Somehow the festive season is upon us and Christmas trees have begun to appear. The Christmas light in the centre of Brighton are up and the shops are busy.
If you’re looking for the best festive things to do in the city this year, then look no further than this guide.
Things To Do In Brighton This December
Pantomimes And Christmas Shows In And Around Brighton
Brighton Dome Unveils Packed Winter Programme
What’s On At Theatre Royal Brighton This Christmas
Nov 29-30 | Dec 6-7 | December 13-14 | Artists Open Houses
Brighton & Hove’s Winter Artists Open Houses return bigger than ever, with more than 60 homes and studios across the city opening their doors over three festive weekends. Visitors can browse and buy unique Christmas gifts, from ceramics and textiles to paintings, prints and jewellery, while enjoying mulled wine, cosy fires and even locally brewed beer. Highlights include Harriett’s Press Laundry Open House, showcasing artworks created through a community arts initiative. It’s a perfect winter outing and a great way to support local makers, with brochures and online listings available to help plan your route.
More information: Artists Open Houses
Nov 30: Rob Brydon & His Fabulous Band
Rob Brydon takes his hit 2024 West End Christmas show on tour, bringing songs, stories and his trademark humour alongside an eight-piece band. A warm, festive evening for all the family at Brighton Dome.
Tickets: Brighton Dome
A Very Austen Christmas at the Royal Pavilion
A Very Austen Christmas opened on November 22 and runs until January 4 2026, inviting visitors to step into a charming Regency-style celebration. The palace has been transformed with themed trees, seasonal scents, carols, a family trail and costumed characters inspired by Jane Austen’s beloved stories. Marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth, the event imagines her characters joining George IV for a festive ball — a meeting of two worlds filled with atmosphere, intrigue and Christmas cheer. Free with Pavilion admission.
A programme of events includes Jane Austen at Christmas – In Conversation on November 28, Austen Christmas Cream Tea on December 10, Jane Austen & Brighton – with Alexandra Loske on December 16 and Christmas tours on December 7, 14 and 21.
More information: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/event/a-very-austen-christmas-at-the-royal-pavilion/
Dec 12-13 | Dec 18-19: Winter Solstice Celebrations At One Garden
One Garden Brighton at Stanmer Park is marking the Winter Solstice with late-night markets across two weekends in December, filled with nature-inspired gifts, organic produce and treats from local makers. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and street food, alongside live music and carol singers set within the garden’s historic walls. It’s a magical evening of lights, community spirit and seasonal flavours in one of Brighton’s hidden gems. The event is free, but advance ticket reservation is required.
Address: One Garden Brighton, BN1 9SE
Tickets: Eventbrite
ec 13 and 14: Festive Makers Market
Paper Daisy Events brings the Brighton Festive Makers Fair to Wagner Hall for an entire weekend of Christmas shopping, creativity and community. Taking place on Saturday December 13 and Sunday December 14, the fair transforms the central Brighton venue, including its magical Fig Tree Garden, into a coourful hub of independent makers, artists and small-batch producers. Entry is free.
Brighton Festive Makers Fair Returns
December 13: Meet Santa At Volks Electric Railway
Santa will be swapping his sleigh for a ride on the world’s oldest operating electric railway on Saturday, December 13, joining families at the Volks Electric Railway for a festive seaside adventure. After greeting visitors at the Aquarium Station, Santa and his hard-working elves will climb aboard one of the heritage trains for a magical journey along Brighton beach. Every child will have the chance to meet and chat with Santa and receive a Christmas gift.
For full details and ticket information: www.volksrailway.org.uk/whats-on
Candelight Concerts: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
This Christmas, Candlelight® transforms the Royal Pavilion into a magical candlelit concert venue, with local string quartets performing classic carols and festive melodies. Performances take place on December 14, 21, and 28, offering an intimate, visually stunning experience amid thousands of flickering candles.
Tickets and full details are available at https://feverup.com/m/141291.
Dec 16: Brilliant Brighton’s Festive Afternoon
Brilliant Brighton’s Festive Afternoon takes place on Saturday December 6 from 2 to 6pm, featuring live performances, the return of the Christmas window dressing competition, and plenty of festive fun amid the city’s twinkling lights. For more information, visit www.brilliantbrighton.com.
Skate At Brighton Pavilion Ice Rink
Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink has returned until to January 4 2026, bringing its famously beautiful setting and sustainably powered ice back to the city. The UK’s only Christmas rink powered entirely by wind, wave and solar energy, it offers a magical skating experience day and night, with a large main rink, a separate beginners’ rink and plenty of festive atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy the rink-side bar and kitchen, ideal for watching the action over a hot chocolate or mulled wine. Tickets start from £15 for adults and £12 for under-12s, with 45-minute sessions running from 10am to 9.45pm; advance booking is strongly recommended.
Tickets via See Tickets: https://royalpavilionicerink.seetickets.com/tour/multipack-skate
Ride The Santa Bus
The Santa Bus will be touring the city from November 24 to December 23, bringing Santa to neighbourhoods every evening. Routes start between 5pm and 5.30pm and finish between 7pm and 8.30pm, with exact timings available via the online Santa Tracker. While cancellations are rare, adverse weather may prevent a route from running. Full route details and tracking information are available via Brighton and Hove buses: https://www.buses.co.uk/santabus
step into christmas concert
Step Into Christmas is a concert that will have you and the family feeling the Christmas spirit. The show will take place on December 21, 2025 at 6.30pm.
Expect all of your Christmas classics with festive visuals and a live band. Tickets are available to book on the Brighton Centre website.
Address: King’s Rd, Brighton BN1 2GR
Website: Step Into Christmas at the Brighton Centre
the big christmas sing a long
The Choir With No Name Brighton is a choir involving people impacted by homelessness. Expect Christmas classics and a family friendly sing a long. The show will take place on December 11 at 7.30pm.
Special guests will be announced so be sure to check the Brighton Dome website for more information.
Address: Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, Church St, Brighton BN1 1UE
Website: The Big Christmas Singalong! 2025 / Festive / What’s On | Brighton Dome
