What to do in Brighton over the festive period

With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, Brighton is the perfect place to be. Christmas markets, light shows, parades, and so much more… the city really comes to life during December!

What’s on in Brighton over the Christmas period

If you are planning on being in Brighton during the Christmas break or aren’t sure what’s going on in December, then here are a few ideas. From sightseeing and creators’ markets full of handmade treasures, there’s something for everyone.

Brighton Winter Fayre

A Christmas pop-up market in St Peter’s Square that is free to enter. Every Sunday in December there is also a pop-up makers market where you can shop for handmade gifts from local makers. As well as pop-up stalls for shopping, food and drinks, there are also live performances and a Christmas Grotto you can purchase a ticket for.

Burning of the Clocks

Unique to Brighton, Burning the Clocks is an annual community event on Saturday 21 December where Brightonians come together to celebrate the shortest day of the year. Locals create their own paper and willow lanterns, parade through the streets, and then toss them into a huge bonfire on the beach to mark the end of the year.

Ice skating at the Royal Pavilion

Set in the beautiful Royal Pavilion grounds, experience ice skating like never before. With a cozy winter café and beautiful festive light shows, the Brighton ice rink is the ultimate Christmas activity in the heart of city. You can ice skate almost every day from 8 December 2024 until 3 January 2025.

Light trail on the edge of the South Downs

Set in Brighton’s biggest green space, Stanmer Park, is the Brighton Lights. You will need to book tickets online and they cost £18 per adult, plus a small booking fee. The Brighton Lights are a magical way to spend a Christmas evening, full of fun and colour.

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 one of Brighton’s most treasured traditions and often attracts a large crowd of people ready to brave the cold waters.

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

Enjoy the festive season from your home

While the festive season is set to be packed full of wonder for all your senses, there are also some fun things you can do at home during December.

If you’re looking to keep your festivities close to home why not have a Christmas movie night with friends? The Snowman is a classic British Christmas film that follows a boy and his snowman through a Christmas adventure. This illustrated film is set in the South Downs and the duo go on a magical flying adventure, featuring our iconic city.

You could also make some festive sweet treats at home! Christmas sugar cookies are perfect to pair with a hot chocolate and movie. Check out this simple Good Food recipe for the perfect sugar cookie. Top tip: if you don’t have any piping bags to hand you can easily make one from a zip lock freezer bag. Happy baking!

However you are spending the festive break, we wish you all a very happy Christmas from the University of Brighton!