Christmas Light Shows near Chichester

When most people think of Chichester it's the harbour, the beaches at West Wittering, and long evenings in the pub garden. December has a lot to offer too, the city gets cosy, the villages light up, and there’s plenty going on in the run-up to Christmas. If you’re thinking of coming down to stay over the festive season, here’s some of the best things to do.

The Chichester Christmas Tractor Run

You may have seen a lot of Christmas events but this one is rather unique! Every December, local farmers cover their tractors in Christmas lights and drive them in convoy through the lanes and villages around Chichester. The last couple of runs have had more than 60 tractors. Some are wrapped in simple strings of fairy lights. Others have clearly taken weeks: full nativity scenes, giant snowmen, reindeer bolted to the bonnet, and the odd Santa waving from the cab. All of it is for charity. The money goes to the Air Ambulance, which relies on donations for most of its funding. Volunteers walk alongside with buckets, and the run has raised well over £35,000 since it started.

This year’s run is on Sunday 13 December. It usually sets off at around 5pm and winds through the villages west of the city before finishing at Funtington. The best way to see it is to pick a spot on the route, wrap up warm and wait for the glow coming round the corner. West Stoke or the Fox & Hounds at Funtington are good spots to await their arrival! You’ll hear the horns before you see anything. The route and exact timings come out nearer the date, so keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page or ask us when you arrive.

Christmas Lights in Chichester

Chichester’s own Christmas lights go on in late November, and the switch-on is a proper community do with music, stalls and a big crowd at the Cross. On the 12th September there's a family day in the town with free family activities across the city, including festive candle making and Never Land themed crafts.

Bigger light trails in Sussex

If you want a full evening out, there are a few ticketed light trails within reach.

Leonardslee Lights, near Horsham, runs from 27 November to 30 December this year. The lakes and woodland gardens are lit up along a walking trail, and the reflections on the water are the best bit.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst, out near Ardingly, is a lantern-lit walk through the botanic garden run by Kew. It’s a little further, about an hour, but it’s a really creative trail through an amazing garden.

Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, is another good one if you have children with you, and it takes about 45 minutes to get there.

Enlightened Staunton near Havant. A smaller trail, perfect for little children at a play farm 10 minutes away.

Light Up Trails at Hillier Gardens a beautiful trail around an arboreteum about an hour away.

All of these sell out on the busier nights, especially the weekends closest to Christmas, so book ahead if you have a date in mind.

Christmas shopping in Chichester

The centre of Chichester is compact and easy to walk round, with the usual high street names alongside lots of independents: bookshops, galleries, delis and small boutiques down the side streets and in the Pallant. Visit the Artisans Gallery at the top of north street for beautiful wares made by local artists, with gifts at every price point. Late-night shopping usually runs on Thursday evenings in December, and the festive markets set up in the city over a few weekends in the run-up to Christmas.

Just up the road, West Dean Gardens holds its Christmas market on 27 and 28 November. It’s a good spot for presents you won’t find anywhere else, from local makers, food producers and craftspeople, and the gardens themselves are worth a wander while you’re there.

If you love designer gear, Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth is about half an hour away, with outlet shopping right on the waterfront. Petworth is the opposite: small, old and full of antique shops, and a lovely place to spend a slow afternoon hunting for curios in tiny shops.

Holiday Cottages ready for Christmas

We love decorating the Oakwood West Holiday cottages for Christmas, the decorations go up at the start of December, giving each cottage a jolly & festive feel. Each cottage has a log burner, a hot tub, and cosy sofas to sink into. It's the best time of year for stargazing, cheese boards, and relaxing in the hot tub! If you'd like to see our holiday cottages take a look at our website.