Chichester BID Unveils Magical 2025 Christmas Programme
Chichester BID, Chichester District Council and Chichester City Council have once again joined forces to deliver Christmas in Chichester 2025. The city centre is set to sparkle brighter than ever this festive season, as the main shopping streets and enchanting side streets come alive with dazzling Christmas lights, seasonal shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for all ages to enjoy.
With the support of Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors, Blue Spire Accountants and Gold Arts Jewellers Christmas in Chichester promises to be more magical than ever.
Highlights this year include Light Up Chichester on Saturday 22 November and Let It Glow: Chichesters Magical Winter Illumination from 821 December, as well as Christmas markets, a dedicated Festive Family Day, festivities in Priory Park and lots more.
Light Up Chichester
The countdown to Christmas begins with a full day of festive fun on Saturday 22 November from 10am, culminating in the official Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm.
Families can enjoy a full schedule of seasonal performances throughout the day including local choirs, carol singers, dance groups and street entertainment. There will also be a pop-up festive food and drinks market on East Street from 10am 6pm. Organised by Chichester BID, visitors can find sizzling street food, indulgent sweet treats, and comforting winter drinks - the perfect way to refuel while exploring the city.
As dusk falls, families are invited to gather outside the Assembly Rooms on North Street for the magical moment when Chichesters Christmas lights are switched on by elves from Chichester Festival Theatres grotto and two local heroes given the honour of lighting up the city.
The fun doesnt end there, once again venues across Chichester will host live music and festive fun to keep the celebrations going for the Light Up Chichester After Party.
Let It Glow: Chichesters Magical Winter Illumination
Another highlight of the festive season will be a new light display on the Cathedral Green from 8-21 December. This free immersive light and sound experience created by MakeAmplify, an award-winning collective of artists and technologists renowned for reimagining public spaces, will see Chichester Cathedrals historic Bell Tower transformed with light, colour and music.
The magical experience includes interactive sessions where visitors can use iPads to paint with light and see their designs projected onto the walls of the Bell Tower. Participants can then explore glowing installations across the Green in a festive atmosphere that captures the wonder of Christmas.
Led by Chichester BID, Chichester City Council and Chichester District Council with support from Chichester Cathedral and Mayo Wynne Baxter, the project has received part-funding from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Festive Family Day
The highly-anticipated Festive Family Day will return on Saturday 13 December from 11am 4pm with an exciting festive adventure across the city including seasonal spectacles, Christmas crafting and storytelling for the whole family. V2 Radio will also be on hand to lift spirits throughout the day, playing favourite festive tunes and broadcasting live.
Christmas Markets
The festive atmosphere will continue over the 6 7 and 13 14 December as Chichester District Councils Christmas Market will take over East and North Street, selling Christmas gifts and a mouthwatering selection of festive food and drink from local vendors.
Festivities in Priory Park
With no corner of the city overlooked, Chichester District Council will be making Christmas magical in Chichesters beautiful Priory Park with a special programme of festive events, including a specially-commissioned pantomime, silent discos, family arts and crafts activities, storytelling and more.
Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID, said: Christmas in Chichester is always special, and this year promises to be truly magical. From the sparkle of our city lights to the interactive glow of the Cathedral illuminations, were creating festive moments that bring joy to residents, visitors, and families alike.
Nicola Brown, Partner and Head of Mayo Wynne Baxter Chichester said: Were proud to be bringing the magic of Christmas to Chichester this year - particularly to be supporting Let It Glow: Chichesters Magical Winter Illumination, the citys first ever illuminated Christmas experience. This free, hands-on event offers something truly unique and special for all ages to enjoy.
Look out for the Christmas in Chichester brochure, which will be delivered to over 17,000 local residents and includes details of all the festive activities taking place across the city this year. A downloadable copy will also be available on the Chichester BID website, along with an online events calendar and plenty of articles and features offering inspiration for shopping, eating, and drinking this Christmas in Chichester.
To find out more visit chichesterbid.co.uk/christmas
