Spread the festive joy in Hove! Our guide highlights all the events and activities that make this season special.
Enjoy a magical ice skating experience against the stunning backdrop of the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Immerse yourself in the creativity and craftsmanship found in the Christmas Artists Open Houses, showcasing local talent and unique gifts. And the Burning the Clocks is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its enchanting lantern parade and bonfire, celebrating the winter solstice. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Hove
See these and even more events listed below!Hove Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Grotto
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling experience with Santa
Description:
Hove's Santa's Grotto reimagines the traditional meet-and-greet as an immersive storytelling adventure. Children embark on a journey through themed rooms, each revealing a part of Santa's tale. The experience incorporates local folklore, connecting holiday traditions with Sussex legends. This innovative approach was inspired by Hove's rich literary history. Families can participate in craft activities related to the story, creating personalized souvenirs of their magical journey.
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Nearby Events
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Ice skating at a historic royal palace
Description:
Glide across the ice against the backdrop of Brighton's iconic Royal Pavilion. This unique rink transforms the palace grounds into a winter spectacle, blending history with seasonal joy. Skaters can admire the Indo-Saracenic architecture while perfecting their pirouettes. The Royal Pavilion, once a seaside retreat for King George IV, now hosts this annual skating tradition. Visitors can warm up with a hot chocolate at the rinkside café after their skating session.
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Christmas Artists Open Houses (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Local artists open their homes as galleries
Description:
Brighton's artistic community flings open their doors for a unique holiday experience. This event transforms private residences into temporary galleries, showcasing local talent and handcrafted gifts. Wander through cozy living rooms doubling as exhibition spaces, chatting with artists about their work. The tradition began in 1982 when a small group of Fiveways artists invited the public into their homes. You'll discover one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for holiday gifting or personal collections.
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Burning the Clocks (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Winter solstice celebration with handmade lanterns
Description:
Brighton marks the year's shortest day with a fiery spectacle. Residents craft intricate paper and willow lanterns, parading them through the streets in a mesmerizing procession. The event culminates in a blazing bonfire on the beach, where lanterns are ceremoniously burned. This unique tradition, started in 1993, symbolizes the passing of time and renewal. Participants can join workshops to create their own lanterns before the event.
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Christmas Market (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Seaside holiday market with local artisans
Description:
Brighton's Christmas Market brings coastal charm to holiday shopping. Local artisans and food producers line the seafront, offering unique gifts and treats with a distinctly Brighton flair. The salty sea air mingles with the aroma of mulled wine as visitors browse stalls. This market showcases the city's creative spirit, featuring everything from handmade jewelry to locally distilled gin. Shoppers can enjoy live music performances while supporting small businesses.
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Santa Dash (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Charity run in Santa costumes along the seafront
Description:
Brighton's seafront transforms into a sea of red as hundreds of Santas sprint along the promenade. This quirky charity event combines fitness with festivity, raising funds for local causes. Participants don full Santa suits, creating a surreal spectacle against the backdrop of the English Channel. The tradition began in 2003 and has grown into a beloved local event. You can join the dash or cheer from the sidelines, soaking in the jolly atmosphere.
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Christmas Festival (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Multi-day celebration showcasing Brighton's diverse community
Description:
Brighton's Christmas Festival embraces the city's eclectic spirit with a diverse lineup of events. From international food stalls to alternative craft markets, this festival celebrates global holiday traditions. Street performers entertain crowds with acrobatics and music. The event highlights Brighton's reputation as a melting pot of cultures, dating back to its days as a fashionable seaside resort. Visitors can participate in workshops ranging from gingerbread decorating to eco-friendly gift wrapping.
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Brighton Christmas Lights Switch On (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Community-led light switch-on event
Description:
Brighton's streets illuminate in a community-driven celebration. Unlike typical switch-on events, this one involves local residents and businesses collectively turning on their holiday lights. The synchronized lighting creates a ripple effect of brightness across the city. This unique approach started as a grassroots movement to foster community spirit. Spectators can enjoy the spectacle from vantage points throughout the city, witnessing Brighton transform into a twinkling wonderland.
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Brighton Christmas Lights Switch On
Lantern Procession (Lewes)
What to Expect:
Historic town illuminated by handmade lanterns
Description:
Lewes glows with the soft light of hundreds of handcrafted lanterns during this enchanting procession. Participants wind through the town's medieval streets, their lanterns casting dancing shadows on ancient buildings. This event draws inspiration from Lewes' rich history of bonfire celebrations. The procession culminates in a gathering at the castle, where storytellers share local legends. Visitors can join lantern-making workshops before the event to create their own illuminated masterpiece.
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Christmas by the Sea (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Beachfront holiday celebration
Description:
Brighton's pebble beach becomes an unexpected winter playground during Christmas by the Sea. Sand sculptures are replaced by ice sculptures, and beach huts transform into cozy grottos. The event merges seaside traditions with holiday cheer, featuring activities like "polar bear" swims and beachcombing for hidden gifts. This unique celebration nods to Brighton's history as a popular Victorian seaside resort. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine while watching the sunset over the winter sea.
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Reindeer Barn (Hassocks)
What to Expect:
Meet real reindeer in a rural setting
Description:
Hassocks' Reindeer Barn offers a slice of the Arctic in the heart of Sussex. Visitors can meet and feed real reindeer, learning about these majestic creatures from experienced handlers. The barn, set in picturesque countryside, provides a stark contrast to urban holiday events. This educational experience sheds light on reindeer biology and their role in Arctic ecosystems. Children can participate in reindeer-themed craft activities, creating lasting memories of their close encounter.
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Christmas Wreath Workshop (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly wreath making using locally sourced materials
Description:
Brighton's Christmas Wreath Workshop puts a sustainable spin on holiday decorating. Participants create stunning wreaths using materials foraged from local woodlands and gardens. The workshop emphasizes eco-friendly techniques, avoiding plastic and promoting biodegradable options. This event taps into Brighton's reputation as a green city, dating back to its early adoption of sustainability initiatives. You'll learn about native plants while crafting a unique decoration for your home.
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Christmas Pudding Race (Brighton)
What to Expect:
Charity obstacle race in pudding costumes
Description:
Brighton's seafront hosts a whimsical spectacle as participants don plump pudding costumes for a chaotic race. Runners navigate inflatable obstacles, creating a comical scene of bouncing desserts. This quirky event raises funds for local charities while providing entertainment for spectators. The race originated from a bet between local restaurateurs in the 1980s. Participants can compete individually or in teams, with prizes awarded for the fastest puddings and best costumes.
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Christmas Choral Concert (Shoreham-by-Sea)
What to Expect:
Concert featuring local choirs in a historic setting
Description:
Shoreham-by-Sea's Christmas Choral Concert brings together diverse local choirs in the town's oldest church. The stone walls of St. Mary de Haura Church resonate with a mix of traditional carols and contemporary compositions. This event celebrates the area's rich musical heritage, dating back to medieval times. The concert showcases both established choirs and emerging vocal groups, reflecting the community's vibrant arts scene. Audience members can join in for a finale that fills the ancient nave with song.