Brighton truly comes alive during the festive season. With Christmas lights, carol concerts, and community events filling the streets, there are many Christmas events happening across Brighton.
Best of all, many of Brighton’s Christmas events are completely free, making sure that everyone can get into the festive spirit without breaking the bank or making a dent in their budget.
From wandering through the light displays to enjoying free concerts, Brighton has plenty to offer this Christmas.
Here are some of the best free Christmas events in Brighton in 2024
Burning the Clocks
Burning the Clocks is a gorgeous Brighton tradition that celebrates the winter solstice with a lantern-lit procession through the city on the 21st of December.
Amazing handmade paper and willow lanterns, created by locals, are carried through the streets before being burned in a spectacular bonfire on the beach. The evening ends with a brilliant fireworks display over the sea, making it an incredibly special event for all ages.
Though this magical event is free and unticketed, the organisers heavily rely on donations to make it happen. We recommend you donate if you are able. However, the event welcomes anyone and everyone to attend!
Website: https://samesky.co.uk/events/burning-the-clocks/
Donation site: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/burning-the-clocks-2024
Marvel at Brighton’s Christmas Lights
One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Brighton is the beautiful Christmas lights displayed around the city every year. Head to The Lanes and the North Laine to discover some of the most gorgeous displays, where independent shops and cafes decorate their windows with sparkling lights. Don’t forget the huge lights at the Clocktower, which give a fantastic photo-op!
A walk from the bottom of North Street up to the end of Western Road gives you a view of all the big lights hung up by the city.
Churchill Square and the surrounding area also offer a lot of wonderful lights for you to view, as well as Church Road with smaller community-led displays that add to the Christmas charm.
Enjoy Carol Singing Performances
Carolling is a staple of the Christmas season, and Brighton’s pubs and churches are full of festive songs throughout December.
For example, for church carolling you can Head to St Bartholomew’s Church on the 21st of December at 4 pm for a Carol Service, or St Nicholas Church on the 22nd of December at 6 pm for Carols by candlelight, where you can join in with the songs or simply listen to beautiful renditions of classic carols.
It’s also always worth it to have a look at events taking place at your local pubs, as often there are carolling events and more being organised by local communities.
St Bartholomew’s Church Website: https://www.stbartholomewsbrighton.org.uk/services-and-events.php
Address: Ann St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GP, United Kingdom
St Nicholas Church Website: https://www.stnicholasbrighton.org.uk
Address: Church St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Festive Fun at the Royal Pavilion Gardens
The Royal Pavilion Gardens are a magical setting for a Christmas walk. While the gardens themselves are stunning year-round, during the holidays, a lot is going on due to the ice skating rink and everything happening at the North Laine.
For those who have a membership or are planning to visit the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, remember to take your kids in to enjoy the Christmas Mice at Brighton Museum display, where some mice have ‘scurried through the secret tunnel from the Royal Pavilion and are hiding in Brighton Museum’ … How many can you spot?
Website: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/event/christmas-mice-at-brighton-museum/
Address: North St, New Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1, United Kingdom
Brighton Winter Fayre
The Brighton Christmas Festival & Winter Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to get into that lovely Christmas spirit. Taking place at St Peter’s Plaza, the event combines a lovely winter market with seasonal food, drinks, and live entertainment!
The event is brought to you by three local event professionals who have been producing and managing events in Brighton for over thirty years, meaning they know what they are doing and can’t wait to share this magical place with you all.
The market offers a great mix of gift ideas, handmade crafts, and treats, making it perfect for a bit of Christmas shopping or simply soaking up all those Christmas vibes. In addition to the stalls, there’s live music, performances, and loads of family-friendly activities.
Best of all, it’s free entry.
Website: https://brightonwinter.org
Address: St Peter’s Pl, York Pl, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GU, United Kingdom
Window Displays in The Lanes and Beyond
The iconic Brighton Lanes is home to some of the most unique shops in the country, which also means creative and festive window displays.
Local shops and businesses often put a lot of effort into their seasonal décor, practically competing for the title of the best Christmas window display.
Take a stroll through The Lanes with your loved ones to admire the fun and often whimsical decorations that make this city what it is.
Free Live Music on Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach might be known for its summer fun, however, it also comes alive this festive season with free live music performances at the Brighton Music Hall.
Featuring a mix of local artists, drag artists and more, the free sessions they hold offer something for everyone —from lovely acoustic shows to upbeat holiday classics and drag shows.
Après Ski By The Sea at the Brighton Music Hall is a must. It’s the largest beach terrace in the UK with covered spaces, heated ski chalets and even twinkling igloos. Their Fallen Fairy upstairs bar is up for free venue hire, as is karaoke in their ski chalets on request — again, for free!
Grab a warm drink or some food, enjoy the salty sea air, and let the live music bring some extra cheer to your Christmassy hangout sessions. It’s the perfect way to soak up Brighton during the Christmas season without spending a lot, or a penny.
Website: https://www.brightonmusichall.co.uk
Address: 127, Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2FN, United Kingdom
Christmas on the Beach
While Brighton is famous for its beach in summer, the festive season offers a quieter and more reflective experience. Take a stroll along the beach to enjoy the Christmas lights along the seafront, or simply soak in the serenity of the ‘wintry seaside.
The seafront offers a lot of lovely pubs and cafés, we recommend you visit places such as the Shelter Hall and OHSO Social, both of which offer festive foods and events as well.
We would hope you’d wrap yourself and yours up warm though, as that harsh, cold wind can be extra chilly this time of year.
Shelter Hall Website: https://shelterhall.co.uk
Address: Kings Road Arches, Shelter Hall, Brighton BN1 1NB, United Kingdom
Ohso Brighton Website: https://ohsobrighton.co.uk/christmas2024
Address: 250a Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB, United Kingdom
At We Love Brighton we believe that all the free Christmas events around town are a real testament to the city’s spirit, offering you plenty of ways to enjoy the holidays without spending a fortune.
Maybe you’re into admiring the Christmas lights, or you have a soft spot in your heart for carol singing, or you’re simply all about soaking up the festive atmosphere. We promise you, there is no shortage of free activities to fill your calendar this Christmas.
We wish you a fantastic, beautiful Christmas time.
