When the summer crowds thin out, Eastbourne settles into a cosier, no-less-characterful season. From a beer festival and a legendary clifftop marathon to crackling bonfire nights and the sparkle of Christmas by the sea, there’s plenty to fill the calendar. Here’s your guide to the best autumn and winter events in Eastbourne.
Autumn highlights
Autumn kicks off in fine style. October brings the Eastbourne Beer Festival, a hugely popular celebration of real ales, ciders and live music, while endurance fans lace up for the Beachy Head Marathon, one of the biggest off-road marathons in the country, run across the spectacular clifftops and Downs. Add half-term family activities and Halloween happenings around the town, and there’s no shortage of things to do as the leaves turn.
Bonfire night
November means bonfire season — and in Sussex, that’s a very big deal. The county has a proud and unique bonfire tradition, and Eastbourne and its neighbouring towns and villages mark the period around the fifth with spectacular bonfires, torchlit processions and firework displays. It’s an atmospheric, quintessentially Sussex spectacle, and well worth wrapping up warm for.
Local tip: Sussex bonfire celebrations run across several weekends through autumn, hosted by different towns and villages in turn — so you can often catch more than one procession if you plan ahead.
Christmas by the sea
December transforms the town into a festive treat. Christmas in Eastbourne brings the switch-on of the town-centre lights, seasonal markets, an ice rink, late-night shopping and a packed programme of festive entertainment. Whether you’re browsing for gifts, gliding across the ice or simply soaking up the sparkle along the seafront, it’s a lovely time to visit — cosy, characterful and far quieter than the summer rush.
Through the winter
The fun doesn’t stop once the decorations come down. Eastbourne’s theatres come into their own over the colder months, with a traditional Christmas pantomime and a full season of plays, musicals and concerts to brighten the darker evenings. Add the town’s galleries, cinemas and indoor attractions, and the odd bracing clifftop walk on a crisp, clear day, and there’s every reason to enjoy Eastbourne right through to spring.
Autumn & winter events: FAQs
What’s on in Eastbourne in autumn?
October highlights include the Eastbourne Beer Festival and the Beachy Head Marathon, followed by Sussex’s famous bonfire night celebrations in November.
Does Eastbourne have Christmas events?
Yes — December brings the Christmas lights switch-on, seasonal markets, an ice rink, festive shopping and a pantomime, making it a lovely time to visit.
When is the Beachy Head Marathon?
It’s usually held in late October, taking runners across the dramatic clifftops and South Downs — one of the UK’s biggest off-road marathons.
Is Eastbourne worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely — it’s quieter and cosier, with festive events, a lively theatre and panto season, indoor attractions and crisp, clear days perfect for a clifftop walk.
Plan ahead: see the full what’s on in Eastbourne guide, discover Christmas in Eastbourne, or look ahead to summer events.