Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the best holiday highlights in Crawley! Discover all the must-see events with our guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it for the first time, this guide brings you the best of Crawley's festive season.
One of the standout attractions this year is the Tilgate Park Christmas Event, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive lights and seasonal activities for all ages. Additionally, Arundel By Candlelight offers a charming experience as the town glows with candlelit displays and invites visitors to explore its quaint shops and cafes. And the Leonardslee Gardens Illuminated is something you definitely don't want to miss, boasting enchanting light displays that create a magical atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Lantern procession and carol service.
Arundel By Candlelight features a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, musical entertainment, a lantern procession, and a carol service led by three churches. The event is generously supported by the Duke of Norfolk and the Arundel Rotary Club.
Where: Arundel | More Info: Arundel By Candlelight
Interactive light and sound trail through Grade I listed gardens.
Walk through the beautifully illuminated grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, featuring spellbinding light and sound installations, interactive displays, and festive cheer.
Where: Lower Beeding | More Info: Leonardslee Gardens Illuminated
Spectacular light show on a historic steam train.
Journey through the Sussex countryside on a steam train covered in thousands of colorful lights. Enjoy festive-themed scenes and a light show orchestrated in time with music. Santa will greet children upon arrival, and there will be opportunities for photos. The experience includes a 30-minute stop at Horsted Keynes Station for photography.
Where: East Grinstead | More Info: Steamlights on the Bluebell Railway
Unique shopping experience with local artisans and festive activities.
The Ardingly Winter Fair offers a variety of activities including shopping at stalls with artisan products, gifts, and food, as well as festive fun such as a giant snow globe, elf workshops, and a children's funfair. Live music and street food add to the event's appeal, along with wreath making and chocolate decorating workshops.
Where: Ardingly | More Info: Ardingly Winter Fair
Community-based contemporary choir with professional tuition and diverse performance opportunities.
Join Worthing Rock Choir for an exciting and life-affirming journey of singing, building new friendships, and experiencing unique events. Enjoy unlimited weekly rehearsals, professional tuition, and opportunities to perform at local and national venues. Access a wide variety of workshops and experiences, including recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios and performance tours abroad.
Where: Worthing | More Info: Worthing Rock Choir
Santa's Grotto and festive activities in a beautiful park setting.
Tilgate Park transforms into a captivating winter setting with Santa's special magic. Enjoy ten days of entertainment, mouth-watering food, and bookable experiences. Dates include Saturday 30 November to Sunday 1 December, Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 December, Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 December, and Friday to Monday 20 to 23 December. Opening times are 10am to 5pm.
Where: Crawley | More Info: Tilgate Park Christmas Event
Interactive holiday event with traditional crafts and seasonal activities.
Meet Green Father Christmas at the Weald & Downland Living Museum, where historic settings come alive with seasonal activities and crafts.
Where: Singleton | More Info: Green Father Christmas at Weald & Downland Living Museum
Elf-powered boat ride to Santa's grotto.
Families can board an elf-powered boat for a gentle ride through the reedbeds to visit Father Christmas at his frosty grotto, receiving a WWT present bag and participating in festive activities.
Where: Arundel | More Info: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust ‘Sail to Santa’
Accessible ice rink for wheelchair users.
The Eastbourne Lightning Fibre Ice Rink is a fully covered ice rink located outside the Enterprise Shopping Centre, offering 60-minute sessions. It is accessible to wheelchair users and has been a popular attraction in Eastbourne town centre since its return in 2021, benefiting local businesses and drawing in tens of thousands of children and adults.
Where: Eastbourne | More Info: Eastbourne Lightning Fibre Ice Rink
Historical re-enactment of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.
Witness the epic clash of Saxon and Norman armies at the historic Battle of Hastings, where over 300 re-enactors bring the legendary conflict to life. Explore the rival camps, see chain mail and weaponry makers at work, and meet falconers with their majestic birds of prey. Kids can try archery and join sword school, while everyone can enjoy the dramatic retelling of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Where: Hastings | More Info: Battle of Hastings Re-enactment
Community-driven lantern parade and bonfire celebration.
The Burning of the Clocks is a unique community event where local people create and parade paper and willow lanterns through Brighton city center, culminating in a symbolic bonfire on Brighton beach to mark the end of the year.
Where: Brighton | More Info: Burning the Clocks parade
Interactive Jungle Book-themed decorations and artwork.
This Christmas, immerse yourself in a world of warmth and colour as animals from The Jungle Book swing, climb, hide, and jump around the house. Christmas trees adorned with golden lights and hand-crafted decorations inspired by Rudyard Kipling's love of India create a festive atmosphere. The exclusive exhibition of Claire Fletcher's illustrations adds to the charm of this event.
Where: Burwash | More Info: The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman's
Exhibition of internationally renowned sculptor Nigel Hall's diverse works.
Towner Eastbourne presents an exhibition of Nigel Hall's sculptures, prints, and drawings, showcasing his earliest American desert landscape sketches from the late 1960s alongside new sculptural works. The exhibition demonstrates the breadth of his work across media and his 50-year career, highlighting his exploration of space, light, shadow, and structure.
Where: Eastbourne | More Info: Here and Now, There and Then at the Towner Eastbourne
Unique floral arrangements highlighting the beauty of Parham's Walled Garden.
Parham House and Gardens presents a fortnight of autumn-themed flower arrangements, showcasing the traditions and aesthetic sensibilities of this beautiful country house. The Flower Team will furnish the rooms with additional arrangements of fresh and dried flowers, all grown in Parham's own Walled Garden. Visitors can explore the spectacular borders before entering the house to see how the flowers complement the finest Elizabethan homes.
Where: Pulborough | More Info: Parham House and Gardens autumn-themed flower arrangements
Exclusive three-course meal and DJ entertainment.
Celebrate the holiday season with Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel's Christmas Party Nights, featuring a delicious three-course meal, festive decorations, and dancing to a DJ.
Where: Crawley | More Info: Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel Christmas Party Nights
Elegant festive dining experience with a three-course meal.
Join us at Shark Club Restaurant for a delicious festive lunch, perfect for celebrating with colleagues, entertaining clients, or catching up with friends. Savor a delightful meal in a beautifully decorated setting.
Where: Crawley | More Info: Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel Christmas Lunches
Exclusive three-course meal with festive decorations and DJ.
Join us at Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel for a delightful Christmas celebration featuring a three-course meal, festive decorations, and dancing to our DJ. Enjoy exclusive bedroom rates and festive lunches in the Shark Club Restaurant.
Where: Crawley | More Info: Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel Brunch with Santa