This time of year is perfect for parents looking for family-friendly and child-friendly festive activities in Brighton. Amidst the holiday cheer, families can expect many an opportunity to celebrate Christmas in all its glory, from fun family days out to magical places to cosy up, we have got it covered.
For some of us at We Love Brighton, our enthusiasm for the festive season knows no limits. We have finally entered that time of year when Brighton and Hove transforms into a dreamy wonderland of twinkling lights that illuminate the streets, while the aroma of hot beverages from charming cafes fills the air.
The bustling Christmas markets, ready to help you find the Christmas presents of your (and your loved ones’) dreams, add an extra sprinkle of magic to this time of year, creating an atmosphere that truly embodies the spirit of the season.
family-friendly festive activities during Winter 2023 in Brighton
Recognising that your schedules might be more than brimming with Christmas shopping and dinner preparations, we have put together this thoughtful list of family-friendly activities happening in and around Brighton and Hove.
These events cater to varying interests and budgets, ensuring that everyone, from lovers of stories and the dramatic to outdoor enthusiasts and the creative and curious, finds something that matches up with their festive spirit.
| Brighton Santa Dash | Lively race and family entertainment on December 9th |
| Horrible Christmas | Horrible Histories Christmas show on December 16th |
| Cinderella | Family-friendly pantomime from December 20th – 30th |
| Pavilion Ice Rink | Skating at the rink from October 28th to January 7th |
| Paradise Park Aglow | Winter Light Trail open until January 1st |
| Christmas Mice | Festive mice display from November 18th to January 1st |
| Christmas at the Booth Museum | Recycled and reused Christmas displays from December 2nd – January 3rd |
Brighton Santa Dash 2023 @ Brighton Seafront
Have you ever seen Santa Claus? How about many of him at once, let alone jogging and running? If not, you should!
The Brighton Santa Dash is possibly the most fun family-friendly event in Brighton and Hove this festive season, and they are back for laughs, runs and entertainment for the whole family.
Fun-filled frolics dressed as Santa Claus, at the Brighton Seafront, are not to be missed! Whether you’d like to join as a Santa and partake in the race, or take the kids for a fun day out, don’t miss this opportunity.
The Santa Dash makes a great photo too! Parents may take their children to watch, but there is also a race for the little ones. Children can take part in the free 400m kids’ race that is held before the main event. Best of all, every child taking part receives a medal at the end. Ho Ho Ho!
Price: Free to watch – £19 for adults to take part
When: 9th of December
Where: Hove Lawns, BN3 2PE (opposite Adelaide Crescent, near the Peace Statue)
Find out more here: https://santadashbrighton.co.uk
Horrible Christmas @ Theatre Royal Brighton
Are your kids interested in history? Are you a fan of laughs, or just happen to love a good show? Theatre Royal has something special coming up, and it is worth booking a seat, or a few, for. We have all heard of Horrible Histories. A big favourite of many families, with fans of all ages, by now it is an iconic British institution.
From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, Horrible histories take your family on a Christmas adventure this festive season. Hair-raising tales through the history of Christmas in the company of famous figures such as Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas, as they all join forces to save the season. It is moving, it is funny and it is thrilling. Adventure awaits! This will be a popular one.
Price: Tickets start at £21.75
When: Saturday 16th of December
Where: Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD
Book tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/horrible-christmas/theatre-royal-brighton/
Brighton’s Biggest Family Pantomime: Cinderella @ The Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
Who doesn’t love a pantomime with Christmas on the horizon? Imagine this: the air is filled with anticipation and joy, and the twinkling lights of the city centre, from Western Road down to the Clocktower and North Street, are all aglow. Your presents are wrapped and the hot chocolate stash is secure. What better way to revel in this magical time than with a classic pantomime?
Here comes The Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole’s spectacular offering: Brighton’s Biggest Family Pantomime, Cinderella, an experience that will be more than just a little bit of fun.
What an amazing opportunity to witness a dazzling West End cast bring the timeless tale of Cinderella to life. Tradition meets modern-day spectacle, a mesmerising blend of roaring laughter, elaborate costumes, and a beautiful set. Of course, let’s not forget the beating heart of any pantomime: live music that will amaze you.
This is an invitation to a world where laughter and the magic of Christmas blend seamlessly with the enchantment of a beloved fairytale.
Price: Tickets start at £8.83
When: Multiple shows from 20th to 30th December
Where: Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Rd, Brighton, BN1 2FU
Book tickets here: https://www.brightonfamilypanto.com
Pavilion Ice Rink @ The Royal Pavilion
Is there anything more quintessentially Brightonian than skating under the twinkling lights just outside our iconic Royal Pavilion? Hot chocolate and mulled wine are optional.
Whether it is a romantic date night for mum and dad, or a fun family day out, the Pavilion Ice Rink is the place to be. Enjoy this timeless wintertime tradition with your nearest and dearest, there are plenty of spaces to book!
For those hesitant to lace up their skates, worry not; the joy isn’t confined to the ice, you can also spectate free of charge, while your family and friends enjoy the thrills of the rink. From the comfort of the Ice Rink’s Rinkside Kitchen & Bar, with a beverage or a snack, you can watch your loved one and still be part of the fun.
Price: Ticket prices vary – £6.50/£8/£10/£15
When: October 28th to January 7th
Where: Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, East Lawn, Brighton, BN1 1FN
Book tickets here: https://royalpavilionicerink.co.uk/
Paradise Park Aglow @ Paradise Park
An enchanted adventure awaits, right as the sun sets. For the second year, Aglow invites you to the Paradise Park Gardens, promising an evening of wonder. Amid the Winter Light Trail, hundreds of thousands of lights intertwine, casting a spellbinding experience.
The gorgeous display is anything but every day, the beauty in every corner of the gardens creating a memory for the whole family that will not be soon forgotten!
Immerse yourself further by hopping on a magical train ride through the Aglow Wonderland. You can slide through scenes, almost out of a fairytale, each turn revealing dreamy views as the night is Aglow.
And to end the enchanting night, you can find solace in the warmth of their lovely Coffee Shop. Enjoy some cosy, hot beverages and delicious snacks to perfect your night of wonder. Aglow isn’t just an event; it’s an invitation to partake in an adventure!
Price: Under 3s free & adult admissions £8
When: Open from 6th November until 23rd December daily – Reopens 27th December to 1st January, then open the first two weekends of January
Where: Paradise Park, Avis Road, Newhaven, BN9 0DH
Book tickets here: https://www.paradisepark.co.uk/aglow/
Christmas Mice @ Hove Museum
Are you looking for a family-friendly activity in Brighton that will get your children in the festive spirit? Christmas Mice at the Hove Museum might be just the thing for you and yours as they are coming in with some real Christmas magic. How many can you find?
Hove Museum of Creativity is a special place that aims to bring together royal elegance, rebel spirit, and artistic activism. They wish to create amazing spots where people love to be, both locals and visitors from all over the world. It’s a hub that sparks ideas, tells stories, and supports positive changes like diversity and taking care of the planet.
Price: Free admission
When: 18th November to 1st January
Where: 19 New Church Road, Brighton, BN3 4AB
Find out more here: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/event/christmas-mice-at-hove-museum/
Christmas at the Booth Museum @ Booth Museum of Natural History
Are you looking for something interesting, educational and fun to take your children to this festive season? Booth Museum of Natural History in Brighton is a local favourite that both educates and amazes. Its focus is on Victorian taxidermy, especially of British birds, as well as collections focusing on entomology, chalk fossils, skeletons and botany.
This festive season they offer a free family-friendly experience for children and the childlike, which will entertain the whole family. Their recycled and reused Christmas returns to the museum in December.
The newly named Ragnor Rosie Carrot Antlers The Reindeer is back on display, along with some other winter wildlife. Ragnor got its name after a public naming competition.
Price: Free admission
When: 2nd of December to 3rd of January
Where: 194 Dyke Rd, Brighton, BN1 5AA
Find out more here: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/christmas-at-the-booth-museum2023/
Though Brighton is known for its summertime opportunities with its stunning beach and lovely picnic spots, we hope that our list proves to you that it can and does transform into a lovely centre of wintertime cheer during the festive season, as these events showcase a whole new side to our beloved town; a family-friendly wonderland brimming with festive joy.
We wish you a merry time as you and your family adventure through these lovely Christmas events!
