Brighton & Ho Ho Hove At Christmas

For a city usually associated with the summer months, Brighton & Hove has a jam-packed advent calendar of festive celebrations coming up.

Brighton pier at dusk

The festive fun starts by watching the festive lights being turned on right in the centre of Brighton on 15 November (New Road, 5pm).  Carols, entertainment and of course, the big count down. Stroll along the seafront to see the big Christmas trees on Brighton Pier and at The Grand www.visitbrighton.com

MADE2012 Brighton’s Design and Craft Fair at the Brighton Corn Exchange on 22 to 25 November is a high quality, contemporary craft and design event which takes place every year and offers the public the opportunity to buy original and exceptional work direct from the best local and national designers and makers.

For an alternative shopping experience, Christmas Artists Open Houses (1 and 2, 8 and 9, 15 and 16 December) provides visitors the chance to explore over 100 houses across the city, see and buy the work of local artists, and enjoy a mince pie and some mulled wine.

Brighton Pavilion ice rink

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Brighton without the Royal Pavilion ice rink. Following the huge success of previous years, the ice rink returns to the iconic setting of the Royal Pavilion from 10 November to 20 January. The beautiful outdoor ice-rink allows up to 250 skaters per session, with penguin stabilisers for younger skaters and a learners area for the unsure-footed. Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fabulous Feasts’ will provide this year’s pop-up restaurant alongside the rink. Children from £7 and adults from £10

After a spot of ice skating, head inside the truly extravagant former palace of George IV to join Father Christmas for a traditional treat for all the family from 13 to 23 December. After a magical meeting with the man himself, guests are free to wander around the rest of Brighton’s most eccentric landmark at their own pace. 15 years and under, £6.50, Royal Pavilion admission fees apply.

Other highlights include a forest of Christmas Trees that will be sprouting at the Sea Life Centre with local businesses decorating their own trees to raise money for their chosen charities (19 to 31 December). The newly refurbished arcade will provide a stunning backdrop to the trees. www.visitsealife.com

A very Brighton tradition, Burning the Clocks (21 December) represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper and willow lanterns to carry through the city before burning them on the beach as a token for the end of the year and to greet the lengthening days.

Finally, on Christmas Day itself get down to Brighton beach for the annual dash to the sea. See members of the Brighton Swimming Club go for a swim in the icy waters, many of whom don fancy dress for the occasion.

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