As the countdown to Christmas begins, there are plenty of festive activities going on around Chichester and Bognor Regis. After a year like no other, why not make memories by attending one of these West Sussex events?
Christmas lights
On Saturday 27th November, Chichester is set to sparkle with its Christmas lights switch on. Entertainment starts at 4.45pm with the Oakwood School Choir at The Market Cross, followed by the Light Lantern Parade led by the Town Crier. At 5.30pm, a special ‘real life superhero’ will switch on the Christmas lights. Festive food, drink and music will continue throughout the evening.
On the same day, Bognor Regis will be switching
The following week
Christmas markets & late-night shopping
Shop ‘til you drop under the stars in Chichester every Thursday evening from 2nd December until 7pm. As well as free parking every Thursday night, there’s no charge to park during weekends in December at the Avenue de Chartres. Look out for festive street performers that will keep you entertained in between retail visits.
The West End shopping area in Bognor Regis will be hosting a late-night session on Thursday 9th December until 8pm, when
Markets are back bigger than ever for Christmas 2021 and in addition to the usual city stalls every Wednesday in Chichester, there is the Farmers’ Market on North & East Street on the 3rd and 17th December – the latter well timed for your festive food shop. At The Assembly Room, there is the Vintage and Very Nice Christmas Market on the 12th and 13th December.
Arts, crafts & activities
If you’re planning on attending the Chichester Light Switch-On on Saturday 27th November and want to join in the Light Lantern Parade, then head over to the Cathedral Green between 12 noon and 4pm for a free lantern making workshop. There’s also crafts taking place at the Rotary Club of Chichester Harbour’s Christmas Fair on the same day at The Assembly Room between 9:30-12:30.
Free face painting will be on offer at York Road in Bognor Regis throughout the whole festive season and the town’s Skating on the Prom is open from 21st November until 5th January.
If you prefer your activities on the more artistic side, why not book into The Weald & Downland Living Museum’s Tree Dressing event on Sunday 5th December? Or how about DIY wreath making? There are plenty of places hosting wreath making workshops, including Fox Red Flowers at Felpham Post Office in Bognor, Downview Hall in East Wittering and The Kennels at Goodwood.
You can also try your hand at bauble painting, decoration creation and homemade present
Performances
On various dates throughout December, mischievous elves and fairies (14th), 7ft ‘Ice People’ (15th) and the dancing Regis Celebration Jazz band players (22nd) will be taking to the streets of Bognor Regis - keep an eye on the Facebook page for timing updates.
On 12th December there will be an enchanting performance of The Snow Queen at The Guildhall, Priory Park or head to Chichester Cathedral for the Advent Concert by The Otter Consort on Friday 10th December. In addition, the landmark’s carol services run between the 19th and 21st December.
Where to visit Santa
We can’t forget an all-important visit to Santa ahead of the big day. Here are some of the places we’ve found that still have some magical moment slots available but be quick!
- Saturday 4th December from 11.15am, Havenstoke Park, Chichester - £8.50
- Saturday 11th December from 10.30am, Green Father Christmas at Weald & Downland Living Museum - £10
- Saturday 11th December from 10am, Jeneses Church, Bognor Regis - FREE
- Saturday 11th and Friday 18th December, Little Street Christmas PJ Party (with a visit from one of Santa’s Elves), Chichester - £10.50
- Saturday 11th and 18th December from 10am, The Novium Museum - £6.50
- Friday 17th to Wednesday 22nd December between 10am and 2pm, St Martin’s Square - £4.50
- Tuesday 21st December from 9am, Jubilee Hall, Bognor Regis - £6
Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas, from the White & Brooks team.
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