Last updated: 11 November 2024
Explore the festive highlights of Haywards Heath with our guide. We’ve compiled all the key events and activities for you. Whether you're a Haywards Heath local or a seasonal visitor, this guide unlocks the city's holiday potential.
One enchanting event to experience is the Leonardslee Illuminated, where the spectacular gardens are transformed into a vibrant display of lights, perfect for a winter stroll. Another delightful option is Fishers Farm Park, which offers a wonderful mix of festive fun for families, featuring a winter wonderland and a chance to meet Father Christmas. And definitely don't forget the Brighton Christmas Market, known for its charming stalls and a lovely atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Haywards Heath Holiday Light Displays
Leonardslee Illuminated
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound installations in a Grade I listed garden setting.
- Description
- Walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, illuminated with spellbinding lights, projections, and interactive installations. The trail features a spectacular winter display with seasonal food and drink options, funfair rides, and a Christmas Market.
- Where
- Lower Beeding | More Info : Leonardslee Illuminated
Battle Abbey Christmas
- What to Expect
- Dazzling array of illuminations and characters from the past.
- Description
- This December, see Battle Abbey bathed in dramatic illuminations, retelling the 1066 story with light, music, and live performances. Follow the trail through ancient architecture, peep into shadows, and take in the luminous displays.
- Where
- Battle | More Info : Battle Abbey Christmas
Wick Lane, Englefield Green Illuminated
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light trail with woodland creatures and festive moments.
- Description
- Windsor Great Park Illuminated features a forest trail illuminated by dazzling lights, breathtaking projections, and floodlit fountain shows. The event includes a generous sparkle of new installations and a sprinkling of favourites returning. Woodland creatures come to life, and festive moments are plentiful, with cosy rest stops offering delicious dishes, mulled wine, and hot chocolate.
- Where
- Englefield Green | More Info : Wick Lane, Englefield Green Illuminated
Haywards Heath Holiday Markets and Shopping
Brighton Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and independent businesses come together to create a vibrant shopping experience.
- Description
- Brighton Christmas Market showcases local independent companies, offering a variety of unique gifts, delicious food, and seasonal treats under one roof.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : Brighton Christmas Market
Borde Hill Garden Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas story trail and Santa's Grotto.
- Description
- Borde Hill Garden Christmas Market features local artisan treats, unique crafts, and festive activities for all ages, set amidst the beautiful winter landscapes of the Garden.
- Where
- Haywards Heath | More Info : Borde Hill Garden Christmas Market
The Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza
- What to Expect
- Indoor Christmas market with diverse gift options.
- 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 items to help you prepare for the holiday season.
- Where
- Haywards Heath | More Info : The Big Purple Christmas Extravaganza
Chichester Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts from local artisans and businesses.
- Description
- Chichester Indoor Christmas Market features over 100 independent businesses showcasing unique festive products at Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester. This event offers a wide array of gifts and seasonal items, making it a must-visit for those seeking unique holiday shopping.
- Where
- Chichester | More Info : Chichester Christmas Market
Haywards Heath Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Royal Hippodrome Theatre
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of West End shows and local entertainment.
- Description
- The Royal Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne offers a diverse range of performances, including West End shows, pantomimes, and live music events. It features renowned artists like Kerry Ellis and hosts unique productions such as Dinosaur Adventure LIVE and Northern Soul Live.
- Where
- Eastbourne | More Info : Royal Hippodrome Theatre
White Rock Theatre
- What to Expect
- Diverse live music and theatrical performances.
- Description
- White Rock Theatre in Hastings offers a diverse range of events, including live music performances by singer-songwriter Sam Ryder, English indie rock band Hard-Fi, and the magical Christmas pantomime "Adventures Peter Pan." The theatre also features a Long Ride Home Tour by acoustic duo Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri. It is committed to delivering inspirational opportunities for cultural engagement and a sustainable future.
- Where
- Hastings | More Info : White Rock Theatre
The Brighton Centre
- What to Expect
- World-class entertainment in a vibrant seaside city.
- Description
- The Brighton Centre is a premier venue in Brighton, hosting a diverse range of events including live music, comedy acts, theatre shows, and dance performances. With its state-of-the-art facilities and central location, it offers an excellent experience for all attendees.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : The Brighton Centre
Hawth Theatre
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly pantomime with TV legends and local favourites.
- Description
- Hawth Theatre in Crawley offers a rich programme of theatre, dance, comedy, and family shows, ensuring there's something for everyone. The venue features a diverse range of performances, from pantomimes like Jack Beanstalk to musicals and operas.
- Where
- Crawley | More Info : Hawth Theatre
Haywards Heath Other Holiday Activities
Bluebell Railway
- What to Expect
- Preserving heritage with vintage steam trains and historic locomotives.
- Description
- The Bluebell Railway is a heritage railway in Sussex, offering a unique journey through 11 miles of stunning Sussex scenery behind vintage steam trains. It features historic locomotives, diverse rolling stock, and a captivating museum showcasing the railway's rich heritage.
- Where
- Sheffield Park | More Info : Bluebell Railway
Fishers Farm Park
- What to Expect
- Action-packed day with live animal encounters and thrilling attractions.
- Description
- Fishers Farm Park is a family-run adventure farm park in West Sussex, offering a variety of indoor soft play, farm animals, and exciting rides. It features a range of food outlets and outdoor picnic areas, making it an ideal day out for families and friends. The park includes incredible indoor play barns, infamous Christmas festivities, and the popular Splash Attack in Summer.
- Where
- Wisborough Green | More Info : Fishers Farm Park
Cowdray
- What to Expect
- World-class polo tournament with international teams and historic grounds.
- Description
- Cowdray Park Polo Club is a renowned polo venue in West Sussex, hosting the prestigious British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup. The club has been at the forefront of British competitive polo since 1910, attracting top teams from around the world.
- Where
- Midhurst | More Info : Cowdray
Borde Hill Santa Grotto Experience
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas story trail and Santa's grotto experience.
- Description
- At Borde Hill, children can write letters to Santa and explore the Garden on a Christmas story trail. For an additional charge, they can visit Santa in his grotto, where each child will receive a Christmas gift. The event includes festive crafts and a winter walk amidst stunning views.
- Where
- Haywards Heath | More Info : Borde Hill Santa Grotto Experience
Burning the Clocks
- What to Expect
- Community-driven lantern parade with a symbolic bonfire.
- Description
- Burning the Clocks is a unique community event held annually in Brighton, where local people create and parade handmade paper and willow lanterns through the city before passing them into a blazing bonfire on Brighton beach. This event celebrates the shortest day of the year and provides an antidote to the excesses of Christmas with a different theme each year.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : Burning the Clocks