Spotlight Events: December 2024

From pantomimes to Christmas shopping, here's your guide to all the best local events happening in December

Snow White at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Friday 6th December to Friday 12th January

This year’s Devonshire Park pantomime spectacular Snow White is the 23rd panto from the Devonshire Park Theatre team. A traditional family classic with a delicious Eastbourne Theatres twist – packed with live music, beautifully designed costumes and hugely talented cast. Starring Eastbourne favourites Martyn Knight, Tucker and Carli Norris plus Georgie Hales and Ben Tyler.

Devonshire Park pantomimes are famed for giving audiences a true live theatre experience, with live band, beautiful costumes designed and created especially for the show and of course lots of enchanting onstage effects. Don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all! SNOW NEED TO MISS OUT – BOOK NOW!

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Christmas at Hever Castle

Through Dec until 3rd January

This Christmas at Hever Castle promises a magical experience for all ages. Visitors can enjoy both daytime and evening events, with the stunning castle, gardens, and lake illuminated by festive lights. Explore the grounds filled with twinkling decorations, including enchanting displays such as the Castle’s interior adorned for the holidays.

The event offers a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones in a festive setting, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information visit: www.hevercastle.co.uk

A Truly Magical Christmas at The Rare Breeds Centre

Saturday 7th to Monday 23rd December

Visit Santa’s enchanting grotto, where kids can enjoy an interactive experience with Santa and his elves, receive a special gift, and capture the moment with a professional photo. Explore the decorated farm, enjoy seasonal crafts, follow the Christmas Word Trail, and try festive treats from the Granary Restaurant.

Your ticket grants you all-day access to everything the farm has to offer, including indoor soft play area, adventure playgrounds, and the friendly animals. Make sure you book today so you don’t miss out on this enchanting Christmas experience!

www.rarebreeds.org.uk

The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s

Saturday 16th November to Sunday 5th January, 11am to 3.30pm (closed 24th and 25th December)

This winter, discover a world of warmth, colour, tradition, and creativity as you experience The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s. The house will be decorated with Christmas trees, natural foliage, golden lights, and festive decorations inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale.

Plus, you can see original watercolour illustrations by local artist Claire Fletcher, featuring beloved characters and festive-themed artwork.

Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans

Father Christmas & Christmas Markets at Amberley Museum

Weekends of 7th-8th, 14th-15th,& 21st-22nd December

Father Christmas is returning to Amberley Museum and he is bringing the festive spirit with him. Come along at weekends, leading up to the big day, and celebrate the festive season with a selection of Christmas activities, a Christmas Market and you can even book a magical visit to see Father Christmas and receive a present!

Full details at: www.amberleymuseum.co.uk

Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley BN18 9LT

The Snowman at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

Saturday 30th November to Sunday 12th January, 9am to 4pm

The Snowman is coming to Sheffield Park for the first time this Christmas. Re-live the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart- warming picture book. Look out for twelve decorated sculptures of The SnowmanTM, along a winding wintry path, past beautiful lakes and trees. Plus traditional fairground rides and games, carol concerts and Christmas wreath making.

Walking with The Snowman at Sheffield Park and Garden is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK).

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark

Christmas Craft Workshops at Arundel Wetland Centre

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December

Create edible tree decorations to hang outdoors for your feathered friends at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. Workshops run Sunday 1st or Wednesday 4th December, 10:30am-12 noon and cost is £10 per person plus centre admission charge. To help decorate indoors, book a Wreath Workshop to weave a willow wreath and decorate it with wetland plants. Naturally made and simply beautiful for only £20 per person plus regular centre admission. Workshops run Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December at 10:30am-12.30pm or 2-4pm.

The centre is open every day of the holiday season, except Christmas Day, so it’s perfect for seasonal walks in nature with family and friends or for some quiet time alone with nature.

wwt.org.uk/Arundel

Hastings Old Town Christmas Shopping Day

Saturday 7th December, 10.30am to 5pm

Come and support your local independent businesses in the High Street, Courthouse Street, George Street, West Street and all areas of the Old Town including Butlers Gap Market. Children will enjoy a visit to Mr and Mrs Clause and receive a present – just £3.

Plenty of activities including children’s art and craft table, Glittery Rainbow Cat face painting, All or Muffin Caroles, plus gift and antique stalls. Enjoy the hot chocolate station, mince pies, cakes and sweets as well as the children’s treasure hunt with Courthouse Cooperative in Store Events and more!

Burgess Hill Choral Society Christmas Concert

Saturday 7th December, 7.30 pm

Get into the Christmas spirit at Burgess Hill Choral Society’s forthcoming concert at St Andrew’s Church when we shall
be performing Saint-Saëns’ moving Christmas Oratorio and Chilcott’s celebratory On Christmas Night. The event includes professional soloists and the choir will be accompanied by South Downs Sinfonia. There will also be carols for choir and audience.

Tickets: £15 in advance, £17 on the door, £5 students and under-18s are available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/burgesshillchoral
or from Burgess Hill Help Point, on the door, by phone 07522 493966, or visit: www.burgesshillchoral.org

St Andrew’s Church, Burgess Hill, RH15 0LG

Christmas Gift Wrapping in support of St Catherine’s Hospice

Friday 13th December to Tuesday 24th December

Support St Catherine’s Hospice by having your gifts wrapped in the
County Mall, Crawley this festive season! Bring along your Christmas gifts and have them beautifully wrapped and decorated in return for a donation to the hospice. Enjoy music from local choirs and singers while you wait and go away happy that another task has been ticked off your Christmas prep list!

The wrappers have been specially trained and have all the tools to make your gifts look their very best. We look forward to seeing you there!

www.stch.org.uk/event/christmas-wrapping

Christmas at Scotney

Now to Sunday 5th January 2025

Escape reality with a visit to Scotney this Christmas and step into a glittering world of performance, entertainment and nostalgia. Explore the rooms in Scotney’s mansion house, transformed into a cinematic storybook of Christmas fun and sparkle. We’re taking seasonal family favourites like pantomime, ballet and film, adding a little stardust and magic to create themed decorated rooms in the mansion house that will fill you with the spirit and joy of Christmas.

Via popcorn-garlanded Christmas trees in the main hall and the ‘tutu’ tree in the ballet-themed room, you’ll journey from the sophistication of a night at the opera to the creative chaos of the Mad Hatter’s Christmas Dinner. Perfect for friends and families of all ages.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle

(image: National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra)

Santa at Brighton i360

Saturday 30th November until Christmas Eve

Rumour has it that Santa is back in town... and he’s 450ft in the sky at Brighton i360! Take a trip to Santa’s Grotto and take your December plans to new heights. Santa and his elves will be spreading Christmas cheer and getting you into the festive spirit. Create lasting memories and take home a special gift from Santa.

Tickets are selling fast. Book now for a truly magical experience this festive season.

www.brightoni360.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk hits Horsham

Saturday 30th November to Sunday 5th January

Starring John Partridge as Fleshcreep and debuting as Director, promising a fresh take on this classic tale. West End’s Chrissie Cartwright joins as Choreographer and Assistant Director, ensuring lively, polished performances. The set, by Jack Lane, brings the story to life with vibrant visuals. Audiences can expect a magical world of giants, fairies and enchanted beans. A relaxed performance with a BSL interpreter is set for 19 December at 6pm, making this festive adventure accessible to all. Don’t miss it!

www.thecapitolhorsham.com

01403 750220