Christmas Christmas in Chichester 2026: Festive Events, Family Adventures and a Little Never Land Magic
This Christmas, make Chichester city centre the backdrop to your festive celebrations, with a wonderful programme of seasonal events, family adventures and Christmas inspiration, all sprinkled with a little Never Land magic.
Taking inspiration from Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure at Chichester Festival Theatre, Christmas in Chichester 2026 will feature a host of festive experiences and activities, giving everyone plenty of reasons to enjoy the city throughout November and December.
Meet Me in Chichester This Christmas
Whether it’s catching up with friends over coffee, shopping for special gifts or enjoying an evening beneath the Christmas lights, some of the best moments of the festive season are the simplest.
This year, Chichester BID is launching Meet Me in Chichester This Christmas, a new campaign supported by Costa Coffee, celebrating the joy of spending time together and encouraging everyone to make the city part of their own Christmas traditions.
From browsing the city’s independent shops and admiring imaginative Never Land-inspired window displays to enjoying a seasonal workshop, meeting friends for lunch or gathering with colleagues before the year draws to a close, there are countless ways to make the most of Christmas in Chichester.
Throughout the season, we’ll be sharing festive inspiration from the city’s shops, cafés, restaurants, salons and other businesses, helping you discover new experiences, revisit familiar favourites and find even more reasons to spend time in Chichester.
Light Up Chichester: Christmas Lights Switch-On and After Party
Saturday 21 November | From 3pm | Market Cross
The Christmas celebrations officially begin on Saturday 21 November with Light Up Chichester, the city’s much-loved Christmas Lights Switch-On and After Party.
Join us at the Market Cross from 3pm for an afternoon of live entertainment, music and festive performances, hosted by Dawn Gracie, building up to the official Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm.
Two of Chichester’s Christmas Local Heroes, nominated for the positive difference they make to our community, will have the honour of switching on the lights and illuminating the city for the festive season.
And the celebrations don’t end there! The Light Up Chichester After Party will keep the festive spirit going into the evening, with participating venues across the city offering live music, food, drinks and seasonal entertainment.
Follow Tinker Bell’s Christmas Treasure Hunt
21 November – 24 December | FREE
Calling all young adventurers! This Christmas, Tinker Bell is bringing a little Never Land magic to Chichester with a free family treasure hunt through the city centre.
Follow the trail of lanterns, solve clues and search for hidden treasure as you explore Chichester’s streets and shop windows.
Complete the adventure for the chance to win a family ticket to see Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure at Chichester Festival Theatre.
It’s a lovely way to enjoy some festive family time while discovering the city’s Christmas displays.
Enjoy a Free Festive Family Day
Saturday 12 December | 10am–4pm | FREE
Make a date for Chichester’s Festive Family Day, bringing a wonderful selection of 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 with Culture Spark Chichester at Chichester Cathedral, Peter Pan treasure map making at Chichester Library and creative activities at Chichester Festival Theatre’s Play Café.
There will also be a Samba band and stilt walker performances bringing music, colour and excitement to the city throughout the day.
Pick up your Festive Family Day Passport, take part in at least four free activities and collect stamps along the way. Once you’ve completed your adventure, head to V2 Radio on East Street to claim a special festive gift, subject to availability.
Celebrate the 12 Indies of Christmas
Christmas shopping is even more special when you discover the people and stories behind the businesses you’re supporting.
Our 12 Indies of Christmas campaign will shine a spotlight on 12 of Chichester’s independent shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions through a series of short festive films.
From the personalities behind the counters to the products, experiences and little details that make each business distinctive, we’ll be celebrating the independent businesses that give Chichester its character.
Keep an eye on Chichester BID’s social media channels throughout the festive season to meet the people behind some of the city’s independent favourites.
Discover Chichester’s Christmas Window Displays
As you explore the city, look out for a little extra Christmas magic in the shop windows!
Local businesses will be embracing the theme of Christmas in Never Land for Chichester BID’s festive window competition, creating imaginative displays inspired by the world of Peter Pan.
Whether you’re following the treasure hunt, shopping for gifts or simply enjoying a stroll beneath the Christmas lights, take time to admire the creativity of Chichester’s businesses as they help bring the festive theme to life.
Make More Time for Chichester This Christmas
Christmas is the perfect excuse to spend a little longer in the city.
Meet friends for coffee, enjoy a festive lunch, discover thoughtful gifts in Chichester’s shops or treat yourself to an evening out. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a Christmas get-together or simply a relaxing afternoon, there’s plenty to enjoy.
For even more ideas, look out for the Christmas in Chichester brochure, being delivered to approximately 18,500 households from 1 November. Packed with events, activities and inspiration for shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying the city, it’s your guide to making the most of the festive season.
Christmas in Chichester is organised by Chichester BID, working with Chichester City Council, Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and local businesses, with support from sponsors Mayo Wynne Baxter, Gold Arts, Costa Coffee and Blue Spire Accountants.
Make Chichester part of your Christmas celebrations.
Explore the full programme, discover festive inspiration and plan your visit at www.chichesterbid.co.uk/christmas.