Chichester BID, Chichester District Council and Chichester City Council have joined forces to deliver Christmas in Chichester 2024. Promising to be the most festive and magical season yet, the city will come alive with enchanting events, seasonal shopping, dining and entertainment experiences for all ages to enjoy.
Christmas in Chichester 2024 will feature a Christmas tree theme inspired by Chichester Festival Theatre’s family-friendly production ‘Hey! Christmas Tree’. Highlights of the season include a captivating Christmas Tree Stroll, Festive Family Day, Christmas Market and a programme of exciting events in Priory Park such as a panto, storytelling, silent discos and more.
Light Up Chichester
This year’s celebrations will kick off with a newly reimagined format for the much-anticipated Christmas Light Switch On, which takes place on Saturday 23 November. Presented by Chichester BID and Chichester City Council, Light Up Chichester will start from 11am with family friendly entertainment and activities including a light show, live music and snow machine. Families can also take part in a Starlight Trail by visiting The Novium Museum, Chichester Library and Pallant House Gallery to make their own paper lanterns, ready for the lights switch on. Chichester District Council will host a pop-up food event on East Street featuring wonderful local eateries and suppliers. The Christmas cheer will continue with Light Up Chichester: The Afterparty, which includes evening events and festive menus hosted at venues across the city from 5pm until late.
Christmas Tree Stroll – A Winter Wander through the City
Also launching on Saturday 23 November will be a spectacular Christmas Tree Stroll. Visitors can discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees located around Chichester city centre, with a special highlight of six unique Christmas tree sculptures created by local artists using sustainable materials. The sculptures have been specially-commissioned by Chichester BID to help bring a sense of creativity and environmental awareness to the festive celebrations.
The Christmas Tree Stroll will be on display throughout the Christmas period and have been generously sponsored by Chichester District Council, Chichester City Council, Blue Spire Accountants, Kiwi Recruitment and Chichester Festival Theatre.
During October Half Term, the public will have the opportunity to participate in a series of free workshops, where they can collaborate with the commissioned artists to create elements for the sustainable tree sculptures.
Christmas Window Competition
Complementing the Christmas Tree Stroll, the city’s businesses will once again take part in Chichester BID’s beloved Festive Window Competition. Shoppers and visitors can enjoy festive window displays, all following a Christmas Tree theme. This competition will bring additional charm and cheer to the city’s streets, as local businesses vie for the most creative displays.
Festive Family Day
On Saturday 14 December, Chichester BID will host its Festive Family Day. Families can take part in free festive arts, crafts, storytelling and more at various locations around the city, including Chichester Library, Chichester Cathedral, Pallant House Gallery, Draper’s Yard and Jam Café whilst enjoying the festive street entertainment between stops. V2 will also be in the city to add to the atmosphere.
Christmas Markets
The festive atmosphere will continue with the return of Chichester District Council’s popular Cross Market and More on Sunday 24 November, offering a vibrant mix of food, stalls and unique gifts. From 7 – 15 December, the Chichester Christmas Market will take over East and North Street, selling Christmas gifts and a mouthwatering selection of festive food and drink from local vendors.
Christmas in the Park
With no corner of the city overlooked, Chichester District Council will be making Christmas magical in Chichester’s beautiful Priory Park with a special programme of festive events that run from 1-15 December, including a specially-commissioned pantomime, silent discos in The Guildhall to celebrate the launch of The Novium Museum’s ‘I Grew Up 80s’ exhibition as well as family arts and crafts activities, storytelling and more.
Christmas in Chichester Festivities Brochure
This year, Chichester BID has created a special festivities brochure, which will be delivered to over 15,000 local homes. The brochure will feature all the information residents and visitors need to plan their Christmas in Chichester, including an event guide, Christmas Tree Stroll map and Festive Family Day passport.
Helen Marshall, CEO and Chair of Chichester BID, says: “Christmas in Chichester is such an important and magical time for our city. I’m delighted to be working closely with our partners at Chichester City Council and Chichester District Council to ensure that people from near and far experience the true spirit of Christmas in Chichester. We are also thrilled to be collaborating with Chichester Festival Theatre, which brings so much Christmas cheer and entertainment to the city. With a record number of new shops, restaurants and bars having opened in the city this year, Chichester truly is the place to celebrate the season with friends and family.”
Councillor Adrian Moss, Leader of Chichester District Council, says: “We’re really pleased to have been able to invest funds into Chichester’s Christmas celebrations in order to support the local economy and to encourage visitors here. All the partners have been working really hard to create something special for the city and we’re really looking forward to the start of a busy festive season. It will be wonderful to see people from across the area and further afield enjoying Christmas in our wonderful city.”