With everything from a fantastic array of local food and drinks, artisan gifts to festive entertainment and events, the magic of the season is right on your doorstep.
Make the most of our free festive events
We will have an evening not to be missed on 24 November with our fantastic panto cast performing in Horsham’s Carfax along with great shopping opportunities and delicious food. Check out the Christmas events page for full listings including festive acts, seasonal activities and traditional carolling.
Marvel at magical displays
Look out for fantastic Christmas windows and displays when you visit Horsham District high streets and you could win a great prize for your family.
You will find details of our Christmas displays competition on our social media pages and each business taking part will display a special window sticker or sign that they are part of the Council’s ‘Buy Local Gift Happy’ campaign. Get involved via the Council website.
Find the best of arts and culture on your doorstep
We have a dazzling Christmas line up at The Capitol including our panto Beauty and the Beast starring John Partridge, as well as The Gingerbread Boy for our younger theatregoers.
Don’t forget to check out our New Year shows to kick-start your 2024 in style. One highlight will be the fantastic There’s a Monster in Your Show –based on Tom Fletcher’s wonderful interactive adventure books. Find out about all the shows on offer via The Capitol website.
Horsham Museum and Art Gallery
Don’t forget Horsham Museum& Art Gallery is packed full of fascinating collections, free to visit and open Tuesday to Saturday,10am to 4pm. We are open until 23 December, and then reopening for 2024 on 2 January.
Read about our new children’s gallery, the A-Z of History on page 4 (opening on 16 December) and check out the Museum website for details of our events, free children’s trails and crafts running from 19 to 22 December. Make a visit part of your family’s seasonal tradition and absorb local history at our beautifully decorated museum in the heart of Horsham.
Absorb the festive market scene
Nothing feels more Christmassy than enjoying a mulled wine in a beautiful buzzing market town and choosing perfect gifts from artisan traders. With markets in Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Steyning and Storrington there is always something to discover. You can find details on market events on the Council website.
Sample local food and drink with Sussex Six
Sussex Six helps you to find the best of local produce in food businesses across the District. Lookout for the logo on shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafés where you will find at least six great locally sourced products.
We have been working in collaboration with Natural Partnerships CIC to deliver Sussex Six as part of our Plate Up Local initiative. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Find out more via the Sussex Six website.
Spark imaginations on our AR kids trails
Have some free festive fun this Christmas by taking part in a new interactive digital trail in each of our high streets. Find 10 festive-themed illustrated characters in your local town centre and use the QR code displayed to ‘meet’ them. Each has a festive challenge for you and a prize.
Choose what happens in the story and see the characters come to life in ‘Augmented Reality’ (AR).The trails have been commissioned by the Council, delivered by geo-gaming platform High Street Safari, and managed by local community partners. Select your location and complete the trail via the High Street Safari website.
Our parks have so much to offer on a crisp wintry day
Explore our green spaces from woodlands to waterways, sports facilities and play parks. There is so much for all ages. Discover what you can see and do via the Council 's Parks and Countryside webpages.
Enjoy wildlife
Warnham Local Nature Reserve is just one of our great green spaces across the District to catch up with wildlife. The Reserve is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but open to enjoy the rest of the Christmas holidays. The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve are running a number of festive events including wreath making. Find out more via the Warnham Local Nature Reserve website.
Walk or cycle your way into 2024
Blow out the cobwebs with our free walking routes,heritage trails and cycle rides for all abilities.
Join us for a Wellbeing Walk
Our popular Wellbeing Walks take place across the District and are free, sociable, and family-friendly. Our walk programme is published monthly on the Council website.
Get into Volleyball
Our Sports Development team has been helping to establish a new mixed adult volleyball club. Redstars Horsham Volleyball Club train on Tuesday evenings at The Forest School in Horsham and play matches on a Sunday afternoon. Further information can be found on the Council's Sport and Leisure webpages.
Community activities
Don’t forget to look out on our Neighbourhood Wardens Facebook page to find brilliant board games and fantastic community group events.
