As the crowds of summer fade, Brighton and Hove becomes a festive fantasy with festivals, markets and independent shops
With Christmas just around the corner, one English seaside town has been ranked the best place to visit to celebrate the festive season.
Despite the chill winter weather, the feeling of Christmas is sparked by the glow of festive lights, the scent of mulled wine and pine, the sound of carols and cosy gatherings by the fire. It is also the perfect time to wrap up warm and explore buzzing Christmas markets or long winter walks by the sea.
According to a study undertaken by the experts at Go Outdoors, Brighton and Hove ranked as England’s most festive city. Only beaten by the Scottish cities of Inverness, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, the southern belle of the south coast scored an overall 9.38 on the Christmas adventure score.
READ MORE: Breathtaking coastal path past three castles is one of UK’s best winter walks
The survey gathered results across a range of festive factors, including Google searches for Christmas walks, the number of bars and pubs per 1,000 people, Christmas market days, ice skating rinks, and average annual snowfall days.
Brighton and Hove came out on top beating other much-loved UK cities including Nottingham, Manchester and Whitby.
Brighton and Hove are where the spirit of Christmas finds a refreshing coastal twist. While most people picture bustling markets and snow-covered streets, Brighton offers something different—a trip to the seaside filled with lights, local flavours and bracing winter landscapes.
Embracing the holiday season with a unique coastal charm, Brighton offers 46 scenic trails for winter walks along the coast and into the South Downs. Its festive atmosphere is complemented by a thriving dining scene, with 4.17 restaurants per 1,000 residents, including local favourites like The Salt Room for seafood and Terre à Terre for vegetarian feasts.
Holiday highlights include the enchanting Brighton Lights at One Garden Brighton, a dazzling light show. This year the spectacle is open to the public on the weekend of December 7 and 8, before a two-week run from December 11 until December 23.
Visitors can explore a light trail beyond a historic walled garden, through Stanmer’s famous orchard and the beautifully illuminated Palm House.
Another festive tradition that draws visitors for festive frolics is the Royal Pavilion’s open-air ice rink. Offering twinkly fun from October 26 until January 5, the ice rink is the perfect outdoor activity which lets visitors skate in view of the iconic palace.
The city is also famous for its eclectic nightlife, perfect for Christmas parties, cabaret nights, DJ events and much more. Home to a diverse music scene, the city attracts partygoers and music lovers from all over the UK and beyond.
Christmas shopping in Brighton is a delight, with a mix of independent shops nestled in the winding alleyways of The Lanes and the seafront arches.
For a more seasonal experience, visitors can explore the festive Christmas Market and the Artists Open Houses events, adding a creative twist to their holiday shopping.
There are also more unusual traditions that take place in the city. Burn the Clocks, for example, is an annual Brighton event celebrating the winter solstice.
Participants carry hand-made lanterns in a procession that ends with burning them on the beach, symbolising the return of light. First held in 1994, it’s a creative, community-driven tradition marking the start of the holiday season.
The Brighton area is also a treasure trove of scenic walking trails that reveal the beauty of the coast and the nearby South Downs.
From exploring the rugged cliff paths or wandering along a gentle coastal route, there are plenty of nearby trails to help you enjoy Brighton’s unique winter charm.
During the winter months, the city attracts a slower pace and fewer crowds, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the ocean views and the sound of waves – perfect for blowing the cobwebs away at Christmas.
