The festive season can be a joyful time — but for some, it can be overwhelming, isolating, or emotionally complex. That’s why finding gentle, uplifting activities where you can connect with others, enjoy a moment to yourself, or share a special experience with the person you care for can make such a difference.
This guide brings together a curated list of festive events across West Sussex from carol concerts and community choirs to artisan markets and light-switch-on celebrations. Each event has been chosen for its opportunities for connection, and potential to bring a moment of lightness to your winter.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon concert, a bustling local market, or a magical evening out, here are some ways to make the festive season feel special without added stress.
Carol & Choral Events
Arundel
Arundel Carol Concert
Mon 15 Dec 2025 – Arundel Cathedral, BN18 9AY
A candlelit evening of choral music, mince pies, and warm festive atmosphere.
Carer-friendly: calm, uplifting, and not too long.
❄️Christmas Concert in the Cathedral
Sat 13 Dec 2025 – Arundel Cathedral
A traditional Christmas performance by the Arundel Choral Society.
Worthing
🎄Christmas Carol Concert
Wednesday 10th of December, 11:30am, St Symphorian’s Church, Durrington Hill, BN13 3HU.
For further information please contact tim.wilkins@alzheimers.org.uk or call 07801 136212
❄️ Guild Care Christmas Carol Concert
Tue 10 Dec 2025 – Christ Church, Worthing
Local choirs performing in a friendly community environment.
Carer-friendly: early evening, supportive of carers and cared-for guests.
Crawley
🎄 Christmas Carol Concert
Thursday 11th December 2025 – 3.30pm start, Crawley Baptist Church, RH11 7HJ
For further information please contact tim.wilkins@alzheimers.org.uk or call 07801 136212
Haywards Heath
❄️Christmas Concert with Spring Chickens Choir
Monday 15th December -2pm start. St. Richards Chursh, Sydney Road, RH16 1QE
For further information please contact tim.wilkins@alzheimers.org.uk or call 07801 136212
Lancing
🎄 Lancing Carol Concert
Wed 17 Dec 2025 – Lancing College Chapel
Traditional carols in one of the most stunning chapels in the county.
❄️ Care for Veterans: Christmas Carol Concert
Sun 14 Dec 2025 – Lancing College Chapel
A heart-warming festive concert supporting a local charity.
Chichester
🎄 A Festive Christmas Concert
Fri 12 Dec 2025 – St Paul’s Church, Chichester
Seasonal songs in a welcoming, intimate setting.
Petworth
❄️ Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra – A Christmas Carol
Fri 19 Dec 2025 – St Mary’s Church, Petworth
A musical retelling of Dickens’ classic with orchestral magic.
🎄 Christmas at Petworth House – Choir Evenings
Sat 29 Nov & Sat 20 Dec 2025
Choir performances in the courtyard during the National Trust’s festive experience.
Carer-friendly: beautifully atmospheric and gentle-paced.
Horsham
❄️ Christmas choirs will perform on the Carfax Bandstand
Every Saturday from 29 November to 20 December 11am -1pm
FESTIVE MARKETS & SEASONAL SHOPPING
Browse, chat, discover and enjoy the community spirit.
Petworth
Petworth Christmas Cracker Market
Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Town centre
One of the county’s most-loved festive markets, with 70+ artisan stalls.
Horsham
Horsham Fairtrade Christmas Market
Sat 29 Nov 2025 – St John’s Church Hall
Ethical gifts, festive treats, and indoor seating for a relaxing visit.
Midhurst
Midhurst Christmas Street Party
Fri 5 Dec 2025 – Town centre
Late-night shopping, entertainment, stalls, and a great community buzz.
Shoreham
Dogs Trust Shoreham
Sun 7th Dec 2025 | 11am-2pm
If you are looking for a paw-fect way to enjoy some festive cheer, while helping the dogs in our care, please do come along to one of our fantastic Dogs Trust Christmas fairs!
Henfield
Henfield Christmas Events & Markets
5–7 Dec 2025 – High Street & Henfield Hall
A weekend of markets and festive celebrations, including an evening event and artisan fair.
Chichester & Surrounding Villages
West Dean Christmas Market
Sat 29 Nov 2025 – West Dean Gardens
Beautiful surroundings and thoughtfully curated local artisans.
Worthing
Wadars Christmas Fair
Sun 23 Nov 2025 – Durrington Community Centre
A community-led Christmas fair supporting a local animal charity.
Crawley
Tilgate Park’s Magical Christmas
6–7, 13–14 & 20–23 Dec 2025 – Tilgate Park, Crawley
A winter wonderland experience with festive displays in the Walled Garden.
COMMUNITY & LIGHTS EVENTS
🌟Tilgate Park’s Magical Christmas
🌟Christmas at Petworth House: A Christmas Enchantment
These events offer gentle walking, photo opportunities, and a chance to soak up the season’s glow.
🌟Billingshurst / Kirdford Father Christmas Charity Road Run
Spectators across the villages enjoyed seeing all the tractors on display, and the event once again aims to celebrate community spirit while supporting a good cause.
Participants will meet in Kirdford, where the team at the Half Moon Pub will host, with the bar open and caterers on-site. Everyone is encouraged to spread the word and help grow the event.
Meet at 3:30pm, departing at 4:30pm
🌟Arundel Arundel Illuminated Tractor Run
Dates: Saturday 7th December 2025 |Time: 12.00pm – 7.00pm | Place: High Street, Arundel
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The festive season can bring emotions, challenges, and pressures that many don’t see — but you deserve moments of joy, rest, and connection. Whether you attend a peaceful carol concert or stroll through an artisan market, we hope you remember that we are here to support you in your caring role. Please do contact our Helpline if you would like to access any of our services.
If you are running a Christmas event and would like to see the details listed here, please email information to info@carerssupport.org.uk using the title Christmas listing.
Please note that Carers Support West Sussex does not endorse any of the events listed. We advise checking directly with the organisers to confirm that events are still taking place before you travel, as we cannot accept responsibility for any changes or cancellations.
