Last updated: 11 November 2024
Celebrate together in Hove! Our guide has all the community events to make your holiday season special. Whether you're a Hove local or a seasonal visitor, this guide unlocks the city's holiday potential.
Popular events during this festive season include the Brighton Christmas Market, where the charming stalls offer a range of handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink presents a unique opportunity to skate beneath the dazzling backdrop of the famous pavilion, creating a magical atmosphere. And the Sussex Christmas Fair is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring artisan goods and local delicacies. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Hove Holiday Light Displays
Sussex Christmas Light Trails - Leonardslee Illuminated
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations in a historic Grade I listed garden setting.
- Description
- Explore the beautifully illuminated grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, featuring spellbinding light trails, interactive installations, and festive cheer. The event includes a funfair, Christmas market, and seasonal food and drink options.
- Where
- Lower Beeding | More Info : Sussex Christmas Light Trails - Leonardslee Illuminated
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
- What to Expect
- Interactive light trail with handcrafted lanterns and exclusive installations.
- Description
- At Glow Wild at Wakehurst, explore over a mile of handcrafted lantern installations and light displays, inspired by the hidden world of trees. Discover iconic Christmas elements like the giant flying owl and fiery hidden dragon amidst a thousand lanterns. Enjoy delicious street food, artisan marshmallows, and Christmas shopping in the Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
- Where
- Wakehurst | More Info : Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Hove Holiday Markets and Shopping
Sussex Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with over 80 local suppliers.
- Description
- The Sussex Christmas Market at Brighton Racecourse offers a one-stop shopping experience with over 80 local suppliers, featuring handmade and thoughtful gifts. Visitors can shop independently and support local businesses.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : Sussex Christmas Fair
Grittenham Barn Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Traditional Sussex barn setting with local artisanal goods.
- Description
- Grittenham Barn Christmas Market offers a charming setting with a variety of festive gifts, homewares, and local refreshments. Explore the rustic barn and outbuildings, enjoying breathtaking views of the South Downs.
- Where
- Petworth | More Info : Grittenham Barn Christmas Market
Southwick Community Centre’s Christmas Fayre
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday market with local vendors and live entertainment.
- Description
- Southwick Community Centre's Christmas Fayre is a vibrant celebration featuring local stalls, live music, and delightful refreshments, bringing the community together for a joyful holiday event.
- Where
- Southwick | More Info : Southwick Community Centre’s Christmas Fayre
Lewes Artist and Makers Fair
- What to Expect
- Showcase of local artisans' hand-crafted goods.
- Description
- The Lewes Artist and Makers Fair is a curated event featuring 80 stalls selling hand-crafted gifts and original wares by local artists and makers. The fair also includes warming winter food and drinks, making it a fun event for all ages.
- Where
- Lewes | More Info : Lewes Artist and Makers Fair
Brighton Open Market Christmas Food and Drink Market
- What to Expect
- Local, artisanal, and organic products.
- Description
- Brighton Open Market's Christmas Food and Drink Market offers a variety of local, artisan, and organic products, including handmade crafts, baked goods, and specialty foods.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : Brighton Open Market Christmas Food and Drink Market
Brighton Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Local artisans and specialty food vendors under one roof.
- Description
- Brighton Christmas Market showcases local independent companies offering a variety of unique gifts, delicious treats, and specialty drinks in a cozy setting.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : Brighton Christmas Market
Arundel Farmers Market
- What to Expect
- Direct sales of local produce by the producers themselves.
- Description
- Arundel Farmers Market offers a variety of fine British food and artisan produce from local growers, bakers, meat, poultry, flowers, and plants. It is a direct platform for local producers to sell their goods.
- Where
- Arundel | More Info : Arundel Farmers Market
Hove Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hove Place Christmas Party
- What to Expect
- Festive decorations and holiday music.
- Description
- Hove Place Christmas Party is a joyous celebration featuring festive decorations, holiday music, and delightful company.
- Where
- Hove | More Info : Hove Place Christmas Party
Hove Other Holiday Activities
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Green energy-powered ice skating with romantic and child-friendly atmosphere.
- Description
- The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink offers a unique and romantic ice skating experience powered entirely by green energy. Enjoy twinkling lights, warming snacks, and mulled wine in a child-friendly setting that is one of the most beautiful in the South East.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : Royal Pavilion Ice Rink
Burning the Clocks
- What to Expect
- Community-driven lantern parade and bonfire celebration.
- Description
- Burning the Clocks is a unique community event where locals create and parade handmade paper and willow lanterns through Brighton city center, culminating in a symbolic bonfire on the beach to mark the end of the year.
- Where
- Brighton | More Info : Burning the Clocks
Christmas at Drusillas - Santa's Grotto
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Meet Santa in his cozy cottage, join the singing reindeer trio, and marvel at the 24-foot Christmas tree at Drusillas Park.
- Where
- Alfriston | More Info : Christmas at Drusillas - Santa's Grotto
Cin Cin Festive Menu
- Seasonal Italian dishes with local Sussex ingredients.
- Cin Cin's Festive Menu features seasonal small plates and handmade pastas, showcasing the best of Italian cuisine with a focus on local Sussex produce.
- Hove | More Info : Cin Cin Festive Menu