13 WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS THINGS TO DO IN SUSSEX IN 2023.
Sussex is one of our favourite counties in England to visit. Whether summer or winter, it has stunning countryside and beautiful towns and villages. Christmas is a great time to get out and enjoy what the county has to offer.
Here are 13 wonderful Christmas things do in Sussex this year.
3 Grown Up Christmas things to do in Sussex
There are some really great Christmas events in Sussex this year especially for families, but if you’re looking for a less typical Christmas thing to do in Sussex for grown ups, here are three ideas.
WINE TASTING IN SUSSEX
For the grown ups, an English wine tasting in Sussex is an ideal way to spend a festive afternoon. And one of the best Christmas things to do in Sussex this year.
Here are a few fabulous vineyards that you can visit in Sussex this year.
1/ BLACKDOWN RIDGE ESTATE, Sussex Weald
2/ STOPHAM ESTATE WINERY, Pulborough
3/ BOLNEY WINE ESTATE, South Downs
If you’re looking for more, check out the best wine tastings in Kent too.
HEAD TO A COSY PUB IN SUSSEX
Sussex is full of cosy pubs at the best of times, at Christmas, they are even more inviting. One of our favourite things to do during the winter season is to head out on a welly walk and end at a pub for a pint or two with friends. Here are some great ones to try:
1/ DUKE OF CUMBERLAND, Henley
2/ THE BULL, Ditchling
3/ THE GEORGE INN, Robertsbridge
TAKE A WALK BY THE SEA
Why not blow the cobwebs away this festive season and head to the seaside for a walk? Whether you have a pooch or a paunch to exercise, the Sussex coast is a super place to stretch your legs.
Camber Sands in Sussex is a fabulous sandy beach, complete with dunes. It’s so expansive that it is perfect for a winter welly walk. OK, it’s not quite in Kent (over the border in Sussex), but it is very close. One of our favorite places for a winter walk. After your walk, check out The Gallivant. A secret spot near to the sea serving delicious food in stylish and warm surroundings. It’s very dog friendly too.
4 Christmas Events in Sussex
GO BACK IN TIME AT PETWORTH HOUSE
We visited Petworth House earlier this year, an imposing National Trust property with fabulous gardens and grounds. This Christmas, National Trust are pulling out all the stops at their properties.
Petworth House sounds particularly magical – from the 25th November to 1st January 2024 the whole house will be decorated for Christmas with trees and festive decor throughout. There’s even a Christmas choir for one weekend only. More details here.
VISIT SANTA ON BLUEBELL RAILWAY
The Bluebell Railway is a fun all year round day out in Sussex. But at Christmas, things get really exciting with the Santa Specials. Ride a steam train through the beautiful Sussex countryside before visiting Santa and even getting a Christmas present. One for families, or train enthusiasts!
GLOW WILD AT WAKEHURST
Wakehurst Gardens, part of the Kew Gardens family, hosts a very special light trail event over the festive season. The event is called “Glow Wild” and it is an award winning lights extravaganza, with lanterns and tree lights as far as the eye can see. Kids under 4 get in free too!
VISIT A CHRISTMAS MARKET IN SUSSEX
Chichester Christmas Market
Chichester is a gorgeous Cathedral city in Sussex and it is always beautifully decorated for Christmas. For one day only in November, you can find 100 stalls at the Chichester indoor market. The perfect festive activity if the weather is bad.
DATES: 19 November 2023
WHERE: Westgate Leisure Centre, Chichester
FIND OUT MORE: Official website here
6 Christmas things to do in Brighton, Sussex in 2023
Brighton is such a fun place for a day out by the sea, whatever the time of year. But at Christmas, it gets really special. Here are 6 wonderful Christmas things to do in Brighton, Sussex in 2023
ROYAL PAVILION ICE RINK
Nothing says Christmas like ice skating. The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open from the 28th October all the way to 7 January 2024. It opens until 21:30 so you can enjoy some late night skating fun, followed by drinks at the rink side bar. Find out more here.
BOTTOMLESS DRAG BRUNCH
The afternoon of the 17th December will be coming alive for the Bottomless Drag Brunch hosted at Bar Broadway. Get two hours of dancing, bottomless fizz and a brunch menu. Find out more here.
CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING
A wreath making workshop is a fab festive event. Not only do you take home a lovely Christmas decoration, but you learn a new skill too. There are a few different Christmas wreath workshops around Brighton, but make sure you book early as they are all likely to sell out.
Check out this wreath making workshop on the 25 November at Wagner Hall. Details here.
CHRISTMAS MAKERS FOOD FAIR
The 25th November marks the 2023 Brighton Christmas Makers and Food Fair. In Wagner Hall, there will be 80 stalls showcasing artisan foods and crafts. A festive extravaganza. Find out more here.
CHRISTMAS JUMPER SPEED DATING
One for anyone aged 32 to 44 looking to find a Christmas romance, a novel speed dating event with a twist. You must wear a Christmas jumper. Bring out the dodgy reindeer knitwear.
Find it in Brighton Cocktail Company on 13 December. Details here.
BRIGHTON SANTA DASH
9 December 2023 will see the Santa Dash coming back to Brighton. Join hundreds of others dressed like the big man himself running along the sea side. Various distances up to 4.5km are available to runners, and it’s all for charity. Find out more here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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