Brighton is a city that embraces the festive season with its own unique flair. As Christmas approaches, the seaside streets glow with colourful lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts mingles with the salty sea air, and music drifts from markets, pubs, and pop-up events across the city.

The holidays here offer no shortage of Christmas things to do in Brighton, from gliding across the ice at seaside rinks and exploring lively markets to enjoying pantomimes, festive concerts, and family-friendly activities. The city’s mix of traditional charm and creative spirit ensures there is something for every taste.

Amid the celebrations, you will also find a variety of Christmas party venues in Brighton, from cosy pubs to stylish seafront spots, ideal for rounding off a festive day. This guide will help you make the most of the season, with ideas and inspiration for enjoying Brighton at its most magical.

1. Brighton Christmas Festival & Market

The Brighton Christmas Festival is at the heart of the city’s celebrations. Set in central Brighton, the market is a feast for the senses. Wooden chalets line the streets, each brimming with seasonal treasures – hand-knitted scarves, artisan candles, intricate ornaments, and unique gifts that you simply will not find on the high street.

Food is a major draw here. You can wrap your hands around a steaming cup of mulled wine, indulge in a mince pie fresh from the oven, or try something savoury like a bratwurst sizzling on the grill. Street performers and live music add to the lively atmosphere, and you will often find carol singers creating a cosy sense of tradition. Whether you are browsing for gifts or simply soaking up the festive spirit, this market is a must-visit during December.

2. Royal Pavilion Ice Rink

Few Christmas experiences in Brighton are as enchanting as skating at the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Set against the backdrop of the Royal Pavilion’s striking Regency architecture, the rink sparkles under thousands of fairy lights. It is a truly magical setting, especially as dusk falls and the building glows in warm, golden light.

The rink is suitable for both confident skaters and beginners, with staff on hand to help and skate aids available for children. After your turn on the ice, you can relax in the rinkside café with a cup of hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a plate of festive snacks. For many, this has become a yearly tradition, and it is easy to see why – it is the perfect blend of exercise, atmosphere, and seasonal charm.

3. Festive Light Displays and Illuminations

Brighton’s Christmas lights are a joy to behold, turning the city into a sparkling wonderland. The Lanes and North Laine districts are especially picturesque, their narrow streets strung with glowing garlands that make evening shopping trips even more inviting. Churchill Square Shopping Centre dazzles with impressive decorations, drawing both shoppers and photographers.

Along the seafront, you will also find winter-themed illuminations that add a touch of magic to evening walks by the waves. The combination of festive lights and the sound of the sea creates a uniquely Brightonian Christmas atmosphere. Do not forget your camera – these are moments you will want to capture.

4. Seasonal Shows and Performances

December is a busy month for Brighton’s theatres, and there is something for everyone. The annual pantomime at the Theatre Royal Brighton is a family favourite, complete with colourful costumes, silly jokes, and plenty of audience participation. Brighton Dome hosts an array of festive concerts, from orchestral performances of Christmas classics to contemporary shows with a seasonal twist.

Local theatre groups also get in on the act, staging everything from Christmas comedies to heart-warming plays. Whether you prefer traditional carols or a modern musical, the city’s performance scene offers an excellent way to add a cultural touch to your Christmas celebrations.

5. Christmas at the Royal Pavilion

While the Royal Pavilion is worth a visit at any time of year, it becomes even more special during the festive season. The opulent rooms are dressed for Christmas, with lavish decorations that match the building’s grand Regency style. Guided tours offer fascinating insights into the history of the palace and how Christmas was celebrated in centuries past.

Seasonal exhibitions and themed activities often run alongside the decorations, making this a great choice for history lovers or anyone who appreciates a romantic and atmospheric setting. Visiting at Christmas feels like stepping back in time, with a dash of fairy-tale magic.

6. Brighton’s Independent Shops for Christmas Gifts

If you are looking for gifts that stand out from the usual high-street fare, Brighton’s independent shops are a treasure trove. The Lanes are famous for their jewellers, antique shops, and boutique fashion stores, while North Laine offers a more bohemian mix of vintage clothing, quirky homewares, and handmade crafts.

Shopping here not only helps you find unique presents, it also supports local businesses and makers. From hand-poured candles to bespoke artwork, the range of goods on offer reflects Brighton’s creative spirit. Browsing these streets in December, with the lights overhead and festive tunes drifting from shop doorways, is an experience in itself.

7. Festive Food & Drink Experiences

Brighton’s food scene truly shines at Christmas. Many restaurants offer seasonal menus, featuring dishes like roast turkey with all the trimmings, rich winter stews, and decadent desserts such as Christmas pudding or chocolate yule log.

For a cosy, traditional experience, head to one of Brighton’s many pubs. Some have roaring open fires, perfect for warming up after a bracing seaside walk. A glass of mulled wine, spiced cider, or even a festive-themed cocktail is the ideal way to toast the season.

Bakeries and patisseries also join the celebrations, offering mince pies dusted with sugar, stollen studded with fruit, and beautifully iced gingerbread. It is worth taking a food-focused stroll around the city, simply to enjoy the variety of seasonal treats on offer.

8. Family-Friendly Christmas Activities

Brighton is full of festive fun for children. Santa’s grottos pop up in shopping centres and attractions, giving little ones a chance to meet Father Christmas and share their wish lists. Many venues offer craft workshops where children can make their own decorations or festive cards.

The city’s museums and galleries sometimes host seasonal events for families, combining creativity with a dash of education. Outdoors, the beach is still a great playground in winter – a festive treasure hunt along the promenade can be a simple but memorable way to spend a day together.

9. Seaside Festivities & Winter Walks

There is something wonderfully bracing about a seaside walk in winter. Brighton Pier is open year-round, and during the festive season you will find it decked out with lights and playing cheerful Christmas music. You can grab a hot drink, enjoy some classic fish and chips, and take in the views of the sea.

For a more peaceful experience, head west along the promenade or out towards Hove, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and a quieter stretch of beach. Wrap up warm, and you will find this one of the simplest yet most rewarding Christmas activities in the city.

10. Day Trips & Nearby Festive Attractions

Brighton’s location makes it easy to explore other festive highlights in Sussex. One popular option is a ride on the Bluebell Railway, where vintage steam trains are decorated for Christmas and sometimes feature special Santa rides. Nearby towns like Lewes and Arundel also have charming Christmas markets, offering a slightly different atmosphere from the city’s larger events.

For lovers of the outdoors, some country estates and gardens in Sussex host illuminated winter trails, where you can wander through glowing forests and see light art installations. These make for a magical evening and are well worth the short trip from Brighton.

Practical Tips for Visiting Brighton at Christmas

• Best times to visit: Early evenings are ideal for enjoying the lights, while weekday mornings are quieter for shopping and markets.

• Transport: Brighton is well-served by trains from London and other nearby cities. If you are driving, park-and-ride options can save you the hassle of city-centre parking.

• Weather: The seaside wind can be biting in winter, so dress in layers, wear a good coat, and bring gloves and a scarf.

Planning ahead will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you have time to enjoy all the festive activities.

Conclusion: Making the Most of the Christmas Things to Do in Brighton

From the sparkle of the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink to the scent of mulled wine drifting through the market, Brighton offers a festive season full of joy, warmth, and character. Its blend of seaside charm, creative flair, and traditional Christmas celebrations makes it a destination that truly shines at this time of year.

Whether you spend your time shopping for unique gifts, enjoying a family pantomime, or simply strolling by the sea under the glow of fairy lights, you will find plenty of ways to make memories that last long after the decorations come down.

Brighton at Christmas is magical – and it is ready to welcome you.