Chichester BID

Christmas Concerts at Chichester Festival Theatre
2025-12-02 - 2025-12-06 | Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…
We welcome back The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and the uplifting voices of the Chichester Cathedral Choir for our traditional, much loved Christmas Concerts – guaranteed to leave you feeling merry and bright.
Brimming with yuletide cheer, our concerts promise an evening of cherished carols and classic Christmas melodies, alongside some enchanting new arrangements. And of course there will be an opportunity for a gloriously uplifting sing-along with a medley of seasonal favourites.
This festive celebration promises to wrap you in the warm glow of the holiday spirit.
Tickets from £10 and can be booked here.

Mini Movers Christmas Party at Chichester Festival Theatre
2025-12-02 13:00 UTC | Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
Join our Early Years team as we throw a Christmas party! Expect to sing and dance to Christmas favourites, bubbles and lots of bonding time with your little ones. Each child needs a grown-up partner to enjoy the session with so be prepared to join in.
Mini Movers is part of our Mini Makers & Shakers series of classes for Early Years. At this one you’ll enjoy a fun, active movement class for little ones with a themed story to share each week.

This class costs £8 per child, adults go free. Book your space here.

Christmas Wreath Workshops at Hedge Rose
2025-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Hedge Rose Florist, 11 The Hornet, Chichester, PO19 7JL
You will be guided step-by-step in our workshop to create your very own gorgeous Christmas door wreath. All of the materials you will need are provided; including the freshest of mixed foliages, dried fruit and pine cones. Choose from our large selection of ribbons to finish your wreath with a beautiful bow. To continue the Christmas spirit a glass of mulled wine or orange juice and a mince pie will be provided (please let us know if you have allergies or dietary requirements) – let the fun begin!
The workshop runs for approx. 2 hours – £65 per person. Tickets can be booked here.
Extra dates may be listed. Please contact us if you wish to hold your own private workshop (a minimum of 6 people is required).

Wreath Making Workshop at The Barn
2025-12-04 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-05 09:30 - 11:30 | The Barn, 40 East Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1HX
Step into a world of festive cheer at our Christmas wreath making workshop with experts from Beckie Lou Florist who come with a wealth of knowledge to help you learn how to create a foam-free traditional moss-based wreath.
Surrounded by twinkling lights and the sound of Christmas music on the top floor of The Barn at 40 East Street, get hands on with seasonal greenery as your craft your own beautiful wreath. Sip on a glass of bubbly and indulge in a homemade mince pie while your create, soaking in the warmth and magic of the season, before making your way downstairs for a one course brunch* and some Christmas shopping.
Please note that the workshop is 2 hours long, followed by Brunch at the Barn
*A glass of bubbly, mince pie, one course brunch (up to the value of £20) and all materials are included in the price.
Additional sides, food and drinks will be charged separately.
Prices –
With lunch – £85
Without – £65
Book your space here.

Luxury Sip & Paint Workshop at The Barn
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | The Barn, 40 East Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1HX
Join The Brush Affair for a festive two-hour paint workshop* filled with creativity and fun! Enjoy a glass of wine as you paint something Christmassy – the group will decide on the theme together on the night.
Make an evening of it with the option to enjoy food from our set menu (up to the value of £20) before or during the session. Perfect for beginners and seasoned painters alike, it’s a relaxed, social night of festive fun and you’ll take home your own masterpiece to keep or gift.
Prices –
£60 with meal and £40 without. To book your space click here.
*includes a glass of wine and all materials needed (£40)

Priory Park Panto Experience
2025-12-05 - 2025-12-07, 2025-12-12 - 2025-12-14 | The Guildhall in Priory Park, 1NS, Priory Rd, Chichester, PO19 1NS
At Santa’s Chichester HQ the team are ahead of schedule. Everything has been wrapped, packed and labelled – they are all ready for the big Christmas Eve delivery.
With some unexpected time on their hands, the friends decide to put on a Christmas show, but things quickly take a turn that could mean that Santa, once again, is at risk of being unable to do his seasonal duty. Can Fairy Sparkle save the day? Will Norman get to wear a crown? And will Mrs Santa ever get five minutes peace and quiet?
Delivered by seasoned panto professionals, The Priory Park Panto Experience is a 1-hour magical experience full of all the traditional pantomime ingredients.
At each performance there will be a short meet and greet and a chance to take photos. Children are also welcome to bring their letters to Santa and deliver them to him in person.
Tickets cost £10 for Adults and £7.50 for Children and can be booked here.
Information about the performance

Doors will open 20-30 minutes before the start of the show.
Show length: 45 minutes with 15-minute meet and greet
Seating is unreserved.
Audience members are asked to wrap up warm as The Guildhall can get a little chilly.
Cushions for little ones will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase in The Guildhall.
Access packs available on request.
Public toilets are located in Priory Park.

Date
Time

Friday 5th December
16:30 & 18:30

Saturday 6th December
11:00, 13:30, 15:30

Sunday 7th December
11:00*, 13:30, 15:30
*relaxed performance

Friday 12th December
16:30 & 18:30

Saturday 13th December
11:00, 13:30, 15:30, 18:00

Sunday 14th December
11:00, 13:30, 15:30

The Three Little Pigs at Chichester Festival Theatre
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-28 | Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
From the award-winning Stiles and Drewe (The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Honk!, Half a Sixpence) comes The Three Little Pigs – a ‘very curly musical tail’ that is perfect for the whole family this Christmas!
This charming and witty adventure is full of catchy songs and clever rhymes which will have you squealing with glee as three superstar piglets set about defeating the Big Bad Wolf.
Devoted Mother Pig is raising her three little pigs – sporty Bar, nature-loving Bee and bookworm Q – after Father Pig was gobbled by the Big Bad Wolf. But when their home starts looking like a really messy pigsty, Mother encourages her fast-growing youngsters to make their own way in the big wide world.
Bar, Bee and Q set about building their own houses from straw, sticks and bricks. But can they get the better of the huffing, puffing, always hungry (and a bit misunderstood) Big Bad Wolf?
A co-production with the Unicorn Theatre, this hugely entertaining adaptation of the classic tale is a perfect musical Christmas treat for young families.
Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Tickets are from £10 and can be booked here.

Festive Gonk Trail at The Novium Museum
2025-12-06 - 2026-01-03 | Novium Musuem, 1 Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH, United Kingdom
The Gonks are back! The museum’s cheeky festive gonks are back and hiding all around the museum with stolen Christmas ornaments — can you find out which ornament each has stolen? Track down all the gonks and claim your festive prize!
£2 per trail, including a prize, no need to book – just drop in!

Festive Market
2025-12-06 09:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-13 10:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Chichester City Centre
Wander through East and North Street to discover over 20 unique stalls packed with gifts, crafts and seasonal treats. Indulge in delicious, festive food and drink while soaking up the atmosphere.

Fabulous Christmas Wreath at Brasserie Blanc
2025-12-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Brasserie Blanc, Richmond House, The Square, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7SJ
Come and join Hedge Rose Florist at Brasserie Blanc Chichester for this fantastic Christmas Wreath workshop.
During the morning workshop, you’ll be guided through making a fabulous Christmas wreath to adorn your door from scratch – learning techniques of mossing, foliage binding and wiring decorations. With refreshments provided by Brasserie Blanc.
The workshop is exclusively being held at Brasserie Blanc in Chichester on Saturday 6th December 2025 from 10am – 12pm – spaces are limited.
Tickets cost £70 and can be booked here.

Santa's Grotto at Chichester Festival Theatre
2025-12-06 10:00 - 18:30 | Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
Join our theatre Elves for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their enchanting workshop before believers meet Father Christmas himself. You can take an ‘elfie and little ones receive an early Christmas present to place under the tree. Our elves can’t wait to greet you.
Father Christmas had such a magical time in Chichester, he’s bringing his Grotto (full of Christmas spirit and theatrical magic) back to CFT!
Tickets are from £14 per child and can be booked here.

Indoor Christmas Market
2025-12-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Novium Musuem, 1 Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH, United Kingdom
Following the success of our first event last year, we will be holding an indoor Christmas Market on Sunday 7 December, 10am – 2pm.
Entry to both the museum and the Christmas Market is free, offering a unique setting to browse an exciting selection of handcrafted products, gourmet treats and beautiful decorations from a range of local artists and craftspeople.
There will be festive performances by Bellacapella at 11am and 12.30pm. We will also be offering a free children’s craft activity throughout the day.

Let It Glow – Chichester’s Magical Winter Illumination
2025-12-08 16:30 - 2025-12-21 19:30 | Chichester Cathedral Green, West Street, Chichester, West Sussex
📅 8–21 December 2025
📍 Cathedral Green, Chichester
🕔 Weekdays: 5.00pm–7.00pm | Weekends: 4.30pm–7.30pm
💫 Free Entry
Step into a world of light and colour this Christmas as Chichester Cathedral’s historic Bell Tower is transformed in Let It Glow: Chichester’s Magical Winter Illumination.
Created by MakeAmplify, this free, interactive experience invites visitors of all ages to ‘paint with light’, projecting their creations onto the Cathedral’s walls before exploring glowing installations and festive displays across the Green.
Presented by Chichester BID, Chichester City Council, and Chichester District Council, with support from Chichester Cathedral, sponsorship from Mayo Wynne Baxter, and part-funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Festive Storytelling at The Guildhall
2025-12-09 10:30, 2025-12-10 16:30, 2025-12-16 10:30, 2025-12-18 10:30 | The Guildhall in Priory Park, 1NS, Priory Rd, Chichester, PO19 1NS
Local storyteller Chris North will bring to life a variety of well-loved Christmas stories for little ones with plenty of interactive opportunities to join in including helping make the voices and sound effects!
Stories will include ‘One Snowy Night’ with Percy the Park Keeper; The Snowman; and Chris’ own story, ‘The Christmas Star in the Woods’.
There will also be a game of ‘We’re going on a polar bear hunt’ inspired by the well-known book plus some Christmas songs.
Your little ones will have lots of fun using their imagination and being part of the stories.
£3.50 per child.
Part of Chichester District Council’s festive events programme in Priory Park.

Festive Sound Bath at The Guildhall
2025-12-11 19:00 - 20:30 | The Guildhall in Priory Park, 1NS, Priory Rd, Chichester, PO19 1NS
A Moment of Calm Before Christmas ✨ Step away from the festive rush and gift yourself an afternoon of deep rest. Be soothed by the sounds of the gongs and drift into a dream-like state of relaxation in beautiful surroundings. Let the soothing sounds wash over you as we prepare for the festive period.
Part of Chichester District Council’s festive events programme in Priory Park.
Tickets cost £20 and can be booked here.

Mistletoe & Melodies at Chichester Festival Theatre
2025-12-12 - 2025-12-13 | Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
Join us for an enchanting evening of festive dining and music.
Enjoy your three-course dinner, carefully crafted to bring the flavours of the season to your table, whilst being serenaded by West End performers singing beloved Christmas songs, beautifully accompanied by a pianist. Plus a festive glass of fizz on arrival!
Tickets cost £85 per person and can be booked here.

Vintage & Very Nice Christmas Market at The Assembly Room
2025-12-13 - 2025-12-14 | The Assembly Rooms, North Street, Chichester, Po191LQ
Our next market showcasing the fabulous talents and vintage finds of our traders will be our Christmas Special!
Taking place at The Assembly Room, The Council House, North Street, Chichester on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December, Christmas time will come to Vintage and Very Nice.
Come along and find treats galore! From vintage goodies to hand made treats, artisan gifts and unusual treasures, find them all at the Vintage and Very Nice Christmas Market.
And why not treat yourself to a traditional hot chocolate or a cup of something mulled while you browse the stalls!

Festive Family Day
2025-12-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Chichester City Centre
📅 13 December 2025
📍 Across the city
🕔 11.00am – 4.00pm
💫 Free
Between 11am and 4.00pm, Chichester’s streets will sparkle with festive joy during the Festive Family Day.
Enjoy free activities, storytelling, crafts and live entertainment across the city centre, including creative workshops, festive characters, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. Families can also take part in the Festive Family Trail – collect stamps from participating locations and redeem a special treat from V2 Radio on East Street.
This joyful day is all about celebrating community, creativity, and Christmas spirit in the heart of Chichester.
Click here to discover more and to download your Festive Family Day passport.

Christmas Movies by Candlelight at Chichester Cathedral
2025-12-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Chichester Cathedral, West Street, Chichester, PO19 1PX
Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat with London Concertante’s ‘Christmas at the Movies’ concert, a jolly journey through the heart-warming and hilarious worlds of beloved Christmas films.
This festive celebration boasts a programme of music from timeless films, including ‘White Christmas’, ‘Love Actually’, ‘Home Alone’, ‘Elf’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Experience the magic of Santa’s workshop, embark on a train ride to the North Pole, and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
‘Christmas at the Movies’ promises an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer.
Tickets from £29 and can be booked here.

A Boy Called Christmas at Chichester Festival Theatre
2025-12-15 - 2025-12-31 | Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
To see something, you have to believe in it. Really believe it. That’s the first elf rule. You can’t see something you don’t believe in.
An enthralling, charming and magical tale that tells the true story of Father Christmas.
For 11-year-old Nikolas, whose nickname is Christmas because he was born on 25 December, life isn’t easy. With only a doll made out of a turnip to keep him company, he believes in happiness but isn’t happy very often. Until the day he sets out – with his pet mouse Miika and a reindeer called Blitzen – on an extraordinary quest to follow his father and to find Elfhelm, the fabled village of the elves.
Join Nikolas on this life-changing adventure, full of fantastic characters and beautiful moments, and watch how one little boy comes to be the very symbol of Christmas itself. Full to bursting with festive wonder, this story from the award-winning writer Matt Haig – adapted for the stage by Philip Wilson (Cinderella, Grimm Tales), with original live music and songs by Tom Brady (Pinocchio, The Butterfly Lion) – will warm the hearts of audiences young and old.
In their 40th anniversary year, Chichester Festival Youth Theatre bring their magical gifts for storytelling to another captivating Christmas production, directed by Dale Rooks (The Wind in the Willows, Hey! Christmas Tree).
Tickets from £10 and can be booked here.

Festive Jazz Cafe at The Guildhall
2025-12-16 19:30 | The Guildhall in Priory Park, 1NS, Priory Rd, Chichester, PO19 1NS
Enjoy a delightful mix of seasonal words and music with a jazz band, actors, poets and special guests plus refreshments and free mince pies!
Special guest readers are noted actors Gareth Williams, who had a Christmas Number 1 hit with the Flying Pickets and starred in Guys and Dolls in the West End, plus Paula Tinker whose career has taken her to the Chichester Festival Theatre and the West End. With Mike Carey’s Big House Jazz Band.
Held in the atmospheric setting of the grade 1 listed Guildhall, the Festive Jazz Café is a great way to kick off the run-in to Christmas with mellow jazz classics and entertaining readings. Expect all your favourite tunes, plus entertaining and inspiring readings.
A joint CDC/South Downs Poetry Festival seasonal gala.
Tickets cost £12 and can be booked here.

New Park Centre Carol Singing
2025-12-18 18:00 - 19:30 | New Park Community Centre, New Park Road, Chichester, PO19 7XY
Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with Chichester Community Choir at New Park Centre.
18.00–19.30 (Old Dojo Hall) An evening of Christmas carols, community, festive cheer and mince pies.
Everyone welcome! Visit – newparkcentre.org.uk
