The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Brighton Festival Chorus and Brighton Festival Youth Choir perform fanfares, Christmas classics and carols, conducted by James Morgan with mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin.
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Sir Elton said it first: Brighton, are we ready to step into Christmas? December in Brighton brings the festive cheer, with Christmas markets, seasonal shows, live music, comedy, festive family events and big nights out filling the month. Catch the iconic Burning the Clocks parade when it returns later this month, and if you’re still looking for things to do in Brighton in December discover upcoming events, get the group chat going and start making plans.
Get the inside scoop on what’s coming to Brighton & what locals are raving about.
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1 event,The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Brighton Festival Chorus and Brighton Festival Youth Choir perform fanfares, Christmas classics and carols, conducted by James Morgan with mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin.
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1 event,The Bootleg Beatles and their orchestra recreate seven landmark performances from the Fab Four’s live career, from Liverpool’s early club stages to the London rooftop. The seated Brighton Centre show […]
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December is packed with reasons to get out and make plans in Brighton & Hove.
Community events are popping up across Brighton & Hove, including Christmas carols outside local pubs, seasonal performances, arts and craft workshops, headline shows and family events in the run up to Christmas.
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink returns, giving you the chance to skate in front of one of Brighton’s most recognisable historic landmarks, while Christmas markets and festive fairs bring together local makers and independent creators. They’re among the best places to find unique gifts for loved ones while supporting local this Christmas.
Don’t miss Christmas in The Lanes and North Laine, especially for late-night shopping, festive food and last-minute gifts.
If you’re coming for more than a day, check out the best hotels and places to stay in December and make a festive break of it. New Year’s Eve brings sophisticated champagne toast at midnight, parties and late-night events, while a stay near the seafront puts you in a great spot to welcome the new year by the beach and watch fireworks being set off along the coast as midnight arrives.
We cover everything from the top venues worth checking out, new shops opening in The Lanes, best hotels to book for a staycation in Brighton. Explore more of Brighton & Hove, to see what hidden gems are around the corner.
Check out our local guides to make the most of your time in Brighton.
Planning a family holiday, booking time off or simply want something to look forward to? Explore Brighton & Hove’s events by month to discover festivals, concerts, family days out & seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
We’ve answered the most popular questions related to what’s happening in Brighton & Hove over the festive period.
There isn’t currently one large city centre Christmas market confirmed, but there are several festive markets and makers’ fairs across Brighton & Hove in December.
The annual Brighton Etsy Christmas Fair returns and brings more than 90 local designers, artists and makers to The Brighton Dome on the 5th of December, while Brighton’s Festive Makers Fair at Wagner Hall features over 75 independent makers and small businesses.
Keep up to date with our What’s On events calendar as new events, including Christmas markets are added frequently.
Very little operates as normal on Christmas Day in Brighton. There is no public transport, attractions and most shops and restaurants are closed, although some hotels and restaurants offer pre-booked Christmas Day lunch or dinners.
If you’re spending Christmas Day in Brighton, book anywhere you plan to eat well in advance and don’t rely on being able to pick somewhere on the day.
Yes. After taking a fallow year in 2025, Same Sky has confirmed that Burning the Clocks returns in full for 2026, with the theme, ‘Magicada’’.
The parade traditionally takes place on the winter solstice, 21st of December, with lanterns making their way through the city centre before the finale on Brighton beach.
October is properly autumnal, but not necessarily cold. The average daytime high gets to around 15°C with average night-time lows of 8.4°C, with rain on roughly 12 days. Pack layers and a waterproof, then take any sunny seafront afternoon as a win.
Brighton’s Christmas Day sea swim is a long-standing festive tradition, with members of Brighton Swimming Club heading into the Channel at around 11am for a decidedly bracing morning dip, often dressed for the occasion in Santa hats and other festive attire.
Brighton’s Christmas Day sea swim is not an organised council event, and the council strongly advises people to consider the risks before entering the water.
Be sure to check the weather, sea conditions and tide times.
