Light trails, Christmas trees and Father Christmas – it’s all here in East Sussex to help you celebrate the festive season with your nearest and dearest.
And to help you find what’s on and where, we’ve pulled together details of some of the events and experiences taking place across the county this Christmas.
Christmas Experiences
Christmas at Bedgebury, Goudhurst, 21 November to 31 December (selected evenings)
Step into a winter wonderland like no other and celebrate Christmas at Bedgebury Pinetum.
Immerse yourself in a new, reimagined trail as the collection of conifers is illuminated by millions of sparkling festive lights.
Marvel at new awe-inspiring installations such as the delicately enchanting ‘Light as a Feather’, the warming glow of ‘Floating Candles’, and the harmonious ‘Choir of Trees.’
Steam Lights at the Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park, 22 November to 28 December (selected evenings)
The popular Steam Lights experience at the Bluebell heritage railway returns this year. Join the team for a truly enchanting evening as the Ice Queen summons her powers to light up the train before it steams into the night on a brand-new, family-friendly narrative journey.
Journey through the Sussex countryside under cover of darkness, bringing shimmering light and colour as the train steams along. Enjoy new festive-themed scenes among the trees and trackside clearings and a colourful light show orchestrated in time with music. A multi-sensory feast!
The Elf on the Shelf® at Sheffield Park and Garden, Sheffield Park, 29 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for The Elf on the Shelf® Christmas trail!
Discover twelve hand-painted sculptures around the garden as you take in the glorious wintry scenes and delight in festive games and activities for all the family.
Festival of Christmas Trees, Holy Cross Church, Uckfield, 5 to 7 December
Come and marvel at over 100 stunning Christmas trees displayed in the church.
The magical display features beautifully and uniquely decorated Christmas Trees, which have been decorated by local organisations, businesses, charities, schools and individuals. Entry is free.
Visit Father Christmas
Santa’s Quest, Bewl Water, near Lamberhurst, 15 November to 24 December (selected dates)
Step into the magic of Santa’s Quest at Christmas at Bewl Water, in a three-hour immersive adventure the whole family will love.
Join Santa’s cheeky Elves on a theatrical journey through magical workshops and festive treats, all designed to make the Cheerometer soar and bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
Enjoy a personalised family visit to Santa in his Grotto, before you visit the Elves’ Workshop, Mrs Claus’ Bakery, the Reindeer Food Factory and much more!
Christmas at Drusillas, Alfriston, 22 November to 23 December (selected dates)
Visit Santa in his grotto at Drusillas this Christmas.
During your visit, remember to join in with the singing reindeer trio, visit the glittering 24-foot Christmas tree, and capture Christmas family memories with festive photo opportunities.
Meet Santa at Paradise Park, Newhaven, 22 November to 23 December (selected dates)
Meet Santa at Paradise Park this Christmas.
Step into Santa’s new enchanting grotto, where you’ll discover a magical atmosphere and each child will receive a special gift.
Your ticket also includes entry to all the exciting attractions at Paradise Park. You can arrive anytime from 9am onwards and stay until closing time, ensuring a full day of enjoyment.
Santa’s Magical Elevator, Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne, 29 November to 24 December
Santa’s Magical Elevator experience will take you on a breath-taking journey to see Santa like no other.
Receive your own individual Elf Passport before being taken to the magical elevator. Marvel as it blasts off through the roof of the shopping centre and into space, returning back to Earth through the beautiful snowy landscapes of the North Pole.
On landing at Santa’s workshop head through the front door where the main man will be there to greet you!
Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park, 29 November to 24 December (selected dates)
All aboard the Bluebell Railway Santa Special! Enjoy a magical Christmas experience for the whole family on a Santa Special vintage steam train.
Visit Father Christmas in Santa’s Parlour where every child will meet the man himself and receive a gift.
Enjoy unlimited rides at the Harris Fun Fair at Horsted Keynes Station as you create festive memories.
Blackberry Farm Park – Christmas Experience 2025, Whitesmith, 6 to 24 December (selected dates)
Make Christmas truly magical with a private family visit with Santa at Blackberry Farm Park!
During your Christmas Experience, children will
- write a special letter to Santa in our festive workshop
- create magical reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve
- hand-deliver their letter to Santa in his cosy Christmas grotto, where he’ll listen carefully, and take it back to the North Pole for the elves to start working on
Every child will receive a gift of their choice from Santa’s Elf Toy Shelf.
To complete the experience, families can step inside the giant snow globe for a magical photo to treasure forever. Don’t forget, farm admission is included in the Christmas Experience price.
Meet Father Christmas at Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, 6 to 23 December (selected dates)
Father Christmas invites your family to meet him in his new Grotto in Froggies Indoor Soft Play Building.
Every child will receive a hand wrapped gift after spending time with Father Christmas.
Father Christmas at Hailsham Pavilion, Hailsham, 13 December
Come meet Santa and his elves in his festive grotto at Hailsham Pavilion.
Each child will receive a gift and a complimentary child’s cinema ticket. Christmas cartoons and short films will be shown during the event.
To get into the festive spirit and find that perfect Christmas gift, why not visit one of the Christmas markets and festive fairs taking place across East Sussex this November and December.
