Chichester's Christmas celebrations aim to bring magic and sparkle to West Sussex for 2025's festive season. From the dazzling day-to-night extravaganza of Light Up Chichester as the Christmas lights are switched on to Let it Glow, there's a stocking-full of Christmas cheer for all to enjoy. There are also Christmas markets and lots of Christmas shopping opportunities to be had, along with family friendly festive events happening across Chichester this December.
Join the Christmas fun in Chichester
Come and enjoy all that is twinkly and festive this Christmas, from a teen-focussed music session to authentic Christmas Carol experiences via Christmas markets. Explore Chichester, magically lit for the season, discover festive refreshments and celebratory dining across the city as well as inspiring shopping at the wonderful array of independent shops.
Don't miss: the beautiful willow bauble sculpture in Priory Park by Two Circles Design
What's on: family friendly Christmas fun in Chichester
You won't want to miss Light Up Chichester on 22nd November, a family friendly event which sees the city illuminated with twinkling lights. From 10am, Chichester city centre will sparkle into life with festive activity including live music, street entertainment, a light show, and even LED stilt walkers bringing a little extra sparkle to the streets with performances at 3:15pm and 5:00pm as they roam North and East Street. On the day, you can also follow a family friendly Starlight Trail at The Novium Museum and Pallant House Gallery, where children and families can create their own paper lanterns.
At dusk, there's a families are invited to gather outside the Assembly Rooms for the official Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5:00pm featuring elves from Chichester Festival Theatre's grotto and two local heroes marking the beginning of the Christmas in Chichester.
On the 13th December Chichester's Festive Family Day returns offering families the chance to explore a trail, collecting stamps as they get hands on with a range of Christmas crafts and activities, from clay modelling to ornament making. There's entertainment aplenty as you explore, from V2 radio playing Christmas tunes to stilt walkers!
Wilfrid The Seal has donned his Christmas jumper and needs you to help him learn all about Christmas as you join him on his Great Christmas Hunt - a new festive family trail at Chichester Cathedral. Nearby at The Novium Museum, you'll love the return of the family friendly Festive Gonk Trail which challenges you work out what each gonk would like for Christmas and decide which gonk muddled up the gifts! £1.50 per child, including a chocolate treat.
Don't miss, the Chichester Christmas Charity Tractor Run on 14th December 2025. Starting at Funtington around 5:00pm, the tractors drive via East Ashling, Mid Lavant, Summersdale, Chichester, Fishbourne, Bosham, Nutbourne, Southbourne, Westbourne, finishing back at Funtington around 7:00pm. We love this event and watching these illuminated tractors wind their way through Chichester and beyond, is a real treat for all the family!
Light Up Chichester: The Afterparty
The celebrations for Light Up Chichester continue into the evening, as venues across the city host specially themed menus, Christmas cocktails and live entertainment as part of The Afterparty. Visit The Ghost at the Feast, Fernleigh, The Hole in the Wall, Little Monster Tap, The Old Cross, and The George & Dragon to extend your Christmas cheer!
Let it Glow: a family friendly, magical winter illumination
Come and immerse yourself in a world of light and colour this December (8th - 21st) as Chichester Cathedral and its historic Bell Tower are transformed by a magical winter illumination. This radiant celebration of creativity, technology, and community takes place on the Cathedral Green and you can be part of the show!
Step inside the Let It Glow experience (set within a cosy, weatherproof marquee) to use iPads to paint with light and colour, projecting your designs in real time onto the Cathedral’s ancient walls. With evolving themes and fresh designs each night, every visit brings a new wave of imagination, joy, and discovery.
Christmas Shopping in Chichester
Christmas Markets arrive in Chichester from the end of November and are the perfect opportunity to browse a wide variety of stalls, helping to tick some presents off your list. There are several markets to choose from this year: the annual Chichester Festive Market on 6 & 7th and 13 & 14th December, as well as the Indoor Christmas Market, the Rare Brand Christmas Market at The Barn Little London as well as The Christmas Fair at Chichester College, a short walk from the city centre. You can find more Christmas markets here.
While you're here, why not enjoy some warming refreshments at the excellent selection of coffee shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in Chichester city centre.
Carols at Chichester Cathedral
Carols at Chichester Cathedral are an unforgettable part of your festive build up. Savour the beautiful, soaring voices of the Cathedral choir, and enjoy congregational carols in the candlelit surroundings. You can find details of the services here.
Entertainment in Priory Park
Find entertainment in adundance in Chichester's Priory Park. Centred around The Guildhall, where you'll discover a stunning woven willow sculpture of a bauble created by Two Circles Design. Sounds of Home, a performance trail (28th & 29th November) will lead you around the city centre as you enjoy over 20 live music and spoken word performances. There's more fun on offer at The Guildhall, too with the return of the Priory Park Panto, a teen-focussed music session, a Jazz Cafe and a grown ups only Silent Disco.
Getting to Chichester
Stagecoach bus services arrive at Chichester's bus terminal, which offers easy access to the city centre. Likewise Southern railway services arrive just a short walk away from the main shopping streets.
Parking in Chichester
Those driving to Chichester will find free parking at the Avenue de Chartres car park from 4pm onwards on Saturday 22nd November for Light Up Chichester. The Avenue de Chartres car park will also offer free parking on Sundays in December. During weekends in December in most car parks in the city (except Avenue de Chartres), those using the MiPermit app will be able to access a third hour of parking free of charge when selecting two hours parking.
