Step Into Christmas With Local Events

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 27^th 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 on its festive lights but sadly there isn’t a public event this year due to unforeseen circumstances. There will, however, be a Christmas market in the morning at The Charlie Purley and a Christmas Craft Fair taking place at The Gordon Centre from 10.30am until 5pm – both on 27^th November.

The following week, on Friday 3^rd December, Midhurst will be hosting its Christmas street party with a light switch-on, food, drink and fairground rides. If you can’t make any of the official switch-on events, then The Starlight Trail at The Novium Museum on 9^th December is a great alternative.

Christmas markets & late-night shopping

Shop ‘til you drop under the stars in Chichester every Thursday evening from 2^nd 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 9^th December until 8pm, when the pre-Christmas splurge will be accompanied by a performance from the Bognor Regis Concert Band. A local get-together is being planned at The Waverly afterwards.

If you’re in the mood to start your present buying early, why not head to Legends Bar on Bognor Pier for its Christmas shopping evening on Wednesday 1^st December? The event runs from 6pm to 9pm with the added promise of mulled wine, mince pies and festive drinks.

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 3^rd and 17^th 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 12^th  and 13^th December.

Arts, crafts & activities

If you’re planning on attending the Chichester Light Switch-On on Saturday 27^th 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 21^st November until 5^th 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 5^th 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-     making at a variety of venues - click here for some inspiration.

Performances

On various dates throughout December, mischievous elves and fairies (14^th), 7ft ‘Ice People’ (15^th) and the dancing Regis Celebration Jazz band players (22^nd) will be taking to the streets of Bognor Regis - keep an eye on the Facebook page for timing updates.

On 12^th 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 10^th December. In addition, the landmark’s carol services run between the 19^th and 21^st 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 4^th December from 11.15am, Havenstoke Park, Chichester - £8.50
• Saturday 11^th December from 10.30am, Green Father Christmas at Weald & Downland Living Museum - £10
• Saturday 11^th December from 10am, Jeneses Church, Bognor Regis - FREE
• Saturday 11^th and Friday 18^th December, Little Street Christmas PJ Party (with a visit from one of Santa’s Elves), Chichester - £10.50
• Saturday 11^th and 18^th December from 10am, The Novium Museum - £6.50
• Friday 17^th to Wednesday 22^nd December between 10am and 2pm, St Martin’s Square - £4.50
• Tuesday 21^st December from 9am, Jubilee Hall, Bognor Regis - £6

Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas, from the White & Brooks team.