Christmas in Horsham starts this year on Friday 22 November with our Christmas Launch Party.
In partnership with Your Horsham (the Horsham BID), Horsham District Council is kick starting its Christmas Party from 4pm to 9pm in the town centre.
Come along and enjoy live music, lights, festive markets and street food, extended shopping hours, a special Jack and the Beanstalk trail and more.
Spend £50 or more between 4pm and 8pm to be entered into our prize draw to win some incredible prizes! Just come and see Your Horsham’s Town Ambassadors in Swan Walk to get your receipts checked and stamped to be in for the chance to win some amazing prizes.
St Mary’s Church Choir and St Mary’s Primary School Choir will lead a lantern parade from St Mary’s Church via The Forum to the Market Square from 5pm.
The star of this year’s Jack in the Beanstalk panto at The Capitol, John Partridge, will switch on the tree lights and Christmas lights with the community in the Market Square.
The party continues at the Carfax bandstand where John Partridge and members of the panto cast will have the crowd buzzing with some fantastic festive songs to get you into the Christmas spirit. Keep an eye out for The Capitol’s Box Office team, who’ll be handing out exclusive Jack and the Beanstalk goodies.
There will be further music from the Holy Trinity Church Choir in Piries Place and the Almost Elvis band in the Market Square, as well as roaming acts and stilt walkers throughout the town.
With everything from a fantastic array of local food and drink and artisan gifts, extended shopping hours, to festive entertainment and events, the magic of the season will be full on for our launch party.
There will also be two further Horsham town centre events in the run up to Christmas. Horsham Peaks on 16 November will see an Après Ski themed market with a Les Misérables performance from Christ Hospital School. There will be a special Friday Late on 20 December with the return of mariachi sensation, Beato Burrito celebrating Feliz Navidad with the community.
Don’t forget to explore the many festive windows and market displays which help to make our towns and villages so magical. You’ll be able to vote for your favourite and have the chance to win a fantastic prize as part of our Christmas Magic Displays Competition.
Look out for participating businesses who will display a special window sticker or sign to show that they are involved in the competition.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr David Skipp said:
Working together with Your Horsham we have organised a packed festive programme this year to deliver plenty of Christmas magic for all ages. At Christmas time it’s more important than ever to come together and create special memories.
Come along and enjoy all the amazing free entertainment on offer, the festive lights, the fantastic window displays, street decorations and festive stalls – there is something for all the family.
I hope you can come, join the party and enjoy the town centre at its best.
Across the Horsham District you can join in some festive cheer at various local market events this Christmas, a fantastic opportunity to delight in a magical atmosphere, enjoy delicious local food and drink and discover unique gifts.
With markets in Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Steyning and Storrington there is always something new to discover.
As always, we have a dazzling Christmas line up at The Capitol, as well as our panto Jack and the Beanstalk, there is Santa’s New Sleigh for younger theatregoers. Don’t forget to check out our New Year shows to kick-start your 2024 in style.
Make a visit to Horsham Museum & Art Gallery part of your family’s seasonal tradition and soak up local history and the feel the spirit of Christmas the heart of Horsham. See the Museum’s Christmas decorations from Tuesday 19 November, take part in the Christmas themed family trail and don’t miss the special Museum Late on Friday 20 December with live music and refreshments from 6pm to 8pm.