Festive lights sparkling on a frosty afternoon provide the perfect backdrop to Christmas shopping.
Christmas Cracker evenings, late night shopping and festive light switch-on events are being held in towns and villages across East Sussex. Here’s our round up of the events where you can enjoy the magic of sparkling lights as you shop!
Heathfield Christmas Lighting Up Event, 21 November, 3.45pm to 6.30pm
Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council’s lighting up event will be held at Heathfield Fire Station.
There will be performances from local school children, as well as a visit from Father Christmas.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.35pm by the winner of the parish council’s Christmas Colouring Competition. The closing date for the competition is 17 November.
Crowborough Christmas Cracker Evening, 28 November, 4pm to 6.30pm
Crowborough’s Christmas Cracker event always takes place on the last Friday in November.
The Christmas lights will be switched on by some of the cast of the Crowborough Players Pantomime at 6.00pm. There will be music and entertainment performed beforehand in the Piazza.
An abundance of street performers will entertain visitors, and festive stalls will line the High Street. In addition, the land train will be transporting children and their families to visit Santa in his Grotto at the Social Club in Croft Road.
Hailsham Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Market, 28 November, 2pm onwards
This annual Christmas event in Hailsham will bring festive cheer, entertainment and community spirit to the heart of the town.
From 2pm onwards, Vicarage Field and the High Street will be transformed into a festive marketplace. There will be seasonal craft stalls, artisan gifts, handmade decorations and plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy.
At 4.30pm Santa Claus will arrive, courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club, to meet children and hand out sweets.
The Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place at 6pm, officially marking the start of the festive season in Hailsham. After the switch-on everyone is invited for free hot chocolate and marshmallows at Hailsham Parish Church.
Eastbourne Christmas Lights Switch On & Festive Market, 29 November, from midday
The Eastbourne Christmas lights switch-on promises lots of festive fun.
Festivities kick off at Bankers Corner from midday, with live music, street entertainment and festive stalls.
The spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade will set off from the Enterprise Centre at 6pm. It will make its way to Bankers Corner for the big switch-on at 6.30pm.
Battle Christmas Parade & Lights Switch On, 29 November, from 1.45pm
Battle celebrates Christmas with a magical parade with music, dancers, elves, Elsa & Anna, and the big man himself, Santa! The parade will begin at 1.45pm and will bring some Christmas cheer to the high street before Santa stops at the Memorial Hall to enter his grotto.
Fairground rides and festive fun will continue on the Abbey Green until 5pm when Santa will reappear to turn on the lights!
Charleston in Lewes Late Night Shopping, 4 December, 6pm to 9pm
Enjoy an evening of festive shopping, art and music as Charleston in Lewes opens late for Lewes Late Night Shopping.
Browse the gift shop for Bloomsbury-inspired gifts, seasonal treats and homewares and enjoy a festive drink from the bar.
Both of the exhibitions will also be open late, but will be ticketed.
Shops in Lewes will also be open late to help you tick more presents off your Christmas shopping list.
Uckfield Late Night Shopping, 5 December, 5.30pm to 9pm
Uckfield’s late night shopping event returns this December, with festive favourites back lighting up the High Street once again.
The popular Rollerskating Rink will also return to the Civic Centre, where children and adults can enjoy hour-long sessions of dizzying fun.
If you’re attending a Christmas lights switch-on event or a late-night shopping evening, remember to dress warmly and to check times and activities before you travel to avoid any disappointment.
And don’t forget there are lots of Christmas markets and Festive Fairs taking place across the county in the lead up to Christmas.
