Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this December – The Scoop
The countdown is on! December is a festive whirlwind of presents, puddings, parties and pies – and no one sensible is holding back. Start your morning with chocolate, order all the courses and finish with a glass of something sticky, just because. Then drift icing over your cake, stuff your stocking with nuts and say yes, please, to absolutely everything. Here are our Top 10 Foodie Things to do in December 2025.
1. Christmas Day
Break with tradition and throw off your kitchen chains with a Christmas Day booking. Forget hours at the stove: no shopping, prepping or washing up, no worrying if the turkey’s cooked or whether Uncle Ted wants pudding or trifle. There are brilliant Boxing Day options too. Book fast, then put your slippered feet up with a smug little smile. We love a Christmas morning pint in a favourite Brighton local too – here’s who’s open Christmas Day.
2. Our Best Ever Giveaway!
Extra festive chances to win big!
From Monday 1 December on the Restaurants Brighton Instagram, you could bag our Restaurants Brighton Hamper, stuffed with brilliant prezzies from our favourite friends – think booze, treats and experiences worth hundreds. We’re also running a newsletter giveaway, with a chance to win 10 foodie vouchers in the New Year.
Not subscribed to our weekly food and drink news? Sign up here.
3. Winter Magic
The most wonderful time of the year! In Brighton, Santa even rides the bus around the city – just for fun. Follow his route here. You can dine in a magical igloo at Coppa Club, Shelter Hall, The Sportsman, OhSo Social and Brighton Music Hall, take in a show or sing carols with friends.
There’s lots going on so we’ve created this guide – What to Do in Brighton this Christmas – just for you. (You’re welcome x)
4. Love Food Share Food
We’re proud to sponsor Love Food Share Food’s Winter Campaign again this year. Some of the best venues in Brighton & Hove add an optional £1 to diners’ bills via QR codes, with proceeds supporting Brighton Food Bank and CHOMP (One Church Brighton).
The funds help provide emergency food, hot meals and community support for local families in need. Find out more here.
5. One-of-a-Kind Gifts
Living in a community of creatives has serious advantages – including the chance to buy beautiful, bespoke gifts for loved ones. Across the first two weeks of the month, Artists Open Houses Winter 2025 lets you peek inside some of the city’s most original homes, browse artworks and pick up unique presents. Plus, we’ve rounded up some delicious foodie gift ideas and found all the best Christmas markets in Brighton, Hove and Sussex so you don’t miss out.
6. Wreath-Making Workshops
For the ultimate pre-Christmas hygge, try making your own festive door decoration. Gather a group of friends for some time out, or book it as an alternative date night. You’ll be guided by experts as you craft your own gorgeously fragrant wreath. If you’re lucky, there’ll be mulled wine and pies on the side. Find your perfect workshop here.
7. Gift Vouchers
We launched Restaurants Brighton Gift Vouchers in 2025 to give recipients more choice about where they dine. Many of our favourite restaurants and bars have already signed up (with more in the pipeline) – find out who’s in here. If you already know where they’d love to dine, we’ve got tons of venue-specific vouchers too. Simple gifting, made tasty!
8. Change the Flavour
If the rich, indulgent flavours of the festive season start to feel samey, it’s time to switch things up. Try dim sum, a spicy curry, a bowl of steaming ramen or pho, elegant sushi or Sri Lankan kothu. The possibilities are endless – take the brakes off, steer away from the stuffing and go rogue. Try our guide to Asian restaurants in Brighton.
9. Escape It All
The holiday season can feel overwhelming, so if you need a little escape from the mayhem, try:
- A night at The Secret Vineyards magical ÖÖD House
- A spa day or sauna at one of these great venues
- A matcha latte with a good book here
- A pint of ale at your favourite Brighton pub
- A gingerbread or yule log workshop
10. New Year’s Eve
Right at the end of the month comes one of the most exciting evenings of the year. We’ve got it all – from the Brighton nightlife which the city is famous for, to cracking pub parties and decadent tasting menus at exclusive restaurants.
Here are some hero New Year’s eve options so you can get planning.
The clock strikes midnight, the fireworks fly and it’s 2026 – New Year’s Day! It’s time for a long sleep before thoughts turn to resolutions, healthy eating, Veganuary, Dry January… it’s inevitable…but we’re definitely not there yet.
Q
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A
Brighton is a foodie’s dream, with events like the Brighton Foodies Festival, Seafood & Oyster Festival, Cocktail Week, pasta-making workshops, and wine tasting at Sussex vineyards. Restaurants Brighton’s Things to Do in Brighton guide highlights monthly food and drink events, from fine dining guest chef evenings to casual street food markets. You can also see our daily food and drink events guide which features all the food and drink things to do in the city.
Yes – throughout the year you can enjoy seasonal events such as the Brighton Festival food pop-ups in May, Sussex vineyard tours in summer, Brighton Cocktail Week in autumn, and festive markets with mulled wine in December. Our monthly guide lists every seasonal highlight so you never miss out. the guide is updated monthly, plus we also have the Brighton events guide with daily updated events.
Families can enjoy the Brighton Pier, the SEA LIFE Centre, and child-friendly restaurants offering dedicated kids’ menus. The guide also covers activities like outdoor fun at Woodfire Camping, or events at the Secret Vineyard, seafront bike rides, and kid-friendly workshops such as cupcake decorating or pizza making. You can see a list of daily changing things to in Brighton on our events guide.
Absolutely – take a stroll along Brighton beach, enjoy fish and chips with a view, explore the Palace Pier, or visit beachside bars and dog-friendly cafes. Our guide also highlights seafront events like seafood festivals, outdoor concerts, and alfresco dining at beachfront restaurants. See our daily Brighton events guide which lists all the food and drink in the coming days and weeks. This is updated daily.
Brighton offers rich cultural attractions including the Royal Pavilion, Theatre Royal, Brighton Dome, Brighton Centre, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Our monthly things to do guide for Brighton often links these venues with nearby dining spots for a full day or evening out. Have a look at our Brighton Events guide too, which gives you a list of daily activities, what’s going on in Brighton and Hove.
Yes – from romantic Sussex vineyard tours and sunset cocktails at rooftop bars to intimate fine dining experiences and live jazz nights, there’s plenty for couples. Our guide curates the most romantic activities alongside where to book the perfect table in Brighton. We also have a seperate designated page just for couples so you can make the most out of your stay or visit to Brighton.
Brighton has a thriving hands-on food scene with pasta-making workshops, cocktail masterclasses, wine and cheese pairings, and baking courses. The guide lists the best classes each month, ideal for date nights, birthdays, or team-building experiences. You can see individual food and drink events on our Brighton Events Guide. You can also have a look at the Brighton Community Kitchen which hosts a range of food and drink events every month.
During Brighton Pride, the city comes alive with colourful parades, themed Brighton brunches, and Pride parties at bars and clubs. In May, the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe bring street food markets, theatre, music, and unique dining experiences. Our guide covers all the highlights so you can plan your visit.
Yes – our Things to Do in Brighton guide includes free attractions like the beach, street art tours, and open-air events, plus affordable Brighton dining deals such as 2-for-1 offers, happy hours, and midweek restaurant promotions.
