Christmas lights switch ons in East Sussex: Where are they? When do they start? How much does it cost?

As the nights draw in and Christmas approaches lights, trees and decorations will start springing up across East Sussex, bringing warmth and sparkle to the county.
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Several towns are holding late night shopping and Christmas light switch on events, here is our handy list so you can grab a warm drink, pull on your best Christmas jumper and join the fun.

Battle

Saturday, November 24, 5pm. Battle Memorial Hall, High Street, Battle.

Christmas lights switch ons in Battle, Bexhill, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Rye, Seaford and WestfieldChristmas lights switch ons in Battle, Bexhill, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Rye, Seaford and Westfield
Christmas lights switch ons in Battle, Bexhill, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Rye, Seaford and Westfield
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Father Christmas arrives in Battle for the afternoon to see Battle’s children and switch on Battle’s traditional Christmas lights.

Bexhill

Friday, November 30 from 4pm.

Christmas tree lights will be switched on and there will be a Christmas market in the town centre, with live music and dance to enjoy.

Brighton

Thursday, November 15, 5.15pm

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The Brighton illuminations will be first lit at a free event in East Street, Brighton.

Eastbourne

Starting Friday November 30

Eastbourne is hosting a number of events. The Eastbourne Community Christmas Market runs until December 23.

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It transforms the centre of Eastbourne’s busy high street with a celebration of the best local produce, gifts, artisan crafts and unique handmade items.

Also on Friday November 30 is Meads Magic.

On Saturday December 1 look out for the Motcombe Christmas Fair. This is a traditional Christmas fair in the heart of Motcombe. Held on Crown Street, expect lots of traditional stalls, music, dancing and other entertainment to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Hailsham

Friday, November 23, 6pm.

A special Christmas lights switch-on event will take place in Vicarage Field. Santa will be handing out free sweets to children and pupils from Hailsham Community College and Grovelands Community Primary School will be carol singing before the official switch-on at 6pm. The two winners of this year’s best Christmas pizza design competition will press the button alongside the mayor of Hailsham.

Hastings

Friday, November 16, 5pm

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From 5-6pm, visitors can enjoy free live entertainment including a circus skills workshop, fire hula hoop display, fire poi and stilt walker in Wellington Place (outside Costa Coffee). There will be a spectacular performance from exceptional acrobats in a magical snow globe outside Debenhams. To add to the magic, look out for the snow and enjoy singing along to your favourite hits from ‘The Greatest Showman’!

From 6pm, the circus performers will make their way to Priory Meadow’s Queens Square where the entertainment continues on stage with More Radio. As always, the Christmas lights will be switched on by Santa, followed by a spectacular firework finale at 7pm.

Rye

Saturday, December 8, from 10.30am

The fourth Rye Christmas Festival is coming to town and it’s set to be more bonkers than ever!

From 10:30am until late, throughout the town of Rye, you will be witness to all the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas, with an extra spectacular twist!

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All of the regular faces and features will be there; Father Christmas and his grotto, the reindeer, Mother Christmas, the procession, carol concert at St Mary’s, Pantomines, fair rides, performances and much more including extra characters and street performers to ensure that carnival atmosphere is spread throughout town.

Start off the day at The Strand Quay at 10.30am to see Father Christmas arrive by boat, grab some grub from one of the specially picked street vendors, pop in for a panto show or listen to our street buskers before heading in to warm up at the grotto or one of the many workshops.

Grotto and panto tickets on sale by early November - www.ryechristmasfestival.co.uk.

Full timings and details to be released on printed guide only so please follow their Facebook page for up to date information and news releases. https://www.facebook.com/ryechristmasfestival/

Seaford

Saturday, December 1, 5.30pm

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Seaford Christmas Magic runs from 10am to 6pm and brings the sounds and smells of Christmas with a full range of entertainment and attractions for the people of Seaford and the surrounding areas. This year includes two stages packed with live music, Santa’s grotto, reindeers, lantern parade, as well as the Ice Queen and Snow Princess. Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm.

Westfield

Saturday, December 1, 6.00pm

Visit Westfield Village throughout December from 6pm everyday to enjoy a spectacular display of Christmas lights.

To date Westfield’s annual light display has raised an incredible £76,754.13