The Ultimate Christmas Experience in Brighton

It’s hard to believe that Brighton used to be a tiny fishing village. For nearly 250 years, largely thanks to the disreputable exploits of George IV, it’s been the number one seaside resort for a party.

And, er… a weekend away for a bit of extracurricular.

Unlike other British coastal resorts, Brighton maintains its allure all year round. At Christmas time in particular, the twinkly lights and neon reindeers only enhance its famously louche raffishness.

In this article, we take you through some ideas for the ultimate Christmas experience in Brighton.

Ice skating at Brighton Pavilion

Every winter, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion becomes the magnificent setting for an outdoor ice skating rink.

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is right next to George IV’s gorgeously outrageous seaside pleasure palace in Pavilion Gardens. You can glide gracefully (or not so gracefully) around the rink while admiring the Kubla Khan-inspired minarets of this famously over-the-top royal palace.

The child-friendly rink is open from 9.30am to 9.30pm, and each skating session lasts for 45 minutes. It’s a great way to exercise without realising it — and justification for cake.

If skating isn’t your thing, there’s a rinkside bar and cafe where you can sit in comfort and laugh at other people falling over on the ice rink.

Fancy a spot of lunch?

Brighton has some of the best cafes in the UK, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere for lunch.

If you’re looking for a small independent caff and lots of local colour, head to Trafalgar Street. This bustling little street runs downhill from Brighton Station to the North Laines and it’s packed full of quirky shops, boutiques and great places to eat.

Kitchen Cafe, towards the bottom of Trafalgar Street, is worth a visit. It’s been in business for more than 50 years, and was recently voted by locals as their favourite Brighton cafe.

Christmas shopping heaven

Christmas shopping in Brighton is a joy. It’s like travelling back in time to the days before shopping centres ruled the retail world.

The Lanes is the most famous shopping area in Brighton, and there isn’t a department store in sight. Along its labyrinthian cobbled streets you’ll find independent shops, antique emporiums and small retail outlets selling everything from dungarees to diamonds.

Then there’s the North Laine. This network of streets is a trendy, quirky and bohemian collection of around 300 small shops, all independent traders.

If you’re struggling to buy a Christmas present for the person who has everything, you’ll definitely find it in the North Laine. Many of Brighton’s artists have workshops and galleries in the area. It’s a great place to pick up something unique.

Pre-dinner drinks

Darkness falls early at Christmas time, but Brighton doesn’t care about that. The city comes into its own after sunset.

You may be heading out to a restaurant — or perhaps you’ve booked one of our shared Christmas parties in Brighton. Whatever your plans, there’s no shortage of cool places for pre-prandial cocktails.

The locals won’t thank us for revealing this next location because it’s Brighton’s best kept secret. But hey, let’s do it anyway…

Bar Valentino is hidden in plain sight. It’s right next door to the famous Theatre Royal, but you’d be forgiven for missing it. Even some lifelong Brightonians don’t know it’s there. The bar staff mix the best cocktails in town and, if the weather is kind, you can step out onto the balcony overlooking the city’s cultural quarter. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching.

Your evening entertainment

Well, obviously the best evening’s entertainment in Brighton is the James Bond themed Skyball Christmas Party at the Metropole Hotel.

But we would say that, wouldn’t we.

If you’ve missed out on tickets to the party, don’t worry. There are other ways to spend the evening in Brighton. Lots of ways.

Pinot and Picasso is probably the most original. It’s very… Brighton. While sipping on a glass of fine wine, and using art materials provided, you get to create your own masterpiece. If you’re not quite at Picasso’s level yet, a talented (and patient) artist is there to guide you step-by-step through your artwork.

The after-party party

Ask any local of a certain age about their favourite nightclub in Brighton, and you’ll get just one answer — the Zap. It opened in 1982 and became the blueprint for clubbing throughout the 80s and 90s.

It’s still there at King’s Road Arches on the lower seafront, although it’s been renamed The Arch.

When it opened, the Zap was the only nightclub on the seafront. These days, there are loads to choose from. Walk west along the beachfront from Brighton pier and you’ll come across at least half a dozen.

Just a hop and a skip away from the beach is Brighton’s longest-established nightclub, Casablanca. It has been serving up an irresistible mix of live bands, soul, funk, disco and pop since 1979.

Are you still kicking yourself about that Christmas party? It might not be too late. To find out more about the party, and whether tickets are still available, check out our shared Christmas parties in Brighton.