What to do in Brighton this Christmas?

Brighton’s Festive Glow: The Essential Guide to Christmas Shopping, Shows and Festive Dining

Brighton and Hove transforms into a coastal wonderland during the festive season, cementing its status as one of the most vibrant and eclectic UK destinations for a winter getaway. This is a city where traditional yuletide cheer meets fierce independent spirit, all under the crisp air of the English Channel.

Whether you are seeking the romantic glow of The Lanes, a festive Christmas dinner, or a spectacular theatre show, this Brighton Christmas guide is your ultimate companion to all the best Christmas activities in Brighton.

Why You Should Visit Brighton and Hove at Christmas

Brighton has always been a city of pleasure, popularised by King George IV. Today, millions still visit Brighton annually, drawn by its unique atmosphere. During Christmas, this energy is magnified, making it an essential UK destination for those looking for a festive trip with an independent, coastal twist.

• The Light: The low winter sun reflecting off the English Channel provides a stunning backdrop to the dazzling Brighton Christmas Lights. The city centre’s lights are typically switched on in mid-November, bathing the main shopping and entertainment areas – including North Street, Western Road, the North Laine and The Lanes – in a glorious festive sparkle.
• The Vibe: Unlike many cities that shut down, Brighton thrives. Its inclusive, fiercely independent culture ensures there’s always something new to see and do, making a walk along the seafront or a stroll through The Lanes completely different in winter. There’s also a plethora of food and drink events across the city, all can be seen on our Brighton Events Guide. 
• The Ice Rink: The magical experience of skating beneath the twinkling lights in front of the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is a huge festive draw, running from late October through early January.

Did You Know? (A Little History)

The Royal Pavilion, lit up spectacularly in the heart of the city, holds a secret: its Christmas connection. While the Pavilion was George IV’s party palace, Queen Victoria was the one who popularised the Christmas tree in Britain after seeing Prince Albert’s German traditions.

The Pavilion now continues this festive tradition, dressing its opulent rooms with elaborate trees and decorations.

Visiting the Pavilion dressed for Christmas is a must.

The Brighton Festive Entertainment Scene

Brighton’s cultural heart beats strongly throughout December, with its three main venues – The Theatre Royal, the Brighton Dome, and the Brighton Centre – offering world-class shows and concerts. What is there to see? A huge variety of everything from rock concerts and opera to traditional family pantomimes. You will also find plenty of wonderful Brighton Christmas activities on our festive ideas round up. 

The Theatre Royal Brighton

The Theatre Royal Brighton, a stunning Regency venue, traditionally hosts big-name touring productions and the annual pantomime.

What’s on at the Theatre Royal for the festive season promises everything from iconic musicals to dramatic theatre:

Show/Event	Type	Dates (2025)	What to See
HERE & NOW – The Steps Musical	Musical	Tue 2 Dec – Sat 13 Dec	A joyous jukebox musical celebrating the classic hits of the pop group Steps.
Stories With Skip – Winter Wonderland	Family Event	Sat 6 Dec	A dedicated festive workshop and storytelling experience for younger audiences.
Victorian Christmas Family Workshop	Family Event	Sat 13 Dec	An interactive workshop giving a taste of Christmas traditions from the past.
Comedy Crackers	Comedy	Sun 14 Dec	A big seasonal stand-up show featuring top comedians.
Sunny Afternoon	Musical	Wed 17 Dec – Sat 3 Jan 2026	The award-winning musical showcasing the life and music of British rock legends, The Kinks.
Once Upon A Whispering Wood	Theatre	Wed 17 Dec – Sat 3 Jan 2026	A beautiful and heartwarming festive tale reimagined for audiences by Flock Theatre Makers.

Brighton Dome: Classical, Carols & Circus

The magnificent Brighton Dome, with its stunning Concert Hall, provides the city’s home for classical music, high-end family entertainment, and mass sing-alongs.

Who is playing? Top orchestras and beloved folk singers:

Show/Event	Type	Dates (2025)	Who is Playing / What to See
A Fairytale Christmas: The Nutcracker Suite	Classical	Sun 7 Dec, 2:45 PM	The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, plus Ukrainian Carols.
The Big Christmas Singalong!	Music/Charity	Thu 11 Dec, 7:30 PM	The Choir with No Name Brighton (involving those impacted by homelessness) returns for a joyous, communal caroling event.
Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra	Classical/Carols	Sun 14 Dec, 4:00 PM	The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra with the Brighton Festival Chorus and Youth Choir presents rousing fanfares and classic carols.
Kate Rusby – Christmas Is Merry Tour	Music/Folk	Tue 16 Dec, 7:00 PM	Celebrating 20 years of her festive tour, the beloved English folk singer brings her unique take on Christmas music.
The Snowman with Covent Garden Sinfonia	Film/Music	Sun 21 Dec	A magical screening of the classic Christmas film with the orchestral score performed live.
FLIP Fabrique: Blizzard	Circus/Family	Sat 27 Dec – Wed 31 Dec	A thrilling, high-energy circus spectacle taking the stage by storm, perfect for the post-Christmas week.

The Brighton Centre: Concerts and Blockbusters

The Brighton Centre is the city’s largest purpose-built arena, hosting major touring acts and spectacles on the seafront.

• Love Actually in Concert (Sun 30th November 2025): The iconic Christmas film Love Actually is shown on a huge screen, while a full orchestra performs the score live-to-film – a festive tradition for many.
• Step Into Christmas (Sun 21st December 2025, 6:30 PM): This is the ultimate festive concert spectacular. A sensational live band and dazzling performers bring all your favourite Christmas classics to life, guaranteed to get you singing along and fill your heart with holiday cheer.

The Brighton Foodie Christmas: A Guide to Excellence

For those staying over and enjoying Brighton accommodation during the Christmas period, the culinary scene is second to none. This year, visitors and locals can experience the BRAVO winners from 2025, which represent the absolute pinnacle of Brighton’s food scene, so if you are looking for a list to work your way through and experience the best in the city then this is a great place to start:

• Best Restaurant 2025: Burnt Orange: Head to Burnt Orange for the city’s top dining experience or best restaurant in Brighton. Known for wood-fired flavours, small plates, and a sophisticated, buzzing atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a stylish, celebratory Christmas dinner.

• Best Brunch: Oeuf: Experience the best brunch at Oeuf, a Parisian-inspired spot in Hove that combines stunning interiors with inventive, high-quality morning dishes.
• Best Sunday Roast: Embers: Plan your Sunday excursion to Embers, which won the title for the best Sunday roast at Embers. Expect perfectly cooked meat, excellent trimmings, and a warming, indulgent meal, essential for a chilly winter day.

• Best Cocktail: Blossoms: After a day of Christmas shopping, find the city’s finest mixed drinks at Blossoms, the proud winner of Best Cocktail. This is the ideal spot to unwind with a unique, expertly crafted festive beverage.

• Best Team: Lost In The Lanes: Experience exceptional service at Lost In The Lanes, which won the award for Best Team. Known for their welcoming atmosphere and seamless service, this is a beautiful spot in the heart of the Lanes for a reliable, friendly festive meal or coffee break.
• Best Sussex Restaurant: The Crabshack: For the freshest seafood and a true taste of the local area, head to The Crabshack, which took home the title for Best Sussex Restaurant. It’s a wonderful place to escape the turkey and enjoy high-quality coastal cuisine on Worthings seafront. Rick Stein has it on his radar, do you?
• Best Lunch: Fourth and Church: Planning a mid-day refuel? Fourth and Church is your destination. Winning Best Lunch in Brighton, this spot is perfect for enjoying thoughtful, seasonal small plates and wine, offering an elevated break from the busy Christmas period.

Using Restaurants Brighton for Your Stay

Restaurants Brighton is your essential digital resource, helping you navigate the city’s diverse offerings through sections that are useful during the Christmas period:

• Christmas Party Guide: Here’s the Christmas party guide for venues with group menus and party spaces. Pictured, Hove Place. 

• Where’s Open Christmas Day: This is your vital list of restaurants and pubs offering pre-booked Christmas Day menus. Book well ahead as these spots are quickly reserved. We also know who’s open for a drink on Christmas Day and what’s on offer for Boxing Day in Brighton too. 
• Vegan Brighton: Filter for the city’s superb plant-based dining. Brighton and Hove is the vegan capital of the UK, guaranteeing innovative and delicious festive options for all. Check out Bonsai Plant Kitchen, winner of Brighton’s Plant Champions category for 3 years running. 
• Pubs with Fires: Use the Brighton Pubs Guide to filter for cosy venues with roaring log fires, perfect for warming up after a brisk walk along the seafront or a day of shopping.

The Sussex Country Escape

For a classic English Christmas, visit a Sussex country pub. Take a short drive or bus journey out to the villages bordering the South Downs.

You will find some great country pubs with fires offering hearty seasonal menus, real ales, and a warm, rustic atmosphere away from the city crowds. There are also a number of pubs with accommodation like the award winning Jolly Sportsman in East Chiltington, where you could even squeeze in a vineyard tour at the likes of Artelium Wine Estate.

Other wonderful festive activities could include the award winning Terra at Tottington Manor, where they have a feast of festive activities including festive sing-a-longs, Christmas lights turn on and makers markets. 

Another Sussex pub favourite, did you know that The Fountain Inn, Ashurst was where Paul McCartney filmed the promotional video for his classic Christmas song “Wonderful Christmastime” back in 1979. The pub, which dates back to the 16th century, provided the quintessential, cosy English pub setting required for the festive video. Paul McCartney himself is seen drinking, merging with the pub-goers, and famously taking to the tinsel-topped piano to lead a singalong.

Our Favourite Places at Christmas & Coastal Calm

Beyond the main attractions, the true charm of Christmas in Brighton lies in its intimate, twinkling corners.

• Cosy Up in the Lanes: Take a break from the hustle and find a spot in The Lanes to enjoy a hot chocolate, maybe at Knoops or Lost In The Lanes. The narrow, twinkling alleyways feel instantly festive and romantic.

• Kensington Gardens Twinkle: Head into the North Laine after dusk to enjoy the evening twinkle of Kensington Gardens. This street, full of independent boutiques, glows with quirky fairy lights and is packed with festive atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to shop or grab a local craft beer.
• Seafront Igloos: Experience the bracing sea front by indulging in the seafront Igloos at venues like Oh So or Shelter Hall. These clear, heated domes offer cosy, private dining or drinking spots right on the beach, giving you a magical view of the Channel without the chill.

• Iconic Afternoon Tea: Indulge in an iconic afternoon tea at The Grand Brighton. This historic seafront hotel offers a beautiful, luxurious setting for tea, pastries, and sandwiches – the perfect precursor before going for a show at the nearby Brighton Centre or Theatre Royal.
• Treat Yourself: Or perhaps, enjoy a treat of a health spa/spa day at one of the city’s health spas after a strenuous day of shopping. Many luxury hotels and independent spas offer relaxing festive packages. Pictured, 124 Guest House.

Christmas Cosiness: Your Guide to Brighton’s Centre Pubs

The Brighton Christmas atmosphere is truly captured within its vibrant pub scene. For your festive visit, we’ve curated a list of the very best pubs in the city centre that offer a blend of history, hearty food, and a perfect location for a post-Christmas shopping pint.

Here are the essential pubs to enjoy this Christmas in Brighton’s centre:

The Lanes and Seafront Classics

These pubs are perfectly positioned near the main shopping districts and the seafront, making them ideal festive sanctuaries:

• The Cricketers (Black Lion Street): Experience the festive buzz surrounding the ever popular The Cricketers on Black Lion Street. Dating back to 1547, this historic gem is perfectly located for a post-Christmas shopping pint after browsing the nearby Lanes and North Street. Its traditional interiors, warm atmosphere, and Live bands every Friday guarantee a lively start to your festive weekend.
• The Bath Arms: Situated deep within the twisting alleyways of the Lanes, The Bath Arms is a traditional establishment renowned for its fantastic location and lively atmosphere. Adorned with festive decorations, it’s a great spot to pause your gift hunt and soak up the historic charm of the Christmas period.

The North Laine: Food Hubs and Local Charm

These spots are nestled within the independent heart of the city and are celebrated for their food and strong local character:

• The Dorset (North Laine): Located right in the heart of the independent shopping district, The Dorset is an essential pub for a mid-day break. It offers a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and a strong menu. For a unique festive indulgence, enjoy their Guinness and oysters, available weekdays 2-6pm – the perfect pairing to refuel after navigating the busy Christmas shopping crowds.
• The Fountain Head (North Laine): Head to The Fountain Head for one of the city’s most talked-about kitchen takeovers. This popular North Laine favourite is home to Boysterous Burgers, which serves up seriously high-quality, inventive burgers. Beyond the food, plan your visit for Sunday 7th December to experience the Christmas Craft Market at The Fountain Head/Boysterous Burgers. You can shop for handmade goods from their tattooer friends and creatives, offering truly unique gifts and supporting local independent makers—the perfect, indulgent reward after a cold day of festive activities.

Whether you are looking for an ancient inn or a pub celebrated for its current food offering, these central pubs offer the best of the Brighton and Hove pub scene this Christmas.

Shopping, Gifting & Giving Back

1. The Power of Independent Shopping

Why should you shop in Brighton? Because the city is built on independent businesses. You must visit the incredible Lanes and the North Laine to find unique gifts. By shopping here, you are directly investing in the diverse, creative economy that defines Brighton and Hove.

• Brighton Christmas Late Night Shopping: If you have left your Christmas shopping a little late this year, worry not. Churchill Square offers extended hours, and the North Laine/ The Lanes often holds late-night shopping events in the run-up to the Christmas period.

2. The Perfect Festive Gift Voucher

For the ultimate effortless gift that supports the independent food scene, why not consider the Restaurants Brighton gift vouchers?

• These vouchers are brand new for 2025 and are an amazing way to treat a loved one to something special this Christmas. They can be used at the city’s favourite restaurants, including top BRAVO winners, giving the recipient the joy of choice while guaranteeing support for the city’s best local independent eateries.

3. Supporting Our Food Community

The Christmas period is a vital time to remember and support local food campaign charities. Consider supporting one of the cities amazing charities that work year-round to combat food poverty:

• Love Food Share Food : This is a Community Interest Company dedicated to supporting local emergency food providers. They run campaigns (often supported by Restaurants Brighton) where participating local food businesses add a voluntary £1 donation to customer bills. This simple mechanism provides vital financial support to frontline organisations like the Brighton Food Bank, helping provide dignified access to food for families facing hardship.
• Brighton & Hove Food Partnership (BHFP): The BHFP is a non-profit organisation that works to create a healthy, sustainable, and fair food system for everyone in the city. They led the city’s successful bid to become the first Gold Sustainable Food Place in the UK. How they support local food campaigns is by coordinating community gardens, running cookery courses, tackling food waste, and leading the Emergency Food Network which brings together food banks and affordable food projects to develop long-term, structural solutions to food insecurity in Brighton and Hove.
• Prept Foundation: Formerly known as the Table Talk Foundation, Prept Foundation is a national charity with strong Sussex roots dedicated to transforming lives through food education. Their mission is to empower children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make healthier food choices and foster a love of cooking. By running hands-on culinary programmes in schools and community settings (including holiday clubs that often provide essential hot meals), they are actively working to build healthier futures and combat the long-term effects of food inequality.

Iconic Attractions & The Grand Finale

The city itself is the main attraction, especially when the incredible attractions are all lit up for Christmas and you can see all the events building up to New Year on the Brighton Events Guide. 

• Brighton Palace Pier: A must-visit! Although it may close on Christmas Day, throughout December its vibrant arcade lights and fairground rides stand out against the dark winter sky. A bracing walk along the seafront ending in a visit to the pier is a perfect coastal day out.
• Glow Wild: Just a short distance away, Glow Wild at Wakehurst (Kew Gardens’ Sussex counterpart) provides a spectacular, ticketed illuminated light trail through the gardens – a truly magical experience for families and couples alike.
• The Brighton i360: Take a festive flight on this vertical cable car. The glass viewing pod offers unparalleled, 360-degree views of the illuminated cityscape, the coastline, and the sprawling lights of Brighton and Hove.

New Year’s Eve Grand Finale

New Year’s Eve in Brighton is legendary. Why Brighton is such a great place to see in the New Year is down to its unique blend of late-night energy and coastal beauty.

While London focuses on the fireworks over the Thames, Brighton throws a city-wide party where the action is decentralised across hundreds of pubs, bars, clubs, and venues. You can choose a formal gala dinner at a seafront hotel, attend a huge club night at the Brighton Centre, or simply join the massive crowds along the seafront and on the Brighton Palace Pier to count down to midnight with thousands of others, followed by a bracing but memorable dip in the sea on New Year’s Day!

The energy is unparalleled, making it a thrilling and memorable way to welcome the new year.