Christmas is a magical time of year, and Chichester is no exception when it comes to spreading festive cheer. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, our beautiful West Sussex city is filled with festive experiences, creative workshops and family-friendly celebrations. From Christmas lights and treasure hunts to spectacular shows and seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s our round-up of the top 10 family things to do in Chichester this Christmas.
1) Light Up Chichester & The After Party – Saturday 21 November
Christmas officially begins in Chichester on Saturday 21 November, with Light Up Chichester bringing live music, dance and festive entertainment to the Market Cross from 3pm.
Join host Dawn Gracie for an afternoon of performances before Chichester’s Christmas Local Heroes switch on the city’s Christmas lights at 5pm.
Keep the celebrations going with Light Up Chichester: The After Party, featuring live music, food, drinks and entertainment at venues across the city centre.
2) Festive Family Day – Saturday 12 December
10am–4pm | FREE
Chichester’s Festive Family Day returns on Saturday 12 December, bringing free Christmas activities and live entertainment to locations across the city centre.
Inspired by Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure, families can enjoy Christmas candle making at Jam Café, Never Land-themed crafts at Chichester Cathedral, treasure map making at Chichester Library and creative activities at Chichester Festival Theatre’s Play Café.
Look out for stilt walkers and a lively Samba band, too! Collect stamps from at least four free activities and visit V2 Radio on East Street to claim a special festive gift, subject to availability.
Find out more about Festive Family Day and download your activity sheet.
3) Tinker Bell’s Christmas Treasure Hunt – 21 November to 24 December
FREE
Tinker Bell needs your help! Follow her trail of lanterns through Chichester city centre, discover hidden symbols in six shop windows and crack the secret code to reveal where the treasure is buried.
Complete your treasure map and enter the prize draw for the chance to win four tickets to see Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure at Chichester Festival Theatre on 30 December.
The competition closes at 12 noon on Christmas Eve.
Discover Tinker Bell’s Christmas Treasure Hunt and download your map.
4) Christmas Trails
Follow a festive trail through Chichester this Christmas!
On Saturday 21 November, 1.30 – 4.30pm, join The Novium Museum, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester Library and Chichester Cathedral for the Starlight Trail, an afternoon of festive arts, crafts and activities across the city. Tickets cost £12 per child, with advance booking required. Find out more and book.
At The Novium Museum, look out for the mischievous Gonks on the Festive Gonk Trail.
Meanwhile, Chichester Cathedral’s The Greatest Gift invites families to explore the Christmas story with Wilfrid the Seal on a free trail running from 28 November to 3 January.
5) Festivities in Priory Park
Enjoy a magical line-up of Christmas events hosted by Chichester District Council in the stunning surroundings of Priory Park. From pantomimes and silent discos to storytelling and live music inside The Guildhall, there’s something to make every visit feel special. Find out more.
6) Christmas Entertainment
There’s nothing quite like a family trip to the theatre at Christmas!
This year, Chichester Festival Youth Theatre presents Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure from 14 – 30 December, bringing the magic of Never Land to the Festival Theatre.
Join Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell for an unforgettable adventure, complete with pirates, Lost Boys and the fearsome Captain Hook.
Younger audiences can also enjoy Hey! Christmas Tree at the Minerva Theatre from 5 – 27 December, alongside other festive experiences.
Discover Christmas at Chichester Festival Theatre.
7) Meet Father Christmas in Chichester – Thursday 10 December
Father Christmas is making a special visit to Cathedral Wealth Management, 59 East Street, on Thursday 10 December, from 4pm–7pm.
Families with children under 12 are invited to enjoy a free festive visit, with refreshments, children’s activities, a lucky dip and a charity raffle in aid of My Charity UH Sussex.
Admission is free, but registration is essential.
8) Family Crib Service at Chichester Cathedral
Gather together on Thursday 24 December for one of Chichester Cathedral’s most loved Christmas traditions.
Taking place at 11am and 2pm, Children’s Carols at the Crib brings the Nativity story to life through singing and storytelling. Children are welcome to dress as their favourite Nativity characters.
These free family services are a lovely way to celebrate Christmas Eve in Chichester.
Find out more about Children’s Carols at the Crib.
9) Indulge in Hot Chocolate and Festive Treats
Take a festive pit stop in one of Chichester’s many welcoming cafés. From Café Paradiso to The Buttery and Crispins Café, there’s nothing quite like warming up with a hot chocolate and a delicious treat after exploring the Christmas lights or enjoying some festive shopping.
Why not make a date with family or friends and enjoy a little time together in the city this Christmas?
10) Explore Christmas Markets
Soak up the sights and scents of the season at Chichester’s Christmas Markets, where you’ll find unique gifts, artisanal foods, and festive decorations galore. It’s the perfect way to shop local, support small businesses and find something truly special for your loved ones.
Experience the magic of Christmas in Chichester
From glowing light shows and live performances to festive trails and heartwarming family moments, Chichester truly knows how to make Christmas magical.
Plan your visit, wrap up warm, and get ready to make cherished memories in our beautiful city this festive season.