What to do as an international student in Brighton over the Christmas break

With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, Brighton is the perfect place to get in the festive spirit.

With on-campus activities and festive fun in Brighton, the city really comes to life during December!

Festive activities on campus

The International Student Advice team are hosting a range of free events to help international students feel the festive cheer and connect with other students this Christmas season.

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Christmas care packages

If you’re an international student spending the festive break in Brighton, you can collect a Christmas care package on Monday 22 December.

The care package includes cosy socks, hot chocolate, a puzzle, and information about how to get support during the university closure. Current students can request a Christmas care package on the international student support pages on Sharepoint.

The great Christmas taste-off

This is a chance to try traditional British festive foods like Christmas pudding, trifle and mince pies. You’ll be able to get a taste of a British Christmas on Tuesday 16 December from 12-2pm, outside Aldrich Library on our Moulsecoomb campus.

Free Christmas dinner

International students can enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner from 12pm on Thursday 18 December.

Celebrate with other international students and enjoy a free meal in the Mezzanine restaurant on Moulsecoomb campus. The deadline to book your place is Tuesday 16 December, which current students can do on the international student support pages on Sharepoint.

Festive crafting afternoon  

Join other international students for a cosy crafting afternoon with complimentary snacks and hot drinks at the SU cafe in Cockcroft building on Monday 22 December, between 2-4pm. 

You can choose from several different crafts, including clay moulds, crochet, tea light painting, and more. The perfect way to unwind after term time! 

What’s on in Brighton over the Christmas break

There are plenty of festive activities happening around the city for you to get in the Christmasy spirit!

Ice skating at the Royal Pavilion 

Set in the beautiful Royal Pavilion grounds, experience ice skating like never before.

With a cosy winter café and beautiful festive light shows, the Brighton ice rink is the ultimate Christmas activity in the heart of the city. You can ice skate most days until 4 January 2026 and student tickets start from £14, which you can purchase online. 

Christmas Day swim in the sea

If you’re looking to truly experience Brighton at its best this festive season, why not get involved in the Christmas Day and Boxing Day dip? This is a Brighton tradition that attracts a large crowd eager to brave the cold water. 

It might sound a little wild to take a swim in freezing waters during December, but our seas have a rich history of healing and rejuvenation that dates back to Queen Victoria’s reign. Many locals go swimming on both Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December) – head to the seafront for 11am to take part.

A Very Austen Christmas at the Royal Pavilion

The iconic Brighton Royal Pavilion is celebrating British author Jane Austen, as it marks the 250th anniversary of the writer’s birth with their latest exhibition: ‘A Very Austen Christmas’.

Step into a Regency-inspired world filled with beloved Austen characters like Mr Darcy and the Bennet sisters. The royal palace will feature themed ballrooms and trees, as well as talks and historical tours, all celebrating the author.

You can visit ‘A Very Austen Christmas’ until 4 January 2026. Ticket prices start from £25 and can be purchased online.

Christmas candle painting workshop

If you’re looking to do some additional crafting over the Christmas break then why not try a candle painting workshop hosted by Puzzle Bored on Monday 22 December.

Located in the heart of Brighton, Puzzle Bored is a neurodiverse-aware coffee shop and puzzle space. During this session you will paint a pair of candles to take home with you. Tickets cost £15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Reflecting on 2025 

For many, the Christmas period is a time for reflection ahead of the new year. The University of Brighton is also taking this time to do the same, celebrating all the great things that happened in 2025.

From world-leading research and community partnerships to inspiring stories from our students, staff, and alumni – there’s so much to celebrate.

Check out our round-up video below!

We wish all students, staff, alumni and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the University of Brighton!