Utopia Spa inside Alexander House Hotel in West Sussex

Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex

What's On in Sussex

Share this with

x

  • Accommodation Search

  • Things to Do Search

  • What's On Search

  • Food & Drink Search

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

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.

Images from around Sussex this wintertime

Sussex Events

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.  

What's on in Sussex

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.

Exquisite Afternoon Tea at Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex

Plan your visit to Sussex

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.

Frequently asked questions about events in Sussex

Planning a short break around an event 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 to plan your visit.

What's on in Sussex today or this weekend?

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.

Are there any family-friendly events in Sussex?

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.

Are there free events in Sussex?

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.

Is Sussex easy to reach from London?

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.

Sussex events near me

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.

What's on in East Sussex and West Sussex

Number of results:

Number of results: 109

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. St Michael's Hospice Run

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Seafront, Bexhill-on-Sea

    Join us for this coastal charity run and help support the incredible work of St Michael's Hospice. Whether you choose the 5k or 10k route, you'll enjoy a beautiful stretch of seafront while raising vital funds for local hospice care.

    Race…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2027Open 10:30 - 12:30
  2. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  3. East Grinstead 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Grinstead

    This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile on the 2nd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 3rd of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  4. Santa's Grotto

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Chichester

    Join the Chichester Festival Theatre Elves for a journey to the North Pole. The elves need your help to complete a series of festive tasks to save Christmas, ahead of meeting The Man in Red, and taking an 'elfie before the little ones receive an…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026
  5. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  6. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

    What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

    Tickets include:

    - 90…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    27 Feb 2027Open 13:15 -
    From:
    24 Apr 2027Open 13:15 -
  7. By Royal Appointment

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    By Royal Appointment comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this winter. This funny, poignant and celebratory new play and a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of our most popular monarch and the image she presented to the world. Starring Jane…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Jan 2027to23 Jan 2027
  8. Christmas Concerts

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Chichester

    The Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood and Chichester Cathedral Choir return for the Festival Theatre's traditional, uplifting Christmas Concerts

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    1 Dec 2026to5 Dec 2026
  9. Birdwatching for Beginners

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Arundel

    Want to know the difference between a coot and a moorhen? Or how to recognise the different species of geese and gulls? This guided walk is ideal for adults who are new to birdwatching and would like to gain confidence in identification of common…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  10. Grand Winters Makers Fair at The British Engineerium

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Hove, Brighton & Hove

    Paper Daisy Events return to the beautiful & iconic British Engineerium in Hove for a spectacular & much anticipated Grand Winter Makers Fair over the weekend 21st & 22nd November, showcasing in excess of 120 small creative businesses, all specially…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  11. Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Uckfield

    This winter, enjoy time in the great outdoors at Sheffield Park and Garden with their family-friendly Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas Trail.

    Venue

    Sheffield Park and Gardens, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to10 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  12. Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 15:30
  13. Festive Candle Making Workshop @ Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    This festive workshop is the perfect holiday self-spoil or an opportunity to hand-craft deeply personal gifts for loved ones. Set within a warm, festive atmosphere, you'll learn to work with natural wax and seasonal botanicals to create a beautiful,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    18 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  14. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  15. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  16. Midhurst Rother College Contemporary Craft Show

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  17. Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton

    Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.

    Dates

    From:
    18 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    25 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    9 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
  18. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hawkhurst

    The Hawkhurst event offers a 10k, 5k and a free junior race around the Moor, making it perfect for the whole family.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2027Open 09:00 - 12:00
  19. Bexhill-on-Sea Christmas Light Switch-On

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Bexhill-on-Sea

    It's almost that time of year again! This year's Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council Christmas Light Switch-On and Street Market will take place on Saturday 5th December 2026 from 3pm - 7pm.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 15:00 - 19:00
  20. Eastbourne International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 33rd year from 12 – 15 August 2027, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast. 

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2027to15 Aug 2027Various Opening Times