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Child sitting on the bench under the colourful archway in the enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex
Child sitting on the bench under the colourful archway in the enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex | © Megan Taylor

Christmas in Sussex

This information is from Christmas 2024, when we brought festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Sussex.

Top Christmas days out in Sussex

Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe 

23 Nov - 5 Jan. Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ classic tale, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ explore enchanting scenes on a magical, festive journey through the house and garden.

Nymans Christmas illustration, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas 

30 Nov - 12 Jan. The World of the Snowman™ is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden. Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Look out for twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™. Traditional fairground rides and games add to the fun.

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

Christmas at Petworth House 

30 Nov - 5 Jan. Discover a festive wonderland at Petworth House. The historic state rooms are filled with showstopping trees, twinkling lights and atmospheric lanterns. Look out for mischievous mice and a beautiful paper-crafted nativity scene.

Brilliant gold and festooned Christmas trees in the Carved Room at Petworth, West Sussex

Christmas at Standen: All I want for Christmas 

16 Nov - 5 Jan. Step inside Standen - an imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home at Christmas, atmospherically lit with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. Follow a family trail around the garden and meet Father Christmas in his woodland den.

The Dining Room decorated for Christmas

Christmas at Bodiam Castle 

30 Nov - 5 Jan. Bodiam Castle is decorated with natural foliage and greenery for a medieval-style Christmas. Get stuck into medieval feast-inspired games, curl up for stories in the cosy, grotto-style tower room and enjoy live musical performances.

Christmas wreaths on the doors to the castle

A Writer’s Christmas at Bateman’s 

16 Nov - 5 Jan. Enter the jungle and a world of festive warmth, colour, tradition and creativity. Discover the animals from Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved tale ‘The Jungle Book’ around the house. Little ones can spot the tree monkeys jumping on the bed and Baloo the bear, as well as a special Christmas cake inspired by the story. 

The Jungle Book themed Christmas Decorations in the  Hall at Bateman's, East Sussex

Christmas at Lamb House 

25 Nov - 22 Dec. Immerse yourself in the jazz age at Lamb House as we celebrate Christmas inspired by the Mapp & Lucia book series by E. F. Benson. Enjoy 1930s music and explore the house as it's transformed to resemble the fictional Mallards residence, which was based on Lamb House when Benson lived here. Experience workshops, trails, and lots of references to these classic books sprinkled throughout your visit.

A festive Christmas Tree greets visitors at Lamb House
House reflected in the mill pond at Bateman's, East Sussex

Discover more in Sussex

Sussex is a place of iconic coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle.