10 Things to Do in the 10 Days Running up to Christmas!

Are the festive preparations getting you stressed? We’ve got 10 great ideas for the 10 days running up to Christmas which are the perfect escape from the ‘To do List’. Take some time for YOU and your loved ones to experience the joy of this special time!

1. Walk. Dig out the scarves and hats and enjoy a walk along the Cuckmere valley, as the river snakes down to the sea at Cuckmere Haven you’ll feel the stresses of Christmas lists leaving your body! Then why not head to Saltmarsh Farmhouse Café and Bar for a hot chocolate or a tasty treat? It’s open every day until 4pm (closes 3pm Christmas Eve). Car parking is plentiful or take the Number 12 bus from both Eastbourne and Brighton directions.

2. Angels. Eastbourne is filled with Angels this festive period, literally, the Inspiring Angels Trail is popping up all over town; from shop windows to public buildings, schools and churches are celebrating Advent and Christmas. If you see an Angel Trail QR code scan it for free family activities. Arranged by Eastbourne Church communities with support from Eastbourne BID and The Mayor of Eastbourne. The trail runs until 6 January.

3. Santa. Take your little ones to see the ‘big guy’ at the Beacon Santa Grotto which is open everyday on the run up to Christmas from 10am – 6pm, pre-booking not essential but recommended. This magical experience won’t break the bank with prices starting from £10 which includes a gift and meeting Father Christmas with photo opportunities. Tickets here.

4. Panto. Want to escape being an adult for a couple of hours? Beauty and the Beast pantomime at the Devonshire Park is on now, with a West End cast, live band, fabulous stage effects this famed pantomime is home-grown in the town and it’s the ultimate festive treat. Book here. Plays until 14 January.

5. Art. Internationally respected Towner Eastbourne is open everyday on the run-up to Christmas with world-class exhibitions of modern and contemporary art including Turner Prize 2023 exhibition, an acclaimed Collection, a dedicated Eric Ravilious Room, gift shop packed with inspirational gift ideas, Urban Ground café bar and Light restaurant

6. Museum. Eastbourne’s Beachy Head Story has a pop-up Christmas exhibition featuring an array of artefacts from Eastbourne’s Christmas past. With kids’ activities to keep youngsters active and the gift shop has plenty of locally sourced inspirational ideas for that hard to buy for person. Open daily 10am - 4pm (closed Christmas Day).

7. Skate! It’s a veritable winter wonderland at the Enterprise Centre as the Lightening Fibre Ice Rink takes up residence for December, skating sessions are available to book online but be quick, these dates book up fast. The real ice rink is fully covered so skate whatever the weather, then warm up with a hot drink at one of the many nearby coffee shops. More here. 

8. Shopping. Now bear with us, this is Christmas shopping but with a delicious addition, a ‘Love Local? Shop Local’ competition trail! Make a purchase of ANY amount from 5 local traders who are part of the scheme and be in the chance to win one of two hampers packed with goodies including a jewellery treat from Brufords, a handbag and purse set worth over £60 from Maybugs, silver earrings from Taboo plus vouchers and treats aplenty! Closes 22 December. 

9. Swim! Nothing gets the heart pumping like a dip – hardy souls are plunging in Eastbourne’s waters even on the coldest of days, with the annual festive dip a feature on Boxing day. But if you prefer a less bracing approach to your swimming-sessions take a dip in the heated waters of The Blue Lagoon at Hampden Park from as little as £6.95. These hydrotherapy pools are the ideal activity to ease tired limbs, or wear out youngsters for a nice quite afternoon! Close to the train station and with an onsite coffee shop it’s an easy self-contained experience which won’t break the bank.

10. Create! Get back to your creative side with a trip to The Art House in Grove Road, pick up a paintbrush and create your own ceramic masterpiece – with a tempting selection of food and drink this is a relaxing way to take a moment from the madness. Open every day until 23 December.