Last updated: November 11, 2024
Looking forward to the holidays in Horsham? Our guide has everything you need to know! Whether you're deeply rooted in Horsham or just branching out, our guide helps your festive spirit flourish.
Popular events this season include Leonardslee Illuminated, where enchanting light displays transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. You can also experience the delightful atmosphere of Arundel By Candlelight, showcasing the town's charm through twinkling lights and festive cheer. And the magical experience of Tilgate Park's Magical Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering captivating scenes and festive activities for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Immersive winter trail with light, sound, and colour.
Walk through the beautifully illuminated grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, featuring spellbinding light trails, interactive installations, and festive cheer.
Where: Lower Beeding | More Info: Leonardslee Illuminated
Traditional lantern procession and carol service.
Arundel By Candlelight is a festive event featuring musical entertainment, a lantern procession, and a carol service. The evening culminates with the lighting of the Christmas tree by Her Grace the Duchess of Norfolk, accompanied by joint school choirs singing around the tree.
Where: Arundel | More Info: Arundel By Candlelight
Illuminated historical site with light and sound displays.
This December, Battle Abbey is bathed in spectacular illuminations, retelling the story of 1066 with light, music, and live performances. Follow the trail through ancient ruins and across the grounds as lights and sounds carry you back to winter 1066. Discover how events unfolded after the battle by threading your way through ancient architecture and peeping into shadows.
Where: Battle | More Info: Battle Abbey Christmas
Interactive light installations inspired by the hidden world of trees.
Explore Wakehurst's woodland trail illuminated by over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns, featuring iconic Christmas tree, giant flying owl, and fiery hidden dragon. Enjoy delicious street food, artisan marshmallows, and Christmas shopping in the Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Where: Haywards Heath | More Info: Haywards Heath Lantern Trail
Immersive light trail with natural elements and interactive experiences.
Glow Marwell is a spectacular winter light trail at Marwell Zoo, featuring breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences that fill you with wonder. Explore the natural elements of fire, earth, air, and water as you dive under the sea, drift amongst neon clouds, and enjoy festive treats like giant Yorkshire puddings and illuminated candy floss. The event includes vibrant UV face paint designs and beloved attractions like the enchanted tree and light tunnel.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Glow Marwell
Local vendors selling gifts and seasonal items.
Lancing Village Christmas Market is a festive event featuring local vendors selling gifts and seasonal items, creating a lively atmosphere in the heart of Lancing.
Where: Lancing | More Info: Lancing Village Christmas Market
Celebrating local businesses' festive displays with public voting and exciting prizes.
Local businesses in Horsham District are invited to showcase their festive windows, displays, and market stalls to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere during the holiday season. The competition aims to celebrate the creativity and spirit of local businesses, enhancing the overall festive experience.
Where: Horsham | More Info: Christmas Magic Displays
Community-driven celebration of local businesses' creative holiday displays.
Local businesses showcase their festive windows, market stalls, and internal displays to celebrate the holiday season and support buying local.
Where: Horsham | More Info: Buy Local at Festive Markets
Dynamic stage presence with fresh vision and classic touch.
Join John Partridge as Fleshcreep in this year's production of Jack and the Beanstalk, directed by John Partridge and choreographed by Chrissie Cartwright. Expect flamboyant costumes and a bespoke set designed by Jack Lane, nominated for Best Set Design at the National Panto Awards 2024. This family-friendly show promises a high-flying adventure filled with giants, fairies, and magic beans.
Where: Horsham | More Info: Jack and the Beanstalk
Festive activities and decorations in a historic park setting.
Tilgate Park transforms into a captivating winter setting with Santa, offering ten days of entertainment, delicious food, and bookable experiences. Enjoy festive activities, including Christmas wreath making, and explore the beautifully decorated Walled Garden.
Where: Crawley | More Info: Tilgate Park's Magical Christmas
Celebratory launch of the festive season with diverse activities.
Join us for the Christmas Launch Party on 22 November, where we kick off the festive season with a variety of activities and events.
Where: Horsham | More Info: Christmas Launch Party
Unique blend of poetry and local history.
Horsham Museum and Art Gallery offers a variety of events and exhibitions, including the Shelley Poetry Trail, which explores the works of Percy Bysshe Shelley through local displays and poetry readings. The museum also hosts the Hair-Raising Horsham Halloween Trail and Halloween Craft Activities, providing a range of activities for visitors of all ages.
Where: Horsham | More Info: Christmas at Horsham Museum and Art Gallery
Hand-painted wooden figures representing each of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Explore Painshill Park's 12 Days of Christmas Trail, where beautifully crafted figures representing each of the iconic gifts from the beloved Christmas carol are scattered throughout the landscape. Follow the trail to discover dramatic follies, calming waters, and stunning views.
Where: Cobham | More Info: Painshill Park 12 Days of Christmas Trail
Interactive Christmas activities with Father Christmas and farm animals.
Meet Father Christmas at Bocketts Farm Park, where children can hop on the Santa Express to his traditional workshop, complete the Christmas Trail, make their own Reindeer Food, and enjoy various festive activities including a visit to the Giant Snowglobe and the Christmas Craft Corner. The event also features friendly farm animals, heated indoor soft play, and acres of outdoor adventure play.
Where: Fetcham | More Info: Bockett's Farm Santa Experience
Interactive holiday experience with Santa's Express train and Reindeer Game.
Join Denbies Wine Estate for a special ride on Santa's Express train, including a passport from Santa, a vineyard tour, and a gift at the end of the ride.
Where: Dorking | More Info: Denbies Santa Express
Elaborately decorated Edwardian house with a 20ft Christmas tree.
Polesden Lacey transforms into a sumptuous Edwardian house for a Christmas masquerade ball, featuring a 20ft Christmas tree and immersive scenes. Enjoy a vintage hand-carved carousel, festive food, and shopping in a beautifully decorated setting inspired by Mrs Greville's attendance at the famous Devonshire House Ball in 1897.
Where: Great Bookham | More Info: Polesden Lacey Fairytale Christmas