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
This Christmas 2023 we're bringing festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Sussex.
Top Christmas days out in Sussex
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A Nutcracker Christmas at Nymans
Sparkling Christmas trees, colourful scenes and giant Nutcracker soldiers bring this enchanting adventure to life at Nymans, 18 November - 1 January. Costumes from Matthew Bourne’s dance production Nutcracker! are on display in the Gallery. In the house discover ‘The Land of Sweets’ complete with sumptuous sweety banquet decorations. A trail in the garden takes families through the magical world of the Nutcracker. House open daily 11-3.30pm, (closed 24 & 25 Dec).
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Christmas at Sheffield Park and Garden
Discover our new outdoor trail Mouse & Mole at Christmas Time, based on the children's Christmas book, 1 December - 2 January. Find inspiration as you follow our Making Trail around the garden featuring traditional Christmassy crafts. Look out for festive photo stops brimming with twinkling lights and cosy Christmas joy. Plus wreath making workshops, carol singing and more.
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Christmas at Petworth House
Celebrate Christmas with a tree-mendous visual display at Petworth House, 25 November – 1 January. The Marble Hall has been transformed into an enchanted winter garden. Continue through the rooms to see showstopping trees decked with colour and sparkle, inspired by Petworth’s magnificent collections. The historic kitchens reveal a tempting dessert display, with playful mice hiding. Free with usual admission. Plus Christmas choirs, festive Maker's Market, workshops and lates.
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All I Want for Christmas at Standen
Step inside this imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home at Christmas, atmospherically lit and filled with twinkling lights and festive Christmas trees. Then gather the family all together for a festive fun trail around the garden. 18 Nov – 1 Jan: 11am–3.30pm, free with usual admission. Plus join Spun Glass Theatre and enter the world of Betwixmas, a place of festive make with clowning, puppetry and music. An interactive experience for all the family. £12.50 (child incl gift). Selected dates 25 Nov to 23 Dec.
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Christmas at Uppark House and Garden
Explore a traditional Christmas at Uppark, 18 November - 31 December. Feel the thrill of glitz and glamour upstairs in the house where we welcome you in with twinkling Christmas trees. Whilst downstairs is all about the hustle and bustle of preparation, think citrussy scents and bottles of champagne.
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Christmas at Bodiam Castle
Enjoy a magical Christmas at 14th century Bodiam Castle, 25 November - 1 January. With trees lining the courtyard, twinkling lights all around and atmospheric tower rooms, immerse yourself in the festive spirit. You’ll find Father Christmas’ sleigh in the courtyard, live Christmas music, a new festive family trail, crafts and storytelling. 10am to 3pm (closed 24 & 25 December). Selected dates only for some activities.
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A Writer’s Christmas at Bateman’s
See Bateman’s house dressed for a traditional Christmas, 18 November to 1 January. With real Christmas trees, fresh floral displays, twinkly lights and golden decorations inspired by Rudyard Kipling and his writing. See if you can spot the paraphernalia of Kipling the writer - the manuscripts, typewriters, fountain pens, spectacles, and ink wells that were the tools of his trade - creatively displayed around the house in all its magical Christmas finery. Head out into the garden for a new family trail inspired by the Kipling family Christmas. (Closed 24 & 25 December).
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A 1970s Christmas at Lamb House
Red-bricked Lamb House in the heart of Rye is transformed with Christmas trees, lights, decorations and objects reminiscent of the colourful 1970s when award-winning author Rumer Godden lived there, 27 November to 20 December. Inspired by her Christmas tale ‘The Fairy Doll’, there will be contemporary toys, family crafts, opportunities to decorate the Christmas tree and weekly storybook readings. (Closed Thursdays).