Christmas offers sparkle in Eastbourne

Get ready for a magical month in Eastbourne as the town counts down the days to Christmas with plenty to do to keep all the family amused, from Christmas Magic shopping events to breathtaking ballet performances.

Eastbourne is in for a bumper filled festive month that will culminate in a Christmas Day spectacular as the Bandstand hosts two very special concerts. More than 4,000 revellers are expected to attend this year’s Christmas and Boxing Day concerts, with traditional Christmas fare courtesy of the Silver Band and Sounds Easy, plus some mulled wine and dancing to warm everybody up.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “Christmas is a magical time of year for Eastbourne with festive treats that can’t help but bring a smile to everyone’s faces. The town makes a fantastic escape for a spot of last minute Christmas shopping and with all the accommodation offers it’s a great chance to make the most of relaxing by the sea, with loads of special events to keep the kids happy too.”

Eastbourne Christmas Magic will wave its magic wand over Eastbourne town centre starting with a traditional children’s carousel ride from 26 November, and kids can look forward to their favourite characters, including Shaun the Sheep, Charlie the Clown and Mr Crimbo bringing some festive spirit to the town in December. Families can join in the fun with Roary the Racing Car and Big Chris, meet Father Christmas in his grotto, or pick up an unusual gift from one of the town’s festive-themed ethical markets, plus don’t miss the chance to win £250 shopping vouchers in this year’s Christmas Magic competition.

The Congress Theatre plays host to three dazzling light-footed performances as the St Petersburg Ballet return with spectacular interpretations of popular festive tales, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty from 12-16 December. For those wanting something more light-hearted, join in the pantomime fun as Beauty and the Beast comes to the Devonshire Park Theatre from 14 December - 13 January.

Postcard perfect Alfriston provides a truly Dickensian Christmas on 1 December as a costumed procession parades through the charming high street with the chance to stock up on some unique gifts as the shops open for a one-off evening of late night shopping.

There are heaps of fun days out to keep the kids busy too. Drusillas Zoo invites families into its cosy Christmas Cottage this December where kids will find Santa and his elves working hard to get the presents ready with the chance to marvel at all the animals too.

Kids will jump at the chance to climb aboard the Santa Special steam train at Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, or enjoy spectacular science shows at Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre in a Christmas Special Weekend with free entry for kids when accompanied by a paying adult. Visit Newhaven Fort on 15 December for more festive fun with market stalls, fairground rides and a Santa’s Grotto.

A wide range of accommodation offers in Eastbourne means that the Christmas cooking can be left to somebody else this year with the chance to put your feet up and enjoy old-fashioned festive entertainment away from the usual TV repeats. Relax at the family run three star Savoy Court Hotel for four nights over Christmas for £335 per person, or join a four-day Christmas extravaganza at the Cavendish Hotel for an all-inclusive package starting at £578 per person.

Visit Eastbourne’s E-shop makes Christmas shopping easy this year with the chance to purchase gifts and ‘Christmas Greetings from Eastbourne’ Christmas cards online, saving the hassle of waiting in long queues when everyone decides to hit the shops. Visit the website for gift ideas or check out the range on offer at Eastbourne’s Tourist Information Centre.

For more information log on to Visiteastbourne.com.