Brighton may be a holiday destination in the summer, but the fun doesn’t stop in winter for locals. We’re lucky to live in a city which hosts a wonderful variety of events all year round, but the festive season is when the magic and sparkle shines through the city. Here are our top picks of indy festive events to immerse yourselves in, in the run-up to Christmas…
North Laine late night shopping
What better way to kick off the most festive month of them all, than with a mulled wine-fueled late night shopping spree in the North Laine. The heart of our city’s independent businesses, this is the event we’re most looking forward to, as over 100 shops open late on Thursday 8th December with discounts, refreshments and freebies. Don’t forget your Goodmoney vouchers as there are plenty of amazing Christmas presents to get your hands on. If you’re after stocking fillers, then Lust! Is a great place to start, with Little Beach Boutique offering some gorgeous gifts as always. You may find us browsing in Present in the Laine, who are offering 10% off and a free gift with all purchases on the night. In need of a shopping refuel? Why not head to Fatto a Mano for a pizza pit stop, or finish the night with a taste of Sussex at Isaac At.
Thursday 8th December, 6.00 – 9.00pm
Find out more here
Christmas Baking with Anna Schwartz at The Community Kitchen
This special seasonal workshop run by qualified pastry chef Anna Schwartz will give you a head start on the festive bakes, showing you how to create a whole bunch of festive treats. Anna will take you through preparing Christmas mincemeat and making mini Christmas puddings and cakes. You’ll also be shown how to decorate biscuits which you can hang on the tree, if they don’t get eaten on the journey home that is… If you need a little inspiration for the festive season or want to impress your friends and family with your baking, this workshop is a must!
Sunday, 25th November, 1:30 – 5:30 pm, £45-55
The Community Kitchen, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG
Find out more here
Brilliant Brighton Christmas Lights Switch On
Hosted by presenters from local radio station Capital Brighton, Brighton’s statement Christmas Lights will be switched on this year on Thursday 15th November on East Street in the heart of the Lanes. The quirky lights are kindly funded by the 517 city centre businesses which make up the Brilliant Brighton businesses improvement district – generously donate around £75,000 per year so we can enjoy the lights in the festive season. Rumour has it that talented singer and songwriter Ren will also be performing at the event!
Thursday, 15th November, 4.30 – 6.30pm, free
East Street, Brighton
Find out more here
Etsy Made Local Brighton Christmas Market
This incredibly popular yearly event brings 70 local artists and makers together under one roof, making it a Christmas shopping event not to miss. This year they will be taking over Brighton’s iconic Dome once again for another carefully curated market with some of the most unique and high-quality gifts in Brighton & Hove, all made with love. From homewares and jewellery to skincare and art, you’ll be able to tick those gifts off your shopping list in no time. It’s free entry, so even if you haven’t thought about Christmas shopping just yet, pop down and get some lovely local inspiration.
Saturday 1st December, 10.00am – 5.00pm, free entry
Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UE
Find out more here
The Artists Open Houses Xmas Festival 2018
Brighton and Hove’s Artists Open Houses festival is the biggest of its kind in the UK, it returns this Christmas over three weekends starting November 24th where a collection of creatives from across the city will be inviting the general public into their homes and studio spaces to experience and view their creative work. This exciting event fosters community spirit and supports independent businesses – which we’re all about at Goodmoney. Expect to find some unique Christmas gifts to be treasured forever including arts, crafts, jewellery, gifts for the home, cards, ceramics, and presents for children. This event can be enjoyed by all the family!
Weekends of 24 & 25 November, 1 & 2 December, 8 & 9 December, free entry
Find out more here
Christmas Bauble Making by CULT MILK
Making Christmas Baubles are just one of many creative and affordable workshops hosted in local pubs by the all-female arts collective CULT MILK. They aim to make people feel good about themselves, have fun and learn new skills by providing creative events. In the Christmas Baubles workshop, you’ll get a chance to create a set of 6 unique and one of a kind baubles which can be decorated in a range of super fun, sparkly and shiny goodies. It’s the perfect way to de-stress and get creative before the oncoming festive party season approaches.
Monday 26th November, 7.30 – 9.30pm, £10 + booking fee
The Marlborough Pub & Theatre, 4 Prince’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD
Find out more here
The Brighton Festive Food Tour
Our friends and foodie members Cat and Angela at Brighton Food Tours will be bringing a festive twist to their December food tours. If you haven’t experienced one of their walking tours already, then when better to wander through the North Laine than when the Christmas lights are on and mulled wine is a given? They are super passionate about supporting independent businesses in the city and they’ll help you discover some of the best foodie secrets of the city. Their award-winning VIB (very independent Brighton) tour makes a perfect Christmas gift too, for foodie friends and family.
1st, 8th, 14th and 15th December, 11.00am, £40
Approx 3 hour tour around the North Laine and The Lanes
Find out more here
If you’re super busy and don’t get out to any of these events, don’t forget that our Goodmoney vouchers make the perfect local gift!
