Discover more in Sussex
Sussex is a place of iconic coastline, gardens, literary greats, rolling South Downs, vast art collections and a castle.
Christmas in Sussex
We're bringing festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Sussex this Christmas 2026.
Top Christmas days out in Sussex
Christmas at Nymans: The Gruffalo Art Adventure
21 Nov - 17 Jan. Join us at Nymans this Christmas for The Gruffalo Art Adventure, inspired by the much-loved stories created by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Explore the garden where 12 giant Gruffalo sculptures have each been painted by artists, inspired by the patterns of nature. Keep an eye out for Gruffalo-inspired games and challenges along the trail. The adventure continues in the house, where the rooms are beautifully dressed for Christmas with an enchanting winter woodland theme. The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Nymans is presented by the National Trust and Wild in Art, in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.
Snowdogs™ Discover Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas
8 Nov – 10 Jan. Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for a magical Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas trail! Discover ten beautifully hand-painted Snowdog™ sculptures around the garden and delight in festive games and activities for all the family. Warm up with a hot chocolate and mince pie at our festive food stalls and make magical Christmas memories. Snowdogs™ Discover at Sheffield Park and Garden is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin.
Dreaming of Christmas at Standen
21 Nov - 5 Jan. It’s Christmas and the Beale family have decorated their home in festive splendour, inspired by its beautiful Arts and Crafts interiors. See patterns escaping from wallpapers, peacocks leaping from curtains and Christmas magic inspired by the family’s playful storytelling, weaving enchantment into every corner. Outside, set off on a playful adventure around the garden and follow the Merry Mice family Christmas trail. Follow your trail map to discover sing-along moments, family games, and plenty of laughter along the way.
A Magical Christmas at Petworth House
28 Nov - 3 Jan. Nature becomes the artist this Christmas at Petworth House. Journey through grand state rooms of where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world. Each room glows with wonder. There will be towering trees, late openings, workshops, a Christmas makers market, all new Festive Teas and much more.
The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman's
14 Nov - 3 Jan. This year at Bateman’s, follow Baloo the sleepy brown bear through the house and step into scenes from The Jungle Book brought to life. Don’t forget to explore the gardens too, you never know who might be hiding there, waiting to be discovered! The world-renowned author of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling, lived at Bateman’s for over 30 years, and the house remains to this day a warm and welcoming family home.
Christmas at Bodiam Castle
28 Nov - 3 Jan. Unwrap Bodiam Castle this Christmas. With twinkling lights, Christmas trees in tower rooms, Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle courtyard and warming treats in the Wharf tea-room, experience the charm of Bodiam Castle during the festive season.
