Join the Christmas fun in Chichester
**Please note that there will now be a scaled back Light Up Chichester event due to adverse weather conditions forecast. There will still be a Light Switch On event at 5pm but without the countdown. The Light Up Chichester After Party will go ahead as planned**
Chichester's Christmas celebrations bring sparkle to West Sussex this festive season. From the creative Christmas Tree Stroll, to seeing the Christmas lights switched on to the traditional thrills of a festive pantomime and Chichester Christmas Market, there's a stocking-full of Christmas cheer for all to enjoy.
What's on in Chichester for families this Christmas?
Families won't want to miss Light Up Chichester on 23rd November, as the city is illuminated with twinkling lights. From 11am, Chichester city centre will sparkle into life with festive activity including live music, street entertainment, a light show, and even a snow machine transforming the streets into a winter wonderland. On the day, families can also follow the Starlight Trail at The Novium Museum and Pallant House Gallery, where children and families can create their own paper lanterns.
Adding even more magic to the proceedings, the cast of Chichester Festival Theatre's Cinderella will lead the countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm outside The Assembly Rooms in North Street. The Rotary Club of Chichester's Tree of Goodwill will also light up. A traditional blessing of the tree by the Dean of Chichester will take place on Sunday 24th November.
Pantomine fun fills The Guildhall from 13th-15th December (Oh no it doesn't, do we hear you cry?). Bring your best Panto voices, as traditional Pantomine spirit fills this most atmospheric of settings with Christmas cheer.
In contrast, the family silent disco may not fill The Guildhall to the rafters with music, but once your headphones are on, it'll be non-stop dancing to your favourite floor-filling tunes.
Light Up Chichester: The Afterparty
The celebrations for Light Up Chichester continue into the evening, as venues across the city host specially themed menus, Christmas cocktails and live entertainment as part of The Afterparty. Head to The Havana for Victorian drinks, tap your toes along to live Christmas music at The Eastgate Inn, meanwhile, at The Chantry, meet Elsa and Anna, warm up your vocal chords for a festive singalong at The Chichester Inn, then hit the dance for as DJ sets at The Vestry carry the festive cheer into the night.
The Christmas Tree Stroll
Discover eleven Christmas trees dotted around the city centre, forming an enchanting self-guided trail. These beautifully decorated trees include seven Christmas tree scultpures which have been crafted by a selection of local artists using sustainable materials. Explore at your leisure, creating your own festive adventure, weaving in plenty of photo opportunities and refreshment stops. Among the trees are the Tree of 100 Stars positioned at The Cloisters, Chichester Cathedral, a Woven Winter Tree created by Two Circles Design, situated in Priory Park, and Silver Threads, a gleaming metalwork sculpture by Helen Solly. Download the trail map to make sure you see every stunning tree!
Christmas Shopping
A Christmas Market arrives in Chichester on 7th, staying until 15th December. A perfect opportunity to browse a wide variety of stalls, helping to tick some presents off your list. While you're here, why not enjoy some warming refreshments at the excellent selection of coffee shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in the city centre.
Carols at Chichester Cathedral
Carols at Chichester Cathedral are an unforgettable part of your festive build up. Savour the beautiful, soaring voices of the Cathedral choir, and enjoy congregational carols in the candlelit surroundings. You can find details of the services here.
Getting to Chichester
Stagecoach bus services arrive at Chichester's bus terminal, which offers easy access to the city centre. Likewise Southern railway services arrive just a short walk away from the main shopping streets. Those driving to Chichester will find free parking at the Avenue de Chartres car park from 4pm onwards. The Avenue de Chartres car park will also offer free parking on Sundays in December. During weekends in December in most car parks in the city (except Avenue de Chartres), those using the MiPermit app will be able to access a third hour of parking free of charge when selecting two hours parking.
