Now that is officially December I can talk about Christmas. I have put together the ultimate list of things you can do this December in Brighton. From Christmas markets, ice skating to picking your own Christmas tree, this list has it all.
Ice Skating at Royal Pavilion is great for everyone. Younger ones can use penguin skate aids to help them get around on the ice. There is also a rinkside bar and restaurant which you can enter for free. So if you don’t fancy a go on the ice then you can sit in here with a hot chocolate or mulled wine and watch the skaters go by. It is open until January 19th.
Brighton seems to have a lot of Christmas markets and craft fairs happening this month. The Fairytale fair returns to the Open Market on Sunday 8th December. Open from 11am until 4pm you can find out everything here, inlcuding a chance to meet Olaf, Elsa and a few other princesses. If you are based in Hove, then Stoneham park are having their annual Christmas market and Santas grotto on Saturday December 7th.
On Saturday 7th you can also head to Tempest Inn on the seafront for their Christmas market. Doors open at 11am till 6pm and it is free entry. You can expect to find mulled wine, craft beer, festive gifts, food and drink, jewellery, homewares, clothing, toys, decorations – everything you could need for the perfect Christmas!
The following weekend there is another one at The Old Market in Hove. This one is a little bit different from the others as it costs £5 to enter, however it is all zero waste. Zero waste Christmas market is taking place on Sunday 15th December. It features over 30 unique, independent stalls all dedicated to helping the environment.
If you haven’t already got your Christmas tree then there are a few places you can go to pick your own. Wilderness Wood is about 45 minute drive from Brighton and has a wide selection of trees to pick from. Otherwise there is a stall at the Open Market that you can get one from.
Something of a Brighton tradition is Burning the clocks which happens on the shortest day of the year, December 21st. Local people make their own paper and willow lanterns and after parading through the city, they pass them into a blazing bonfire on Brighton beach.
Brighton Dome also has a lot of things going on this December. Including a Christmas concert and a showing of the classic film The Snowman with a live orchestra.
If you wanted to venture a bit further from Brighton then Wakehurst is the place to go. Now in its sixth year, Glow at Wakehurst is ideal for everyone. Trees, ponds and landscapes will be brought to life with hundreds of glowing lanterns, fire torches, projections and soundscapes. Glimpse the tallest living Christmas tree in the UK decorated with 1,800 lights, and experience the evocative sounds of the nocturnal world. Running every Thursday – Sunday until December 22 from 4:30pm – 8:30pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £9 child (4 – 16) or £46 for a family. Wakehurst and Kew members get discount and it is free for under 4s and carers. Car parking included in price and booking is essential. You can find out more here.