1st - 31st December, Credit Charlie Waring
Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot spots including the stunning South Downs National Park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, an array of seaside resorts, characterful towns, and charming villages. Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers to enjoy.
To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place. If you're looking for what's on when it's raining, the coastal geography of Sussex means you can switch the beach for a trip to a local castle, all of which has a calendar of seasonal events to entertain children and adults.
You'll find an enviable supply of themed festivals in Sussex, from food and drink festivals bursting with local produce, which is amongst the best in the UK, and full to the brim with English wine as this county has the ideal conditions for a host of vineyards giving a unique flavour to any event. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Light up the night sky with Steamlights, a colourful trip on the Bluebell Railway, (15th Nov - 31st Dec 24), or visit the famous Battle of Hasting site and see it in a whole new light with Illuminated Abbey (3rd - 8th December). Explore the free sculpture and drawing exhibition - Here and Now, There and Then, Towner Eastbourne (16th November - 3rd March 25). Head along to the Ardingly Winter Fair, West Sussex and pick up a Christmas gift of two, (23rd & 24th November) before making a visit to Arundel which will be dressed to impress with twinkling Christmas trees and lights throughout the town for Christmas at Arundel (1st December - 31st December). Make sure you pop the 21st December into your diary, Brighton will be once again celebrating the shortest day of the day of the year and the move towards spring, with the fantastic free colourful Burning the Clocks parade (21st December 24).
Take a look at our featured list for inspiration and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see hundreds of more events in Sussex.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Sussex, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Sussex Accommodation
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.
Number of results: 106
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Performance
RYE
Join MC Rye Town Crier Paul Goring as he hosts the 72nd National Town Criers' Championship in beautiful Rye, Sussex.
Food
Amberley
Savour an outstanding six-course tasting menu this Valentine's Day to the truly romantic backdrop of our castle grounds. Served in our award-winning restaurant, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fireplace,…
Walking
Brighton
Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air. Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but…
Exhibitions
Chichester
Dive into the life and work of Dora Carrington – a remarkable artist who defied social norms with her bohemian lifestyle.
Music
Lewes
Join the Lewes Big Band as they present a joyful and family friendly evening of some of the best Big Band Christmas Classics and fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Pieces will include White Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You and O…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
This Christmas holiday, join the Nature Heroes in exploring the magical Glow Wild trail by day. Keep your eyes sharp, solve riddles and uncover Wakehurst's nocturnal creatures on a winter quest around the gardens.
A special glow in the dark badge…
Christmas
Lamberhurst
Bring the whole family to enjoy Christmas at Bewl Water in the heart of our enchanted woodland in Kent and Sussex!
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Discover the best in live comedy, featuring three top acts and an MC!
Boasting the hottest line-ups including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jordan Brookes, Olga Koch, Barbara Nice, Jarred Christmas, Nina Conti, Sara Barron, and many more!
Komedia is a…
Heritage & History
Bognor Regis
A brand-new immersive experience by artist Matt Reed comes to Bognor Regis Esplanade until September 2025
Family
Battle
The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 500 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.
Walking
Hastings
Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…
Childrens Events
Brighton
Embrace the festive season with a must-have visit to Santa
WHAT BETTER WAY TO BRING THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS TO LIFE THAN A MEETING WITH SANTA HIMSELF!
From 28th Nov - 24th Dec | £8.99 per child
Santa will be bringing the festive joy right to the…
Christmas
Rowland's Castle
Step inside Stansted House this December and explore the Edwardian Mansion after it has been beautifully decorated for the festive season.
Enjoy an ‘upstairs, downstairs’ experience as you stroll through the House and admire the traditional…
Childrens Events
Horsham
Sprocket & Dibs have a problem!
Christmas is fast approaching & Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. will Sprocket & Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day? Only time will tell…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
This winter, experience the magic of Christmas at Borde Hill. From 30th November to 22nd December, the Garden will be open from 10am to 3:30pm, welcoming families for a day of festive fun.
Children can write their letters to Santa and explore the…
Family
Station Road, Tenterden
We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…
Food
Eastbourne
The full music line-up has been announced for this year’s Beer & Cider by the Sea.
The three-day event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 16-18th on the Western Lawns on Eastbourne seafront.
General event
Worthing
If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!
The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in…
Indoor
Brighton
Enjoy an overnight stay at The Grand, Brighton and indulge in one of their iconic signature experiences - the award winning afternoon tea. Located on the seafront, this iconic historic hotel, offers a luxury escape by the sea.
Take a seat in…
Food
Cowfold road, Bolney
Set amongst our 200 acre farm and orchards our stunning Taproom & Pizza Kitchen is open Wednesdays - Sundays and is honestly the best place to enjoy one of our ciders in the sun alongside a tasty handmade Pizza from The Safari Pizza company!…
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