December is here and the countdown to Christmas has begun. There is no better place than Brighton to be during the festive period. Of course, Brighton is the ideal place for a spot of Christmas shopping, with plenty of independent cafes where you can refuel. But as well as the shopping, the nightlife and the delicious restaurants, there are all sorts of extra things going on in December that you won’t want to miss
Ice skating
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is a stunning pop up ice rink in the Royal Pavilion Gardens. The main rink is large and there is a separate area for kamikaze kids and brave parents to find their balance. Or, you can just go and while away a couple of hours in the rink-side bar and restaurant, enjoying some mulled wine and enjoying the Christmas atmosphere.
Beach Hut Advent Calendar
That’s right Brighton….well…Hove, actually, has its very own beach hut advent calendar. Head down to Hove seafront and each day during Advent a different beach hut will be opened to reveal a festive scene inside.
Smugglers’ Night, Rottingdean – 3rd December 2016
Just outside Brighton lies the picturesque village of Rottingdean. Although all seems calm and peaceful in Rottingdean at the moment, in the past it was rife with smugglers and inspired Rudyard Kipling’s Smugglers Song. The Smugglers’ Night is a celebration of Rottingdean’s past and involves a torch lit procession so and fireworks. Remember – them that asks no questions isn’t told a lie.
Santa Dash – 12th December 2016
For a mere £17.50 you can enter into the Brighton 2016 Santa Dash. You will be provided with a Santa suit that you can slip on over your running gear and go for a leisurely 5k jog along the nice, flat seafront all for charity. There is also a 400m race for children. If you’re not the running type, then it is still definitely worth heading down to the seafront on 10th December to watch all the Santa’s go.
Burning The Clocks – 21st December 2016
This unique Brighton event celebrates the winter solstice and is a much loved tradition. Locals parade down to the seafront with willow lanterns for a bonfire and fireworks on the beach to mark the turning of the year. If you are in Brighton on 21st December, then Burning the Clocks is not to be missed.