From awe-inspiring exhibitions to festive concerts and dazzling light trails, Sussex is brimming with art and culture this month. Whether you’re drawn to the enchanting glow of winter lanterns, the timeless charm of pantomime, or a nostalgic big band performance, this handpicked list of events ensures there’s something special for everyone.
Having enjoyed years of uncovering the best events, we bring you recommendations celebrating the artistry, talent, and joy found in Sussex. Explore this month’s highlights and let us guide you to experiences that will enrich your December. Dive in, plan your weekend, and trust this round-up to lead you to unforgettable moments in one of the most picturesque counties.
Top Things to Do in Sussex this December
Beyond Bloomsbury
Dates: Until 27 April 2025
Venue: Pallant House Gallery
Dive into the life and work of Dora Carrington – a remarkable artist who defied social norms with her bohemian lifestyle. As a significant contributor to Modern British art during the interwar years and an associate of the Bloomsbury Group, Carrington was described as ‘the most neglected serious painter of her time’ by former Tate Director, Sir John Rothenstein. Spanning paintings, drawings and prints from across her career, the exhibition will include film and photographs from private and public collections.
Book your tickets at the Pallant House Gallery
Glow Wild
Dates: Until 1 January 2025
Venue: Wakehurst, Kew
Christmas is just around the corner and Boundless – the membership club for public sector and civil service workers and retirees – is spreading festive cheer with a fantastic offer. Boundless members can enjoy discounted tickets to Glow Wild 2024, the award-winning winter lantern trail at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden, in Ardingly, West Sussex. The trail features over a mile of light installations created by leading artists and is surrounded by hundreds of lanterns. Highlights include a beautifully decorated living Christmas tree, a giant flying owl and a fiery hidden dragon, all illuminated and offset by the wintry landscape.
Robin Hood
Dates: 5 December-5 January
Venue: Pavilion Theatre Worthing
Robin Hood: the Pantomime promises some merry mayhem in Worthing’s biggest panto this festive season. The noble thief himself, Robin Hood, will be frolicking with his band of outlaws in a legendary caper as he steals from the rich, gives to the poor, and thwarts the plans of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Once again WTM has teamed up with Paul Holman Associates to bring some festive cheer and sparkle to Worthing.
Book at Worthing Theatres and Museum
Christmas Concerts
Dates: 3-7 December
Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre
The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood and the uplifting voices of the Chichester Cathedral Choir return for their traditional, much-loved Christmas Concerts –guaranteed to get audiences feeling joyful and triumphant. Brimming with cherished carols and classic Christmas melodies, alongside some enchanting new arrangements, this festive celebration promises to wrap everyone in the warm glow of holiday spirit.
Get your tickets at Chichester Festival Theatre
Rick Astley
Dates: 13 December
Venue: Brighton Centre
Get ready to swing into Christmas! Multimillion selling global star Rick Astley has announced a very special big band tour this December performing swing and festive classics. This tour follows Rick’s lifelong passion for the golden age of big band and swing. He’ll be performing festive classics in stunning venues capturing the magic of the season. In 2022, Rick’s first “Swinging Christmas” shows made his dream of performing these classics a reality.
Book tickets at the Brighton Centre
Santa’s Grotto
Dates: Until 22 December
Venue: Borde Hill
A visit to Santa’s Grotto at Borde Hill begins with festive fun in Santa’s workshop, where children can partake in Christmas crafts guided by Santa’s Elves. Little ones can create ornaments and a door hanger to ensure Santa finds his way to their home. Following the workshop, children will have the opportunity to meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes, and receive a special gift from him. Look out for other events too across December, including wreath making.
Tree Dressing
Dates: 1 December
Venue: Weald & Downland Living Museum
The Weald & Downland Living Museum has announced details of its Christmas events, promising a month filled with magic and tradition. The museum’s annual Tree Dressing celebration at the start of the month promises to be a magical occasion for visitors of all ages. Based on an ancient custom that celebrates the life-giving properties of trees, visitors are invited to bring in their own hand-made lanterns during the afternoon, which will then be lit for a procession around the Museum’s grounds before being hung on the ancient Aspen trees.
Get tickets at Weald & Downland Living Museum
Jack and the Beanstalk
Dates: 3 December-5 January 2025
Venue: The Hawth Crawley
TV legend Steve McFadden will be headlining The Hawth’s pantomime this year. Steve is famous for his role as Phil Mitchell in Britain’s top soap, EastEnders, which he has played for 34 years. Steve performed in The Hawth’s pantomime in 2015/16 and returns in the same role as Fleshcreep, the Giant’s henchman, this year, to the delight of audiences who are booking fast for the chance to see him again. He will be joining Crawley legend Michael J Batchelor who returns for his 11th year as Crawley’s favourite dame.
Book your tickets at The Hawth Crawley
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dates: 12 December
Venue: Brighton Centre
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert Live to Film will feature a screening of the complete film with the musical score performed live to the film. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim.
Get tickets at the Brighton Centre
The Music of Zimmer vs Williams
Dates: 21 December
Venue: Brighton Centre
The London Concert Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis, will perform epic scores celebrating two of the greatest film music composers of all time. Scores you can expect to hear include Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park, E.T., Harry Potter, and
The Dark Knight. A stirring precursor to the Christmas period.
Light Trail
Dates: Until 30 December
Venue: Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
This winter, visitors to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham are invited to experience a breathtaking after-dark light trail as the site transforms into an enchanting realm – awash with light, sound and colour. Now in its sixth year, the annual winter light trail at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is back with a brand-new route and promises to be bigger, better, and even more magical than before.
