Our top 10 treats to enjoy this Christmas
A Cowdray festive afternoon tea makes a perfect Christmas treat to enjoy with friends or family. Lovingly created with Cowdray's attention to detail, the afternoon tea with a festive flourish features the flavours of the season including turkey and cranberry in dainty sandwiches, miniature mince pies, stollen and, of course, traditional Christmas cake. Selected dates during November and December.
Experience a very special festive take on the much-loved Goodwood House afternoon tea on 19th December. Accompanied by a candlelit carol service at Goodwood House where you're invited to gather around the beautiful Christmas tree to enjoy classic Christmas carols, this is a true festive treat. Take the opportunity to explore Goodwood House's astonishing collection of art, furniture and ceramics, meeting some fascinating characters along the way. Tickets are limited so be quick!
Chichester Cathedral hosts several carol services during December (19th - 22nd December), and this wonderfully atmospheric setting makes for a truly unforgettable experience as you experience a service of lessons, congregational carols and music sung by the Cathedral Choir. The Advent Procession (1st December), marking the beginning of Advent really is not to be missed. A special candlelit service, the procession moves around the Cathedral moving the spaces from darkness to light as candles are lit. Find out more about the Cathedral's advent services here.
Hey! Christmas Tree by Michael Morpurgo, a heartwarming tale of friendship and belonging, and spellbinding retelling of folk-tale classic, Cinderella offer two sparkling ways to bring a little extra magic this Christmas at Chichester Festival Theatre. Written specially for the Festival Theatre, Hey! Christmas Tree has inspired a fabulous Christmas Tree Stroll around Chichester City Centre, which you can explore before or after the performance. You'll love this new twist on the Cinderella story, as the wicked stepfamily, handsome prince in search of a wife and the missing slipper are joined by three magical dresses, a wish-giving tree, and help for Cinderella from a very unexpected source.
Impressive at any time of the year, Petworth House is transformed for Christmas on a spectacular scale from 30th November. Be dazzled by showstopping trees and decorations as you explore eight magical rooms in the house, with the cheeky Petworth mice hiding amid the displays for you to find. Charge your phones for photo opportunities and add your wish to the stunning trees in the Chapel. Normal National Trust entry applies.
Made your way to the town centre in picturesque Petworth for the annual Christmas Cracker. The town will be illuminating the twinkling lights which adorn the pretty buildings for the first time. There's Christmas shopping aplenty too, and entertainment to top off a fun, festive day out.
Explore Chichester's Christmas Tree Stroll from 29th November. Download the self guided trail map to seek out the beautifully decorated trees including seven specially commissioned sustainable trees created by local artists Find out more here.
Midhurst's Christmas Street Party promises to be a sparkling evening with late night shopping and live music, with Santa visits for children. Find out more.
Visiting Father Christmas in his Grotto is an important part of the Christmas build up. Luckily, the man in red is landing his sleigh at various venues across West Sussex so children can meet him and tell him what they'd like for Christmas. Santa's Grotto will be at Chichester Festival Theatre and West Dean Gardens, while at Sky Park Farm, children can enter a magical Grotto where Rudolph and his reindeer companion, Comet, await their visit.
Pull up a chair in the cafe at Weald & Downland Living Museum's waterside cafe. Treat yourself to a mince pie and warming drink as you watch the ducking and diving on the mill pond. You don't need to visit the museum to enjoy the cafe, but we think the Museum's 40 acres are particularly picturesque in autumn and winter, with the remaining leaves tinged yellow and orange, or maybe a frost to crunch underfoot as you explore.
Explore some of West Sussex's most stunning scenery with your nearest and dearest. Cold, clear, crisp wintry days are made for the views at Harting Down and there's plenty of places close by in which you can warm yourselves; try The White Hart in South Harting or The White Horse in Chilgrove.
Children of all ages will love Sky Park Farm's 'Breakfast with the Elves' and Elf School experience - a truly magical, memorable day out.
Your little elves will love the festive breakfast being served up here. Warm, freshly made pancakes and presented along with fresh fruit and candy cane! While you enjoy your feast, Santa's playful elves will be entertaining you with mischievious tricks along with festive colouring. Afterwards, it's time to go to Elf School! You'll learn the learn essential skills required to be an elf, get hands on with crafts and enjoy the festive fun and games, as well as visiting Rudolph's Grotto.
Your Elves will be proud to show off their special elf certificate, a themed badge and brimming with Christmas magic!
There's a wealth of Christmas magic to enjoy at Sky Park Farm over the festive period, from the Christmas Lights Switch On to Elf Experiences and visits to Rudolph's Grotto.
Enjoy a live, interactive theatre experience as Stansted House brings A Christmas Carol to life.
You'll make your way from room to room inside stunning Stansted House as a host of characters recount Scrooge's experience from the famous book. You'll be invited to participate as you join the Fezziwig's Christmas Party or watch Scrooge's nephew playing party games, for a truly memorable immersive tour. Complete with a visit from the Ghost of Christmas yet to come, the tour finishes as Christmas Morning breaks and you'll make your way to the Old Victorian Kitchen to sing carols, enjoy mince pies and delicious mulled wine in the beautifully decorated house. Find out more and book.
Come and join the wintry fun as the Seal Bay Ice Rink opens from 13th December until 3rd January. Whether you're a seasoned skater or new to gliding across the ice, come and enjoy some festive skating fun. Seal Bay is offering extra sparkly ice skating with evening disco sessions as well as quieter sessions every morning. Don your hats and gloves and get ready to get your skates on! Warming refreshments will be on hand afterwards at Box Christmas, with its tasty seasonal menus.
More Christmas inspiration from West Sussex
