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Spotlight: The Sussex Events Guide - December 2025

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Your guide to all the best local events and days out happening near you across Sussex in December



The Adventures of Peter Pan at Devonshire Par Theatre, Eastbourne 

Friday 5th December to Sunday 11th January 2026 


Take to the skies in this high- flying pantomime adventure! Join Peter, Wendy and Tink as the Devonshire Park Theatre award-winning pantomime team presents The Adventures of Peter Pan. 


Test your sea-legs as we set sail in Captain Hook’s pirate ship and join his crazy crew in this swashbuckling adventure that is fun for the whole family. This magical production is set to live music, has vibrant sets, dazzling costumes, spectacular special effects, sensational cast and plenty of comedy that will have you laughing all the way home. Hook your tickets now! 



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Wild Ideas for Christmas! 

Saturday 20th December to Sunday 4th January (excluding: 24, 25, 26 Dec)


The British Wildlife Centre near Lingfield opens every weekend and during school holidays over Christmas. You can see rare Scottish wildcats, red squirrels, deer, owls, foxes and more. At the popular Keeper Talks you’ll learn all about these beautiful animals while seeing them close-up.


The Gift of Wildlife: Gift vouchers make the ideal gift for loved ones who love wildlife. Vouchers are available for admission, spending, and their popular Photography Days. Visit the Centre’s online shop. A REAL natural history experience! 



Eastbourne Road, Newchapel, Lingfield RH7 6LF 

01342 834658 


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The Bluebell Railway 

December Dates 


This winter, the Bluebell Railway transforms into an enchanted realm with Ice Queen magic. Journey through a frosty fairy tale, where shimmering lights awaits at every turn. Feel the warmth of nostalgia as the steam trains power along the secret world, creating unforgettable memories. 


Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the SteamLights experience that promises joy and wonder for all ages. Make this season truly special by joining the Ice Queen and her mythical creatures. Tickets are selling fast—grab yours now! 



Image: Ollie Dixon
Image: Ollie Dixon

Fantastic Family Fun at Hever Castle this Christmas 

Now until Friday 2nd January 


Looking for a magical festive day out with the family? This Christmas, Hever Castle and Gardens is transformed into the enchanting Land of Oz. Begin your adventure in Dorothy’s Kansas farmhouse before making your way through Munchkinland and along the yellow brick road to the dazzling Emerald City. 


The fun continues with fairground rides, while the award- winning gardens will be awash with colour as dusk falls. Inside the Castle you’ll find lavish decorations, Tudor traditions and roaring log fires. With play areas, a maze and gift shops to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This Christmas, there’s truly no place like Hever. 



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Feed the Birds Winter Workshop at WWT Arundel 

Sunday 7th December, 10:30am to 12pm


Craft garlands, small edible wreaths, and cookie cutter bird feeders to celebrate the holiday season. Take them home to decorate your outdoor space, a festive treat to feed your feathered friends! 


This workshop is for adults only runs from 10.30 to noon, giving you the entire afternoon to explore the beautiful wetlands in winter. Book online for £10 per person, plus price of centre admission ticket for WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. 


WWT Arundel Wetland Centre is open daily 10am to 4.30pm, closed on Christmas Day and closes at 2pm on Christmas Eve.


Search: WWTArundel www.wwt.org.uk 


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Magical Christmas at Tilgate Park

Weekends of 6th-7th, 13th-14th & 20th-23rd December


Come along to Tilgate Park this December as the Walled Garden is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Whether you’re booking ahead for one of the festive activities or soaking up the atmosphere, you’re in for a treat. 


The arena will burst to life with free entertainment, festive food (including our famous Yorkshire pudding wraps!), and exciting rides for little adventurers. Meet Santa in one of two magical ways: Santa’s Grotto – a personalised, cosy and festive setting. Story Time With Santa – gather round for a magical Christmas tale in a group setting.



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Lewes Speakers Festival 

Friday 16th to Sunday 18th January 2026


Come along to the Lewes Speakers Festival at the All Saints Centre, Lewes. Hear leading voices from politics, history, journalism and culture, including: Sir Ed Davey, Dame Penny Mordaunt, Caroline Lucas, General Sir Barney White-Spunner, Maggie Oliver, Chris Mullin, and many more. 


Three days of inspiring talks, lively debate and great conversation in the heart of Lewes. Don’t miss this chance to meet the thinkers shaping our world. 



All Saints Centre, Lewes

0333 666 3366 


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The Big Jive All-Dayer 

Saturday 28th February 2026, 1pm to 12am


The Big Jive All-Dayer is back in 2026 with a bang! Hosted by The Jive Aces, the UK’s No.1 jive and swing band and bringing you eleven hours of jumping and jiving – with the best swing, jive, rock ’n’ roll bands and DJs. Book your ticket for Saturday 28th February at Worthing Assembly Hall with the best sprung dance floor in the land! 


The lineup includes: The Jive Aces, British rock ’n’ roll legends The Jets, up and coming rhythm and blues aficionado King Joe and the Atlantics, The Hi-Stakes featuring Sam Ghezzi from the Netherlands, Italy and Lincolnshire’s finest songstress Miss Charlotte Porter and the Hi-Rollers. Plus, DJs Dave Mumbles, Skinny Mule and Jezebel, as well as vintage stalls and the bar is open all day! 


Tickets from: www.jiveaces.com/bigjive or 01903 206 206 


Image: Megan Taylor / NT
Image: Megan Taylor / NT

A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House 

Saturday 29th November to Sunday 4th January (closed 24 and 25 December) 


A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House is a dreamlike midwinter journey, inspired by the beauty of nature. With towering trees, celestial skies, roaming woodland creatures, and a special appearance from the mice of Brambly Hedge, each room glows with wonder. 


On Saturday 29 November and Saturday 20 December, visitors can experience the festive atmosphere of Petworth House after dark when the house will be open until 6.30pm, with sparkling lights and a courtyard choir. There will also be a Christmas makers market selling festive gifts on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November. 


Normal admission applies, no booking required. 


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