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Spotlight: The Sussex Events Guide - November 2025

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All the best local events and days out happening near you in the coming weeks...



The Bluebell Railway 

December Events 


Create unforgettable memories with an enchanting array of festive events and experiences to captivate hearts and ignite imaginations. Come and meet Santa this December with the Santa Specials. Also back with a new theme is the Steamlights service, featuring the Ice Queen herself. Enjoy travelling through a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive cheer – an experience to cherish forever. 


Climb aboard the Golden Arrow Christmas Dining Trains for some vintage elegance or celebrate on the New Year’s Eve Dining Train. 


Looking to 2026, our first evening supper train dates have been released — an ideal Christmas gift for a unique experience. Meanwhile, start the year on a high note with the New Year’s Day Gala on January 1st. Book now and give the gift of magical memories this Christmas. 



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Christmas Gift Fair at the East Sussex National Hotel 

Wednesday 19th November, 9.30am to 3.30pm


Once again, the Friends of Sussex Hospices Christmas Gift Fair comes to the East Sussex National Hotel at Little Horsted near Uckfield, TN22 5ES. A festive event that promises over 40 fabulous stalls with a wide range of artisan products, local foods, festive décor, gifts, clothing and bags. 


Why not bring your friends and enjoy a lovely pre-Christmas day out. There is ample free parking and tea, coffee and lunches are available in the hotel bar. 


TICKETS: £6 online at friendsofsussexhospices.org.uk and on the door. 

Enquiries: 01825 764488 



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Evening Roost at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre 

Wednesday 5th & Saturday 8th November


The wildlife hides at WWT Arundel are open for an extra hour for visitors to watch the arrival of birds for the evening roost. See pied wagtails, cattle egrets and marsh harriers fly in to spend the night in the safety of this wetland nature reserve. 


One of the best spots to watch and photograph the marsh harriers soar over the reedbed will be the new Viewing Platform that opened in September. In recent years the marsh harriers at Arundel are the largest roosting population recorded in Sussex. 


This event is included in your admission price, which is free to WWT Members. 

Search: WWTArundel 


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Christmas at Chiddingstone Castle 

Saturday 29th November to Sunday 21st December 


Things will soon be getting festive at Chiddingstone Castle! The season starts off with a traditional Christmas Fair on the 29 November with over 50 hand crafted stalls full of gifts, decorations and goodies. Then the magical delight of Father Christmas Afternoon Tea returns from 6 December. 


This experience includes a very special story time, a trail, crafts and a delicious Christmas themed afternoon tea with a personal visit to each table from the big man himself. 


Chiddingstone Castle, Kent, TN8 7AD 


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Pick Your Own Christmas Tree Experience at Sharnfold Farm 

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November 


Start your festive season with a magical family day out at Sharnfold Farm’s Pick Your Own Christmas Tree Experience. Wander through the Christmas tree field, choose your perfect tree, and watch as Farmer James cuts it down for you to take home or collect later. 


Plus, you can enjoy a charming festive- themed farm trail with snowy woodland strolls, the enchanting village of Timber Town, post letters to Santa and meet friendly animals along the way. 


Tickets £44.95 for up to four people (additional guests £6.45 each) includes access to all the seasonal fun. Book early as limited numbers. Check the weather beforehand and take advantage of Sharnfold’s Wet Weather Warranty – if it rains for more than two hours, return free within 30 days. Celebrate the season and take home your personally picked tree at Sharnfold Farm this Christmas. 



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The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Midhurst Rother College 

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December, 10am to 5pm (Sunday 4pm)


At this year’s Sussex Guild show in Midhurst, you’ll find a feast of creativity to brighten the dark days of winter and provide inspiration for unique and personal seasonal gifts. 


There will be around sixty designers exhibiting a wide range of contemporary crafts. Discover exciting batik, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, knitwear, leatherwork, patchwork, pewter, printmaking, silversmithing, textiles, textile art and woodwork on display and for sale. 


Have a chat with some of the best contemporary craft makers in the region. You’ll be able to buy beautifully designed work or commission bespoke items from independent makers. 


With free parking and a café serving light refreshments, this event makes seasonal gift shopping as relaxed as possible. 


01273 479565 


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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. 



image: Laurence Perry
image: Laurence Perry
The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s 

Saturday 15th November to Sunday 4th January (Closed 24th & 25th December), 11am to 3.30pm


This festive season, the jungle comes alive again with a bigger, bolder, and even more enchanting Jungle Book Christmas. Enter a world of creativity, warmth, and colour at the family home of author Rudyard Kipling. 


In celebration of this timeless tale, the house will be adorned with handcrafted decorations, twinkling Christmas trees, glowing fireplaces and familiar characters. 


New this year: Families can enjoy a Jungle Book- themed outdoor spotter trail (£2, with admission). Plus, discover tunnel books by local artist Rebecca Child, featuring her interpretation of scenes from the story. 


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


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The Christmas Fair at Chichester College 

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November


Christmas shopping at its easiest and best, at one accessible location! In support of www.cancerwise.org.uk 


Step into Christmas with seasonal delights, this is the ultimate destination to kick off your Christmas shopping. A fantastic mix of local artisans and businesses from further afield. 

A shopping drop-off/pick-up point and carry service to make your day stress-free.


And for the children: Take a magical flight to the North Pole in an aeroplane simulator — where Santa himself is waiting in his grotto! 


Free Parking

Tickets: Adults £7, Students £4, Children Free (U16), 

Visit Santa £10 


image: Ollie Dixon
image: Ollie Dixon
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Hever Castle this Christmas 

Friday 21st November until 2nd January 


Hever Castle and Gardens has a magical journey planned for families with Christmas in the Land of Oz. Begin your journey in Dorothy’s Kansas farmhouse before exploring the Yellow Brick Road on your way to the dazzling Emerald City, illuminated in striking green at dusk. 


The fun continues with vintage fairground rides, while the award-winning gardens will sparkle with twinkling lights and colour. Inside the Castle, lavish decorations, Tudor traditions and roaring log fires create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. 


With festive food, Christmas shopping and play areas, there’s something for every age to enjoy. Because this Christmas, there’s truly no place like Hever.


Pre-book online to save: www.hevercastle.co.uk 


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Christmas a Bodiam Castle

Saturday 29th November to Sunday 4th January (closed 24th & 25th December), 10am to 3.30pm


Step into a magical Christmas at Bodiam Castle and soak up the festive spirit. Write letters to Father Christmas in the castle grotto, then hop aboard the sleigh in the courtyard – perfect for dressing up in festive costumes and capturing a memorable photo. 


Follow a family-friendly trail around the castle to help find gifts left behind by a mischievous elf (£2 per trail). On selected dates, enjoy children’s storytelling sessions and live music performances.


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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 in the land! 


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
image: Megan Taylor
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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The Grand Winter Makers & Art Fair at The British Engineerium 

Saturday 22nd November & Sunday 23rd November, 10:30am to 4:30pm 


Discover, meet and shop directly from 120 incredible artists, makers and small independent businesses – all handpicked for their uniqueness and quality. Expect to find a range of goods including original artworks, ceramics, jewellery, fashion, textiles, gifts, homewares, plus speciality local produce. 


Make a day of it and book on a guided tour of the Engineerium Museum in steam, enjoy mulled wine, street food, live performances and wreath making. Entrance to the fair is free but optional queue jump tickets are available – a truly magical event not to be missed! 


Paper Daisy are hosting 4 Christmas events this Nov/Dec - in Hove, Shoreham, Saltdean and Brighton.


For full details visit: www.paperdaisyevents.co.uk

The British Engineerium, Hove, BN3 7QA 


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Burgess Hill Choral Society Christmas Concert 

Saturday 13th December, 7.30 pm


Get into the spirit of Christmas with Burgess Hill Choral Society’s concert which is taking place at St Andrew’s Church in Burgess Hill. They will be performing excerpts from Handel’s Messiah as well as music from Vivaldi, Rutter. In addition, there will be popular carols for both choir and audience to enjoy including old favourites and some new treats.


Tickets (£16 in advance, £18 on the door, under-18s £5) are available from Burgess Hill Help Point, on the door, by phone 07522 493966.

or visit our website at www.burgesshillchoral.org. 

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


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Crowborough and Uckfield Christmas Markets! 

Dates in November and December


If you’re looking for the best place in East Sussex to do your festive shopping, come to one of these popular Pop-Up Markets. With friendly stallholders offering the best gifts and decorations – and all cosy and dry indoors! You’ll find handmade crafts, candles, fashion, toys, art, jewellery and unique makes – plus coffee and cake.


15 November, 10am-2pm, Uckfield Civic Centre23 November, 10am-2pm, Maresfield Bowls Centre4 December, 10am- 5.30pm, Basepoint, Crowborough6 December, 10am-2pm, Crowborough Community Centre13 December, 10am-2pm, Rotherfield Village Hall 


Find us on Facebook ‘Crowborough and Uckfield Pop Up Markets’ 


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Christmas Wreath Workshops with Sussex Florals 

Dates from 21st November and throughout December 


Christmas wreath making workshops, the perfect start to your festive season! Come and learn the traditional moss based method to create your very own festive Christmas wreath. Using fresh moss, evergreen foliage, berries, dried fruits, pinecones, and an assortment of festive accessories. The wreaths are then finished with a choice of festive bows or ribbons ready for hanging on your front door. 


There are options of just wreath making or wreath making with festive meals at various locations throughout Sussex. Dates start on November 21st right through December and there is also a Christmas table centre workshop on December 20th for something extra special. Come and have some festive fun! 


All workshops can be booked via the website: www.sussexflorals.co.uk 

07984 426325 



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Countdown to Christmas 

Saturday 29th November, 6.30pm


Come and enjoy a special evening of words and music to set your Christmas off to a great start. Olivier Award- winning actress Celia Imrie (subject to availability) will feature alongside Glyndebourne Youth Opera, the Cake & Wine Club, and soloists Lucinda Houghton and Stephen Charlesworth. 


The evening, in aid of Friends of Sussex Hospices, is designed to suit everyone, so come along, join in with the carols and help us raise the roof! 


Tickets at £15.00 from: www.friendsofsussexhospices.org.uk

01825 764488 

Holy Cross Church, Belmont Rd., Uckfield TN22 1BP 

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