Horsham, West Sussex
Discover what's on in Sussex, including festivals, family-friendly events, theatre shows, garden trails, food festivals, outdoor experiences and seasonal events for a great day out in East and West Sussex. Whether you're drawn to vibrant seaside resorts, the rolling South Downs, historic market towns, world-class culture or family-friendly attractions, Sussex offers memorable days out, short breaks and events throughout the year.
Home to the South Downs National Park, historic 1066 Country, award-winning gardens and vibrant coastal destinations including Brighton, Eastbourne and Chichester, Sussex offers one of the most varied calendars of events in South East England. 2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county, from outdoor adventures to festivals, workshops and seasonal events, you'll always find lots of exciting events in Sussex.
Eastbourne welcomes the start of the Christmas season with its Christmas Light Switch-On (28 November) (F), ahead of some festive fun in Little Chelsea, with the twinkling lights and fireworks on (4 December) (F). Don't miss the chance to meet Santa with the Kent & East Sussex Railway travelling from town of Tenterden in Kent to the village of Bodiam (29 November - 23 December), or enjoy some Christmas shopping at the Crafted Christmas Makers Market in Battle (6 December). Now is the time to start planning your visit to 1066 Country as we celebrate The Year of the Normans in 2027.
From dramatic coastlines and the rolling South Downs to fireworks, festivals, historic re-enactments and award-winning gardens, Sussex is the perfect destination for a seaside stay or countryside escape. Start planning your 2026/2027 adventure today.
Explore our featured events list and discover what's on in East and West Sussex, from theatre shows and live music to sporting occasions, family trails and outdoor adventures.
From coastal celebrations and Christmas lights to family attractions, theatre performances and countryside adventures, Sussex offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
If you're planning to come to South East England to enjoy one of the many events on offer in Sussex, find answers below to some frequently asked questions.
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 to plan your visit.
You'll find daily updated listings of events across East and West Sussex by using the date filter in the search box above or scroll to the bottom of the page to see our full events guide to Sussex - great for providing inspiration and ideas.
Yes. Many of Sussex's events are designed for families, including garden and nature trails, steam railway events, outdoor festivals and school-holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events.
Yes. Look for events marked (F) or add free to the keyword search box and you will find airshows, festivals, community celebrations and seasonal events taking place across East and West Sussex throughout the year.
Yes. Sussex is easily accessible from London by road or rail, making it ideal for day trips, short breaks and event visits. Regular Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services connect London Victoria, London Bridge and St Pancras International with destinations including Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Hastings and Arundel. By road, the M23 and A27 provide convenient road access to many parts of East and West Sussex in one to two hours from central London.
Discover events for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers. Browse the full calendar of events in Sussex below or switch to Map View to find out what's happening near you. A visit to Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Number of results: 111
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Christmas
Chichester
This Christmas, join us at West Dean and celebrate this festive season with a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy delicious food, drink and celebrate the season with fellow guests in a warm and sociable atmosphere within our grand staterooms in…
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
This Christmas Wreath making workshop in West Sussex is suitable for complete crafting beginners and includes all equipment, materials and to create your very own faux wreath to take home.
Christmas
Eastbourne
Three Nights. One Epic Christmas Party. Zero Dry Turkey.
After multiple sold-out Christmas events, Eastbourne Music Fest returns with Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026 – bigger, louder, snowier, and more party-focused than ever before.
This year,…
Christmas
Goudhurst
Christmas at Bedgebury returns from 20 November to 31 December 2026, transforming Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest into a magical illuminated trail. Discover glowing woodland displays, spectacular light installations, festive food and seasonal…
Sporting Events
Pett, Hastings
This cross country event is great for all the family, with the main race being accompanied by a Fun Run and the Children's Scurry. There truly is something for everyone and afterwards, bask in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy mince pie. Explore…
Indoor
Eastbourne
The Beachy Head Experience is a new interactive attraction in Eastbourne, combining immersive exhibitions, hands-on activities and self-guided walking trails. Discover the history of Beachy Head, enjoy a unique green-screen flight experience and…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Glow Wild at Wakehurst is an award-winning festive light trail featuring stunning illuminations, immersive performances and magical seasonal displays. Explore enchanting landscapes, discover Nature's Gifts, enjoy festive food and marvel at the…
Shopping
Horsham
Enjoy fun on-counter games, indulge in luxurious treats, a prize draw and much more at John Lewis Horsham next beauty takeover. Tickets are £15 and redeemable on the day against any purchase in the beauty hall.
Arts
Pevensey
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Christmas
Uckfield
Santa Specials Are Back! Christmas won't be Christmas without seeing Santa, and The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome back these highly popular running days this winter!
Christmas
Horsham
Learn how to lay the perfect table for this year's gathering. Join the John Lewis Horsham home design stylists in store for an exclusive masterclass and unlock the secrets of festive tablescaping.
Music
Chichester
Head to Pallant House Gallery in Chichester for a celebration of exceptional music featuring talented pianists over three afternoons. Pallant Proms offers three captivating daytime piano concerts, featuring young pianists from the Royal College of…
Christmas
Midhurst
The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of Midhurst Rother College to showcase our contemporary crafts this Christmas.
Theatre
Chichester
Tracy-Ann Oberman – known to millions from roles in EastEnders, Doctor Who and Friday Night Dinner – stars as Geri Essendine in this new production of Noël Coward's celebrated Present Laughter - comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this November.
Christmas
Hawkhurst, Cranbrook
Water Lane Walled Garden welcomes you this November for three days of Christmas shopping, seasonal food and festive atmosphere, set amongst our historic walled garden and Victorian glasshouses.
From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, the Christmas…
Christmas
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.
Christmas
Petworth
Find your Christmas presents and a treat for yourself at the festive makers market at Petworth House and Gardens in West Sussex. Featuring high quality artisan gifts.
Health & Wellbeing
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5 - 51/2 km through our West Sussex woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at…
Food
Eastbourne
Beer & Cider By The Sea will serve up another selection of real ales, craft beers, artisan ciders and perries for summer 2027, after its sell-out success. The three-day music, food and drink festival, which is one of the biggest on the south coast,…
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