Get ready for a magical holiday in East Grinstead with our comprehensive event guide. From East Grinstead locals to international travelers, our guide ensures a joyful and memorable season.
One of the highlights this Christmas is the Bluebell Railway Santa Specials, offering a delightful steam train experience with Santa himself aboard. Another captivating attraction is the Leonardslee Illuminated, where enchanting light displays transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. And the Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a festive performance that combines music and traditional dance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around East Grinstead
- Leonardslee Illuminated (Lower Beeding)
- Bluebell Railway Santa Specials (Sheffield Park)
- The Snowman with Live Orchestra (Eastbourne)
- That’ll Be The Day’s Christmas Show (Eastbourne)
- Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special (Eastbourne)
- Kent and East Sussex Railway Santa Specials (Tenterden)
- Chatham Dockyard Mission Christmas (Chatham)
- Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials (New Romney)
- Chiddingstone Castle Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas (Chiddingstone)
- Bewl Water Christmas (Lamberhurst)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Grinstead Holiday Light Displays
Cowdray Christmas
What to Expect:
Luxurious winter stay with exclusive hire of a historic country house.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Cowdray House, a quintessentially English country house with 22 beautifully decorated bedrooms, expansive private grounds, and luxurious amenities like a heated indoor pool and billiards room. Enjoy a warm welcome with afternoon tea, continental breakfast, and decadent dinners. Relax in the evening with stargazing on the South Lawn or engage in leisurely activities like swimming, tennis, and bowling.
Where: Midhurst | More Info: Cowdray Christmas
Leonardslee Illuminated
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound installations in a historic Grade I listed garden setting.
Description:
Walk through the beautifully landscaped grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens as they come alive with spellbinding illuminations, projections, and interactive installations. The trail takes 60 to 90 minutes to explore, featuring a mile-long path through the historic 240-acre estate. Enjoy wonderful seasonal food and drink before or after the trail, with funfair rides and a Christmas Market.
Where: Lower Beeding | More Info: Leonardslee Illuminated
East Grinstead Holiday Markets and Shopping
Worthing Wonderland Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Personalized gifts and decorations for children.
Description:
The Worthing Wonderland Christmas Market at Worthing Assembly Hall features 100 local stall holders selling handmade crafts and gifts, along with delicious homemade food, face painting, and arts and crafts for children. The event includes a Santa's Grotto where children can meet Santa and receive a personalized gift and laser-engraved wooden tree decoration.
Where: Worthing | More Info: Worthing Wonderland Christmas Market
Chichester Indoor Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of unique, locally-made festive products.
Description:
Chichester Indoor Christmas Market features up to 100 independent businesses showcasing unique festive products at Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester. Treat yourself or a loved one to an abundance of handmade crafts, speciality food, and local gifts.
Where: Chichester | More Info: Chichester Indoor Christmas Market
Petworth’s Christmas Cracker
What to Expect:
Community-driven Christmas market with diverse traders and entertainment.
Description:
Petworth’s Christmas Cracker is a vibrant community event featuring over 70 traders selling their products, a variety of entertainment, and a Christmas Market. The event promises to be a fun and enjoyable day with something for everyone.
Where: Petworth | More Info: Petworth’s Christmas Cracker
Arundel Museum Christmas Fayre
What to Expect:
Unique gifts crafted by local artisans.
Description:
The Arundel Museum Christmas Fayre offers a delightful array of unique, handmade gifts crafted by local artisans. Visitors can browse through beautiful cards, ceramics, Christmas decorations, and more, while enjoying delicious homemade cakes and refreshments.
Where: Arundel | More Info: Arundel Museum Christmas Fayre
The Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Unique blend of crafts and holistic goods.
Description:
The Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza is an indoor Christmas fair featuring crafts, gifts, new age goods, food gifts, toys, and Christmas decorations. It offers a variety of stalls and activities for a fun day out.
Where: Haywards Heath | More Info: The Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza
East Grinstead Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special
What to Expect:
Irish-themed dance performance with live music and festive songs.
Description:
Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special features world-class musicians, star vocalists, and world champion dancers performing all your favourite festive songs in an Irish-inspired setting.
Where: Eastbourne | More Info: Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special
That’ll Be The Day’s Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Hilarious comedy sketches combined with heartwarming Christmas song renditions.
Description:
Join That’ll Be The Day for an unforgettable evening of music and laughter as hilarious comedy sketches blend with heartwarming renditions of all your favourite Christmas songs. This delightful mix of music performed by a hugely talented cast will leave you singing, dancing, and laughing.
Where: Eastbourne | More Info: That’ll Be The Day’s Christmas Show
The Snowman with Live Orchestra
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of a beloved Christmas classic.
Description:
Join us for a special screening of the BAFTA-winning classic 'The Snowman' accompanied by a live orchestra, featuring the iconic song 'Walking in the Air' by Howard Blake. This heartwarming tale, based on Raymond Briggs' story, is performed by Orpheus Sinfonia, bringing the magic of the film to life. The event also includes a brand-new work, 'Fred and Fantastic Tub-Tub,' a summer holiday adventure narrated by Classic FM's Zeb Soanes.
Where: Eastbourne | More Info: The Snowman with Live Orchestra
East Grinstead Other Holiday Activities
Bluebell Railway Santa Specials
What to Expect:
Cozy train compartments with festive activities.
Description:
Embark on a festive journey with Bluebell Railway's Santa Specials, featuring cozy compartments, chocolate coins, and traditional amusement attractions. Meet Santa at his parlour, enjoy mulled wine, and explore festive treats.
Where: Sheffield Park | More Info: Bluebell Railway Santa Specials
Kent and East Sussex Railway Santa Specials
What to Expect:
Festive steam train ride with Santa and complimentary refreshments.
Description:
Meet Santa on a 75-minute return steam train journey through festively decorated carriages. Enjoy age-appropriate presents, free rides on vintage gallopers, and a family photograph. Visit the station's Winter Wonderland and receive complimentary mulled wine or a hot drink. Standard class passengers receive a complimentary refreshment pack, while first class passengers enjoy deluxe refreshments and a trolley service. Premium passengers enjoy sparkling drinks and luxury mince pies.
Where: Tenterden | More Info: Kent and East Sussex Railway Santa Specials
Fishers Farm Park Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Father Christmas and festive decorations.
Description:
Fishers Farm Park Christmas offers a variety of activities, including meeting Father Christmas, enjoying holiday crafts, and walking through the grounds of the historic 1836 farm decorated with holiday lights and decorations.
Where: Wisborough Green | More Info: Fishers Farm Park Christmas
Borde Hill Garden Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas story trail and Santa's grotto.
Description:
Borde Hill Garden offers a festive Christmas celebration with a daily kids' trail and Santa's grotto. Children can write letters to Santa and explore the Garden on an uplifting Christmas story trail. The event includes festive crafts in Santa's Workshop and a visit to see Santa in his magical grotto, where each child receives a Christmas gift. The Garden is open from 10am to 3:30pm, and visitors can enjoy an enchanting winter walk, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
Where: Haywards Heath | More Info: Borde Hill Garden Christmas Market
Bewl Water Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with personalized visits to Santa's grotto.
Description:
Families embark on an immersive journey through imaginative play zones and workshops, engaging in activities like writing letters to Father Christmas, decorating ornaments, and making reindeer food. Each child receives a passport to be stamped at various stops, culminating in a personalized visit to Santa's grotto.
Where: Lamberhurst | More Info: Bewl Water Christmas
Chiddingstone Castle Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling and festive activities with Father Christmas.
Description:
Join Father Christmas for a special storytime in the White Rose Room at Chiddingstone Castle, followed by a delightful afternoon tea in The Great Hall. Enjoy a festive meal while Father Christmas greets each table individually, handing out goody bags to the children. After dining, embark on a festive trail to help complete Denys's Christmas list and then get creative in the Christmas craft marquee.
Where: Chiddingstone | More Info: Chiddingstone Castle Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials
What to Expect:
Tailored experience for passengers with special needs.
Description:
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway offers traditional Santa Specials with steam train journeys, visits to Santa's Grotto, and seasonal refreshments. Children can enjoy quality gifts and explore the Model Railway Exhibition before their train journey.
Where: New Romney | More Info: Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials
Chatham Dockyard Mission Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas story with a personal meet and greet with Father Christmas.
Description:
Step into the secret Christmas sub-station at Chatham Historic Dockyard, where children can learn the art of elf magic and help Father Christmas prepare gifts. After completing their training at the Elf Academy, families will meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift for each child.
Where: Chatham | More Info: Chatham Dockyard Mission Christmas
Hobbledown Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and the elves.
Description:
Hobbledown Heath transforms into Santa's Secret Village with twinkling lights, festive treat trails, and activities like cookie decorating and meeting Santa in his grotto. The Premium Christmas Experience includes all-day admission, a Teddy Bear Workshop, and a free present.
Where: Epsom | More Info: Hobbledown Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Horley (7 miles)
- Crawley (8 miles)
- Crowborough (9 miles)
- Haywards Heath (10 miles)
- Redhill (11 miles)
- Caterham (11 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (12 miles)
- Reigate (12 miles)
- Burgess Hill (13 miles)
- Tonbridge (13 miles)
- Sevenoaks (13 miles)
- Horsham (15 miles)
- Coulsdon (15 miles)
- Purley (15 miles)
- Banstead (16 miles)
- South Croydon (17 miles)
- Sutton (18 miles)
- Wallington (18 miles)
- Carshalton (18 miles)
- Epsom (18 miles)
- Croydon (18 miles)
- Leatherhead (19 miles)
- Ewell (19 miles)
- Beckenham (20 miles)
- Swanley (20 miles)
- Mitcham (21 miles)
- Morden (21 miles)
- Brighton (21 miles)
- Hove (21 miles)
- Streatham (22 miles)
- Rottingdean (22 miles)
- New Malden (22 miles)
- Catford (22 miles)
- Wimbledon (22 miles)
- Surbiton (22 miles)
- Eltham (23 miles)
- Bexley (23 miles)
- Esher (23 miles)
- Blackheath (24 miles)
- Welling (24 miles)
- Brixton (24 miles)
- Dartford (24 miles)
- Peckham (24 miles)
- Maidstone (25 miles)
- Seaford (25 miles)
- Putney (25 miles)
- Battersea (25 miles)
- Walton-on-Thames (25 miles)
- Guildford (26 miles)
- Fulham (26 miles)
- Chelsea (26 miles)
- Sunbury-on-Thames (26 miles)
- Barnes (26 miles)
- Canary Wharf (26 miles)
- City of Westminster (26 miles)
- Worthing (27 miles)
- Richmond (27 miles)
- Godalming (27 miles)
- Thamesmead (27 miles)
- Hanworth (27 miles)
- Canning Town (27 miles)
- London (27 miles)
- Gravesend (27 miles)
- Woking (27 miles)
- Eastbourne (28 miles)
- Chiswick (28 miles)
- Bow (28 miles)
- Shepherds Bush (28 miles)
- Strood (28 miles)
- Bexhill-on-Sea (28 miles)
- Grays (28 miles)
- Isleworth (28 miles)
- Stratford (28 miles)
- Hounslow (28 miles)
- Feltham (28 miles)
- Barking (29 miles)
- Rochester (29 miles)
- Islington (29 miles)
- Ashford (29 miles)
- Chatham (29 miles)
- Acton (29 miles)
- Camden Town (29 miles)
- Heston (30 miles)
- Chalk Farm (30 miles)
- Highbury (30 miles)
- Willesden (30 miles)
- Holloway (30 miles)
- Ilford (30 miles)
- Gillingham (30 miles)
- Becontree (30 miles)
- Staines (30 miles)
- Dagenham (30 miles)
- Kilburn (31 miles)
- Leytonstone (31 miles)
- Stamford Hill (31 miles)
- Southall (31 miles)
- Archway (31 miles)
- Cricklewood (31 miles)
- Hornchurch (31 miles)
- Hastings (32 miles)
- Littlehampton (32 miles)
- Greenford (32 miles)
- Egham (32 miles)
- Wembley (32 miles)
- Walthamstow (32 miles)
- Romford (32 miles)
- Brent (32 miles)
- Hayes (33 miles)
- Muswell Hill (33 miles)
- Northolt (33 miles)
- Wood Green (33 miles)
- Tottenham (33 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (33 miles)
- Woodford Green (34 miles)
- Aldershot (34 miles)
- Finchley (34 miles)
- Harrow (34 miles)
- Farnborough (35 miles)
- Edmonton (35 miles)
- Farnham (35 miles)
- Chingford (35 miles)
- Camberley (35 miles)
- Sittingbourne (35 miles)
- Windsor (36 miles)
- Uxbridge (36 miles)
- Ruislip (36 miles)
- Enfield Town (37 miles)
- Basildon (37 miles)
- Slough (37 miles)
- Brentwood (37 miles)
- Sandhurst (37 miles)
- Bordon (37 miles)
- Barnet (37 miles)
- Canvey Island (37 miles)
- Fleet (37 miles)
- Bognor Regis (38 miles)
- Pitsea (38 miles)
- Bracknell (38 miles)
- Crowthorne (38 miles)
- Hadley Wood (38 miles)
- South Benfleet (38 miles)
- Borehamwood (39 miles)
- Yateley (39 miles)
- Chichester (39 miles)
- Billericay (39 miles)
- Gerrards Cross (40 miles)
- Cheshunt (40 miles)
- Potters Bar (40 miles)
- Watford (40 miles)
- Wickford (41 miles)
- Wokingham (41 miles)
- Chalfont Saint Peter (41 miles)
- Maidenhead (41 miles)
- Rayleigh (41 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (42 miles)
- Hoddesdon (44 miles)
- Lower Earley (45 miles)