitects Save Santa
See these and even more events listed below!
Brighton Holiday Light Displays
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
What to Expect:
Illuminated woodland trail with exclusive lantern installations.
Description:
Explore a woodland trail of lights and lantern installations at Glow Wild, featuring handcrafted installations by leading artists, including an iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, and fiery hidden dragon. Enjoy delicious street food, artisan marshmallows, and Christmas shopping in the Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Where: Ardingly | More Info: Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Brighton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Brighton Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local independent companies showcase artisanal goods.
Description:
Brighton Christmas Market showcases local independent companies offering a variety of artisanal goods, including chocolates, gins, teas, and more. The event provides a unique space for visitors to explore and discover unique products under one roof.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Brighton Christmas Market
Brighton Antiques and Vintage Fair
What to Expect:
Unique antiques and collectibles in a lively market setting.
Description:
The Brighton Antiques and Vintage Fair at Brighton Racecourse features over 175 indoor stalls offering a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. Enjoy a bustling atmosphere with friendly dealers, free parking, light refreshments, and modern facilities. Explore homeware, furniture, jewelry, silver, ceramics, glass, clocks, and vintage clothing.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Brighton Antiques and Vintage Fair
Christmas Makers Fair at Saltdean Lido
What to Expect:
Showcase of local makers and artists with festive crafting workshops.
Description:
The Christmas Makers Fair at Saltdean Lido features a curated selection of over 40 unique makers and artists showcasing quality gifts, homewares, art, fashion, chocolates, and decorations. Visitors can explore local talent, enjoy a drink at the bar, and visit the Deco Cafe for a delicious brunch or Sunday roast. The event also includes festive crafting workshops, such as a Christmas Wreath Making workshop.
Where: Saltdean | More Info: Christmas Makers Fair at Saltdean Lido
Brighton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol with Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra
What to Expect:
Classic literature meets live music in a festive setting.
Description:
The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra presents a classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring the acclaimed actor Alistair McGowan and the BPO Brass Quintet in a beautiful Georgian church setting.
Where: Brighton | More Info: A Christmas Carol with Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra
Organoke at Brighton Dome
What to Expect:
Unique blend of karaoke and live organ performance.
Description:
Join Brighton Dome's Organoke for an unforgettable karaoke experience featuring Christmas classics, a live organ, and a full band. Led by the inimitable Ida Barr, this joyous night of en-masse karaoke includes hits from Slade, The Pogues, and East 17.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Organoke at Brighton Dome
Now That’s What I Call Bingo
What to Expect:
Interactive musical bingo with festive anthems.
Description:
Join award-winning Drag Prince Alfie Ordinary for a musical bingo game show celebrating the very best of Christmas anthems. This interactive event features a mix tape of Christmas ditties and festive floor fillers, perfect for your holiday party.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Now That’s What I Call Bingo
Starchitects Save Santa
What to Expect:
Intergalactic Christmas adventure with gravity-defying choreography and digital projections.
Description:
Join the Starchitects on their daring mission to save Santa from space. This intergalactic adventure features gravity-defying choreography, amazing digital projections, and magical characters, making it a thrilling and humorous show for the whole family.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Starchitects Save Santa
Santa in the Sky at Brighton i360
What to Expect:
Meet Santa in a 450ft-high viewing pod.
Description:
Meet Santa and his elves at Brighton i360 for a 25-minute festive pod journey, including a photo opportunity and a gift for children.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Santa in the Sky at Brighton i360
The House of Love + The Primitives
What to Expect:
Indie rock legends performing classic hits.
Description:
The House of Love and The Primitives bring their iconic indie and alternative rock sounds to Chalk in Brighton. Known for their critically acclaimed debut and hits like "Shine" and "Crash," this duo promises a night of nostalgic and energetic performances.
Where: Brighton | More Info: The House of Love + The Primitives
Oddballs at Artista Cafe And Gallery
What to Expect:
Celebration of bizarre and extraordinary acts.
Description:
Oddballs at Artista Cafe And Gallery is an evening showcasing a mix of eccentric characters, diverse musical performances, and quirky acts. The event offers a vibrant atmosphere where creativity and individuality shine, featuring a lineup of performers who bring their unique talents to the stage. Expect comedic antics, engaging personalities, soulful melodies, and high-energy beats that blend circus arts, physical comedy, and inventive routines.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Oddballs at Artista Cafe And Gallery
Brighton Other Holiday Activities
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly ice skating with a romantic and child-friendly atmosphere.
Description:
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is a child-friendly, eco-friendly ice skating experience powered by green energy. Enjoy twinkling lights, a romantic backdrop, and warming snacks like mulled wine and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
Burning the Clocks
What to Expect:
Community-driven lantern parade with a symbolic bonfire.
Description:
Burning the Clocks is a unique community event where local people create and parade handmade paper and willow lanterns through Brighton, culminating in a bonfire on the beach to symbolize the end of the year. This annual event brings the city together to celebrate the shortest day of the year and provides an antidote to the excesses of Christmas.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Burning the Clocks
Artists Open Houses
What to Expect:
Community-driven event featuring diverse local artists.
Description:
Artists Open Houses is an inclusive community event where artists of all ages and career stages showcase their work in locally made arts and crafts. Visitors can meet the artists, view diverse artwork, and engage in workshops and events.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Artists Open Houses
Brighton Santa Dash
What to Expect:
Unique Santa-themed run with a free kids' race.
Description:
The Brighton Santa Dash is a fun-filled event where participants can walk, jog, or run along the Seafront Esplanade, dressed as Santa Claus. The course is a flat out-and-back run, and the event includes a free kids' race. Participants receive a Santa suit and a bespoke medal.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Brighton Santa Dash
Brighton Speed Dating
What to Expect:
Timed conversations for efficient matchmaking.
Description:
Brighton Speed Dating offers a fun and efficient way to meet new people in a relaxed setting. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in short, timed conversations with potential matches, allowing for a variety of connections and potential relationships.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Brighton Speed Dating
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Hove (1 miles)
- Rottingdean (4 miles)
- Burgess Hill (9 miles)
- Worthing (10 miles)
- Seaford (11 miles)
- Haywards Heath (12 miles)
- Littlehampton (18 miles)
- Horsham (18 miles)
- Eastbourne (19 miles)
- Crawley (20 miles)
- Crowborough (21 miles)
- East Grinstead (21 miles)
- Bognor Regis (24 miles)
- Horley (24 miles)
- Bexhill-on-Sea (27 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (27 miles)
- Chichester (28 miles)
- Reigate (28 miles)
- Redhill (29 miles)
- Tonbridge (31 miles)
- Hastings (31 miles)
- Caterham (31 miles)
- Godalming (32 miles)
- Leatherhead (33 miles)
- Sevenoaks (34 miles)
- Guildford (34 miles)
- Coulsdon (34 miles)
- Banstead (34 miles)
- Purley (35 miles)
- Epsom (35 miles)
- Sutton (36 miles)
- Ewell (36 miles)
- South Croydon (37 miles)
- Havant (37 miles)
- Wallington (37 miles)
- Bordon (37 miles)
- Carshalton (37 miles)
- Croydon (38 miles)
- Woking (38 miles)
- Esher (39 miles)
- Waterlooville (39 miles)
- Farnham (39 miles)
- Morden (39 miles)
- Surbiton (40 miles)
- Aldershot (40 miles)
- Mitcham (40 miles)
- New Malden (40 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (40 miles)
- Beckenham (40 miles)
- Wimbledon (41 miles)
- Streatham (41 miles)
- Swanley (42 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (42 miles)
- Maidstone (42 miles)
- Portsmouth (42 miles)
- Farnborough (42 miles)
- Catford (43 miles)
- Hanworth (43 miles)
- Gosport (43 miles)
- Fleet (44 miles)
- Eltham (44 miles)
- Putney (44 miles)
- Camberley (44 miles)
- Ashford (44 miles)
- Brixton (44 miles)
- Bexley (44 miles)
- Feltham (44 miles)
- Richmond (44 miles)
- Blackheath (44 miles)
- Staines (45 miles)
- Battersea (45 miles)
- Peckham (45 miles)
- Barnes (45 miles)