When the fairy lights go up and the sea air turns crisp, Eastbourne makes a wonderfully festive winter escape. From the big Christmas lights switch-on and a town-centre market to pantomimes, carols and free seafront concerts, here’s our guide to Christmas in Eastbourne — the events, the shopping and the seasonal things to do.
The Christmas lights switch-on
The festive season traditionally kicks off with Eastbourne’s Christmas lights switch-on, usually held on a Saturday in late November at Bankers Corner on Terminus Road. It’s a full day of free entertainment in the town centre, with dozens of market stalls, live music, street performers, children’s rides and street food, building up to a torchlit procession and the big switch-on of the lights and giant Christmas tree at around 6pm — sometimes rounded off with a fireworks finale. It’s a genuinely lovely community occasion and a firm favourite in the local calendar.
Christmas markets and shopping
Through December the town centre glows with festive lights, and the Christmas market around Terminus Road fills with stalls selling handmade gifts and seasonal treats, with the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the air. For unique presents, look out for the artisan craft fair held beneath the beautiful Victorian glass roof of the Enterprise Centre by the station, and for festive events in Little Chelsea, the town’s independent quarter, with live music and craft stalls. The Beacon and Terminus Road cover the high-street names too — see our Eastbourne shopping guide for more.
Local tip: the market and switch-on are an easy walk from Eastbourne station — around 5–10 minutes up Terminus Road — so it’s well worth leaving the car and arriving by train, especially on the busy switch-on evening.
Pantomime, shows and carols
No British Christmas is complete without a pantomime, and Eastbourne’s traditional panto lights up the historic Devonshire Park Theatre from early December into the new year. The nearby Congress Theatre hosts big festive touring shows and concerts, while down on the seafront the much-loved Christmas and New Year concerts return with festive entertainment — and they’re completely free. You’ll also find carols from the Salvation Army and local choirs, community singalongs, and a festive family film at Towner‘s cinema to get everyone in the mood.
Festive things to do
Beyond the big events, there’s plenty of seasonal charm to soak up. Sovereign Shines brings a glittering light display and a weekend of family fun to Sovereign Harbour, Santa’s grottos pop up around town, and on Boxing Day the Long Man Morris dancers perform on the Wish Tower Slopes — a delightful local tradition. Wrap up warm for a stroll along the pier, a bracing winter walk on the Beachy Head cliffs, or a warming lunch in one of the town’s cosy pubs.
Good to know: Christmas dates, events, the pantomime title and features like ice rinks and grottos change every year — always check the Visit Eastbourne and Eastbourne BID websites for the current season’s full programme before planning your visit.
Christmas in Eastbourne: FAQs
When are Eastbourne’s Christmas lights switched on?
The Christmas lights switch-on is usually held on a Saturday in late November at Bankers Corner on Terminus Road, with the lights turned on at around 6pm after a day of free entertainment. Check the current year’s date before you go.
Is there a Christmas market in Eastbourne?
Yes — a festive market runs in the town centre around Terminus Road with gift and food stalls, and there’s an artisan craft fair under the Victorian glass roof of the Enterprise Centre. Little Chelsea also hosts festive shopping events.
What Christmas shows are on in Eastbourne?
The traditional pantomime plays at the Devonshire Park Theatre from December into January, the Congress Theatre hosts festive touring shows, and there are free Christmas and New Year concerts on the seafront.
What is there to do in Eastbourne at Christmas?
Enjoy the lights and market, catch a pantomime or concert, visit the Sovereign Shines light display, meet Santa, watch the Boxing Day Morris dancers on the Wish Tower Slopes, and take a wrapped-up winter walk along the pier or the cliffs.
More to explore: see what’s on in Eastbourne, the shopping guide, and the best time to visit Eastbourne.