Get into the holiday spirit with our guide to Hastings's festivities. Discover a range of events that capture the magic of Christmas in this charming coastal town.
Begin your festive journey with the enchanting Hastings Jack in the Green Festival, a lively celebration that promises entertainment for all ages. Delight yourself in the festive ambience and unique crafts at the Tenterden Christmas Market. And definitely don't forget about the sparkling displays and seasonal activities at Christmas at Hever Castle. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Hastings
See these and even more events listed below!Hastings Other Holiday Activities
Hastings Jack in the Green Festival
What to Expect:
Ancient May Day celebration with a leafy "Jack" figure
Description:
The Hastings Jack in the Green Festival resurrects an ancient May Day tradition. Revelers parade through town, led by a towering figure cloaked entirely in leaves - the Jack in the Green. This lively celebration marks the arrival of summer with Morris dancing, folk music, and colorful costumes. You can join the procession and help "slay" the Jack, releasing the spirit of summer. The festival's roots trace back to 16th-century chimney sweeps who created extravagant garlands to collect money during May Day festivities.
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Hastings Jack in the Green Festival
Nearby Events
Christmas at Hever Castle (Hever)
What to Expect:
Tudor-themed Christmas celebrations in a historic castle
Description:
Hever Castle transforms into a Tudor Christmas spectacle. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn bursts with period decorations, transporting visitors to a 16th-century yuletide celebration. Costumed performers roam the halls, bringing history to life. Guests can try their hand at traditional Tudor games and crafts. The castle's rich history intertwines with seasonal cheer, offering a glimpse into how the nobility celebrated Christmas during Henry VIII's reign. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air, completing the immersive experience.
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Tenterden Christmas Market (Tenterden)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed market in a picturesque Kent town
Description:
Tenterden's Christmas Market captures the essence of a Victorian holiday celebration. The charming high street, lined with timber-framed buildings, provides a perfect backdrop for this nostalgic event. Vendors in period attire sell handcrafted gifts and local delicacies. Visitors can ride the heritage Kent & East Sussex Railway, decorated for the season. Tenterden, known as the "Jewel of the Weald," has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, when it was a prosperous wool town.
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Rye Christmas Festival (Rye)
What to Expect:
Medieval town transformed into a winter wonderland
Description:
Rye's Christmas Festival illuminates the cobblestone streets of this ancient Cinque Port town. The medieval architecture creates a captivating backdrop for the seasonal celebrations. Carolers in period costumes serenade visitors as they explore the quaint shops and galleries. You can climb the tower of St. Mary's Church for panoramic views of the twinkling town below. Rye's history as a smuggler's haven adds an intriguing layer to the festivities, with tales of secret passages and hidden treasures.
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Eastbourne Christmas Market (Eastbourne)
What to Expect:
Seaside Christmas market with local artisans and performers
Description:
Eastbourne's Christmas Market brings holiday cheer to the seaside. Local artisans showcase their crafts along the promenade, offering unique gifts with a coastal flair. Street performers entertain crowds with juggling acts and fire shows. Visitors can sample regional specialties like Sussex cheese and wine. The market's location near the iconic Eastbourne Pier provides stunning views of the English Channel. Eastbourne's history as a fashionable Victorian resort town adds a touch of elegance to the seaside celebrations.
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Hailsham Christmas Lights Switch-On (Hailsham)
What to Expect:
Community-driven event with local talent showcase
Description:
Hailsham's Christmas Lights Switch-On event spotlights local talent and community spirit. The town center buzzes with excitement as residents gather for this annual tradition. Local choirs and dance troupes perform on stage, showcasing the town's artistic flair. Children can meet Santa in his grotto and share their Christmas wishes. The event honors Hailsham's long-standing market town heritage, with the lights illuminating the historic square where traders have gathered for centuries.
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Hailsham Christmas Lights Switch-On
Christmas at Leeds Castle (Maidstone)
What to Expect:
Lavish decorations in a medieval castle setting
Description:
Leeds Castle dons its holiday finest, transforming into a Christmas spectacle. Each room of this 900-year-old fortress tells a different holiday story through elaborate decorations. Visitors can explore the State Rooms adorned with towering trees and glittering ornaments. The castle's moat reflects the twinkling lights, creating a mesmerizing scene. You can join a festive falconry display, witnessing these majestic birds in flight. Leeds Castle's rich history, including its role as a royal residence for six medieval queens, adds depth to the seasonal celebrations.
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Christmas Festival at Drusillas Park (Alfriston)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed Christmas celebrations at a zoo
Description:
Drusillas Park's Christmas Festival brings holiday cheer to the animal kingdom. The zoo's inhabitants receive special seasonal treats and enrichment activities, delighting visitors of all ages. Children can meet Santa's reindeer and learn about these Arctic animals. The park's miniature train, decked out in holiday finery, offers a twinkling tour of the grounds. Drusillas Park, founded in 1925, has a long history of combining education with entertainment, making it a unique setting for Christmas celebrations.
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Christmas Festival at Drusillas Park
Christmas Light Trail at Bedgebury (Goudhurst)
What to Expect:
Illuminated forest trail with interactive light installations
Description:
Bedgebury's Christmas Light Trail transforms the National Pinetum into a luminous wonderland. The forest path winds through towering evergreens, each turn revealing new light sculptures and installations. Visitors can interact with some displays, creating their own light shows. The scent of pine mingles with the crisp winter air, enhancing the sensory experience. Bedgebury Pinetum, home to one of the world's finest conifer collections, provides a unique backdrop for this dazzling display.
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Christmas Light Trail at Bedgebury
Robertsbridge Christmas Capers (Robertsbridge)
What to Expect:
Quirky village celebration with pantomime elements
Description:
Robertsbridge Christmas Capers injects humor and whimsy into holiday celebrations. This village event features street performances with pantomime-style comedy, blending traditional Christmas elements with British humor. Local shops compete in a window-dressing contest, showcasing creative and often amusing displays. Visitors can participate in a treasure hunt through the village, discovering its hidden gems. Robertsbridge, with its medieval roots and picturesque high street, provides a charming setting for this unconventional Christmas event.
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Robertsbridge Christmas Capers
Uckfield Late Night Shopping (Uckfield)
What to Expect:
Community-focused evening with local businesses and entertainment
Description:
Uckfield's Late Night Shopping event transforms the town into a vibrant evening marketplace. Local shops extend their hours, offering special discounts and festive treats. Street performers and musicians create a lively atmosphere along the High Street. Visitors can enjoy roasted chestnuts while browsing unique gifts from independent retailers. This event celebrates Uckfield's strong community spirit and its history as a market town dating back to the 13th century.
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Christmas at Bodiam Castle (Bodiam)
What to Expect:
Medieval-themed Christmas celebrations in a 14th-century castle
Description:
Bodiam Castle steps back in time for its Christmas celebrations, recreating a medieval yuletide feast. The imposing 14th-century fortress provides an authentic backdrop for historical reenactments. Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and sample dishes prepared using medieval recipes. The great hall echoes with period music played on authentic instruments. You can climb the towers for panoramic views of the winter landscape. Bodiam Castle, built in 1385 as both a defensive structure and a comfortable home, offers a unique glimpse into Christmas past.
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Newhaven Christmas Fayre (Newhaven)
What to Expect:
Maritime-themed Christmas market in a working port town
Description:
Newhaven's Christmas Fayre brings holiday spirit to this bustling port town. The market incorporates maritime themes, with stalls selling sea-inspired gifts and decorations. Local fishmongers offer fresh catches for holiday feasts. Visitors can tour the Newhaven Fort, decorated for the season and offering spectacular views of the English Channel. The town's rich nautical history, including its role in the D-Day landings, adds depth to the celebrations. The sound of foghorns mingles with carols, creating a unique seaside Christmas atmosphere.