Christmas lights switch ons in West 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 West 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.

Arundel

Saturday, December 8, 12pm to 7pm

Christmas lights switch ons in Arundel, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Hassocks, Haywards Heath, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Petworth, Shoreham, Storrington and WorthingChristmas lights switch ons in Arundel, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Hassocks, Haywards Heath, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Petworth, Shoreham, Storrington and Worthing
Christmas lights switch ons in Arundel, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Hassocks, Haywards Heath, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Petworth, Shoreham, Storrington and Worthing

Real Christmas trees decorated with simple white lights adorn all the shops, restaurants and pubs, plus many private houses, creating an elegant and sophisticated scene.

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In the town square a traditional tall Christmas tree donated by the Duke of Norfolk’s estate will shine brightly against the early evening sky.

Bognor Regis

Saturday, November 24

Bognor Regis Town Council hosts a free afternoon of live music and entertainment, followed by the stunning Christmas lights switch-on.

Chichester

There will be no official switch on event for Chichester, but a soft launch instead.

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Crawley

Saturday, November 24

The lights on the 40ft Christmas tree in Queens Square will be turned on as part of CHIME on Saturday 24 November. The other Christmas lights will be on earlier in November but there isn’t a switch on event.

East Grinstead

Saturday, November 17, 5:00pm

The Town Council puts on a festive display of Christmas lights in the town every year, with a change of illuminations every five years.

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Emsworth

Friday, November 30

The fun will start at 5.15pm in St Peters Square and will see community carol singing and music, the arrival of Father Christmas, stalls supporting Emsworth Primary Schools and The Cantando Choir performing. Children will also have the chance to visit Father Christmas in his grotto at Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club.

As well as all of this the famous Emsworth Lobster Pot Christmas Tree will be back on display.

Hassocks

Friday, November 30.

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Light up Hassocks is returning to the town for all to enjoy. Sussex Vale Rotary has taken over the reins this year and is delighted to be playing a key part of this festive family event. The children’s lantern parade featuring the Burgess Hill Marching Band and Santa on his sleigh will kick off the celebrations at 4pm. The roads will be lined with stalls selling delicious treats and creative crafts, there will also be fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto, live music and exclusive in-store promotions from local businesses, making it the perfect way to begin the festive season.

Haywards Heath

Saturday, November 24

Father Christmas with his elves and live reindeer will be welcomed to the town by a marching band, 100-strong choir from St Wilfrid’s, St Joseph’s and Lindfield Primary, and by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and Donald and Daisy Duck.

The grand procession will start at 4.30pm on November 24, arriving at The Orchards ready for the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm.

The fun will continue with fireworks at Victoria Park.

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Horsham

Tuesday, November 20

Christmas lights in Horsham town centre are due to be switched on from Tuesday November 20.

The illuminations are due to co-ordinate with the festive light installation at the Swan Walk shopping centre.

Littlehampton

Friday, November 30

Kicking off the festive season is the annual Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping event when the High Street will be packed with festive cheer and lots of retailers will be staying open late so you can snap up your Christmas gifts.

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Midhurst

Friday, December 7

This year’s Midhurst street party will take place on Friday, December 7 between the times of 6pm-8pm. The evening will start with festive singing by children from local schools followed by switching on the Christmas tree lights at 6.30pm.

For more visit Midhurst Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/midhurstwestsussex/

Petworth

Saturday, December 1

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Petworth Town Council Christmas Lights Event Committee have joined forces with both St Mary’s Church, Petworth and the National Trust at Petworth House to present a spectacular Lantern Procession and Live Nativity to celebrate the switching on of Petworth Christmas Lights. The event will take place between 11am-8pm.

Rustington

Saturday, November 17, 3pm

Rustington’s countdown to Christmas is set to begin with the first official switch-on of the village’s new festive lights.

The event is at Broadmark Parade at 3pm on Saturday, November 17, at the junction of Ash Lane and The Street.

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It will start at 3pm with a choir singing Christmas carols, and will be switched on by a well-known village figure.

Shoreham

Friday, December 7, 3.30pm to 8.30pm

The light up Shoreham family festival includes Christmas markets, reindeer, festive gifts, food, fairground and entertainment.

Steyning

Wednesday, December 5, 6pm to 9pm

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The High Street is closed to traffic and stalls, entertainment, street food and a fun fair take over the High Street. Most High Street businesses stay open for late night shopping.

Storrington

Thursday, December 6.

Storrington will be holding its annual night of Christmas fun and entertainment.

Kicking off at 6pm in Place Villerest with an exciting switching on of the lights.

Worthing

Saturday and Sunday December 9

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The Winter Festival is two magical days of Christmas street markets, live music, German umpa band, children’s funfair, crafting, drinks, food, Santa’s Grotto and Festive Market.

The event is open 9am to 6pm Saturday and 10am to 4.30pm Sunday.