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🐦 Candlelit Nights, Festive Shows & Last-Minute Gifting
With over 40 events, a must-try Japanese restaurant and 3 local gems for Christmas presents big and small.
Ben Watkins
December 19, 2025
Happy Friday, Brighton!
With Christmas nearly here (it feels like it was Halloween yesterday), this is our second-to-last edition before a little break, then we’re back in 2026. Tuesday’s email will be a special one covering everything up to New Year’s Day, but first, we’ve got our usual weekend edition today, absolutely packed with events plus a few locally-owned shops for unique presents, and a Japanese restaurant that’s seriously good.
Here’s what’s squawking this week:
🎅 Christmas events for every age and every interest
🎭 An XL selection of top theatre, concerts and carols
🍽️ A Japanese restaurant perfect for any occasion
🎁 3 amazing locally-owned shops for those last-minute gifts
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19/12/25 - 22/12/25
🎄 Now That’s What I Call A Xmas Party ⏰ Friday, 7pm A fully immersive Christmas party experience combining wraparound visuals, festive music and an AI host designed to plunge you straight into nostalgic holiday chaos. Expect big production energy, shared moments and a genuinely different alternative to the usual end-of-year party circuit. 🛍️ BOM: Christmas Food & Drink Market ⏰ Saturday, 10am-5pm A lively festive market showcasing local traders, independent makers and street food favourites in the heart of the community. Perfect for Christmas browsing, low-pressure gifting and soaking up a buzzing local atmosphere between bites. 🎟️ More Info 💃 Revudeville: Festive Fantasy ⏰ Sunday, 7pm A high-glamour festive revue blending drag, burlesque, circus and comedy, led by the irrepressible Heiress Blackstone. Expect big costumes, bold performances and a night that leans unapologetically into sparkle, sass and escapism. 🎼 Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks ⏰ Sunday, 9pm A candlelit concert celebrating iconic Christmas film soundtracks, performed in one of the city’s most atmospheric settings. A calm, cinematic way to wind down the weekend, surrounded by hundreds of candles and familiar festive melodies. 🎭 Musicals Mayhem (Le Gateau Chocolat) ⏰ Until Wed 24 Dec, various times A Christmas musicals jukebox with Le Gateau Chocolat bringing big vocals, big drag and big laughs, with favourites from Sound of Music to Frozen plus plenty of nostalgia. | 🎭 Once Upon A Whispering Wood ⏰ Fri 3:30pm | Sat 11:30am | Sun 3:30pm | Mon 10:30am A magical festive theatre production using puppetry, music and immersive storytelling to draw audiences into a winter woodland world. Thoughtful, atmospheric and ideal for families looking for something imaginative rather than noisy or slapstick. (limited tickets) 🎶 Funk The Borders ⏰ Monday, doors 7pm A landmark tenth anniversary celebration blending live music, spoken word, art and community spirit, with all profits supporting humanitarian causes. Expect a warm, energetic crowd, surprise collaborations and a night that feels genuinely purposeful as well as fun. 🎬 The Snowman with the Covent Garden Sinfonia ⏰ Sunday, 1:30pm & 6:30pm The beloved animated classic is screened with a live orchestral score performed by the Covent Garden Sinfonia, turning a familiar film into a shared festive event. Ideal for families earlier in the day and nostalgia lovers in the evening. 🎪 Long Nose Puppets: Flyaway Katie ⏰ Saturday 11am | Sunday 11am & 2pm A beautifully crafted puppet show for ages 2-7, bursting with colour, music and imagination, based on Polly Dunbar’s much-loved book. Short, gentle and engaging, with a post-show puppet meet designed especially for little ones. 🕯️ Carols by Candlelight ⏰ Sunday, 5pm and 7pm Traditional carols in a beautifully candlelit church, with a string quartet and large choir. It’s free to attend, with donations welcomed. |
🛍️ 3 Picks for Last-Minute Xmas Gifts
🏠 Bert’s Homestore
If you’re particularly unsure of what to get someone this Christmas, Bert’s is the move for a wide range of presents from stocking stuffers to something big and meaningful. Shelves stacked with homeware, cookware, clever little gadgets and nostalgic toys that work for all ages. You walk in, something jumps out, job done. Multiple Brighton and Hove locations make this a straightforward choice.
📍 George Street, Hove + Western Road + Kensington Gardens
🕒 Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm, Sun varies by store
🔗 Visit Their Website
👚 FAIR
On the higher-end price-wise, but great for gifts with a bit more meaning, FAIR has been doing ethical fashion properly since 2008. Expect beautifully made clothing plus smaller home items like candles, soaps, books, and cards. Everything is Fair Trade or sustainably sourced, and they offer options for smaller presents online, featuring a collection of items like earrings and socks priced under £15 and under £30.
📍 5 Hannington’s Lane, The Lanes
🕒 Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm (Open Xmas Eve 10am-4pm)
🔗 Visit Their Website
🪴 hugo & green
A very short walk from FAIR is potentially the prettiest plant shop/greenhouse to browse in Brighton, hugo & green. Their team helps match the right plant to the right space, and will give great advice on which are easier to manage, so you’re not gifting future stress. You can also do an outside-of-the-box present with one of their terrarium workshops, or for an easy option, a gift card.
📍 3 Hannington’s Lane, The Lanes
🕒 Mon-Sun, 11am-5pm Weekdays
🔗 Visit Their Website
🍣 FUMI
Japanese cuisine is one of my favourites, and at a time of year defined by rich, heavy Christmas food and hectic, full-on days, FUMI feels like a lighter, calmer alternative. This Japanese-inspired neighbourhood restaurant is built around the philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e, the idea that every moment is unique and worth savouring. The space is quietly beautiful and almost meditative, modern yet warm and considered, with unhurried service that encourages you to stay present, eat well and slow down.
The menu shifts with the seasons and the mood of the kitchen, drawing on local suppliers and fresh produce rather than rigid tradition. Expect clean, balanced flavours across beautifully restrained dishes, alongside a thoughtful wine and sake list focused on small, mostly organic producers. There is a real sense of care here, from what arrives on the plate to how it is poured and served.
Midweek is where FUMI really shines for serious foodies who want to try more than the classic Sashimi and Urumaki, with a bento box lunch being a must-try for those looking for something new. Plus, for a special occasion, Wednesdays bring an intimate Omakase evening, where diners hand control to the chef for a six-course tasting journey. Tuesdays offer a relaxed but hands-on sushi masterclass, while weekends introduce a refined Japanese take on afternoon tea, designed for long, indulgent sittings. It’s a place that is perfect for a special occasion, but also just as good for a quiet, nourishing lunch and is both family-friendly and (well-behaved) dog-friendly too.
📍 1 Circus Street, Brighton, BN2 9QF
🍽️ 12pm-9pm, Mon-Sun
🔗 Menu & Bookings
19/12/25 - 22/12/25
General Events
😂 The Secret Comedy Club Friday
Friday 19 Dec, 7pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery, Kemptown
A lively Friday night comedy show with a rotating line-up of established and emerging stand-up acts. More Info
🎷 Jazz At St Andrews Christmas Special
Friday 19 Dec, 5:30pm @ St Andrew’s Church, Hove
A festive jazz concert mixing swing standards, seasonal favourites and a welcoming end-of-year atmosphere. More Info
🎭 A Christmas Carol - A One-Man Performance
Friday 19 Dec, 6pm @ The Brunswick, Hove
Dickens’ Christmas classic performed solo using storytelling and physical theatre. More Info
🎄 Komedia Christmas Party
Fri 19 Dec and Sat 20 Dec, 6:30pm @ Komedia
Three-course dinner, a comedy show hosted by Matt Richardson (MC) with Kate Barron and Phil Nichol, then dancing until late. More Info
🎸 Absolute Bowie Christmas Special
Friday 19 Dec, 7pm @ Concorde 2, Madeira Drive
A high-energy tribute show celebrating the music and theatrical flair of David Bowie. More Info
🎤 Organoke
Friday 19 Dec, 7:30pm @ Brighton Dome, Church Street
Karaoke meets live band and pipe organ for a loud, joyful Christmas singalong. More Info
😂 Freak of Nature Comedy
Friday 19 Dec, 8pm @ Caxton Arms, North Laine
A free Friday comedy night featuring established comedians from across the South Coast. More Info
🍰 Chocolate & Raspberry Yule Log Workshop
Saturday 20 Dec, 1-4:30pm @ Open Bakery, St George’s Road
A half-day baking workshop teaching classic techniques for creating a festive yule log from scratch. More Info
🕺 Lovers II Friends - 90s/00s Day Party
Saturday 20 Dec, 4-8pm @ Komedia, North Laine
A daytime dance party packed with 90s and 00s pop and R’n’B classics, finished early enough for dinner plans. More Info
😂 Extra Topping Comedy Showcase
Saturday 20 Dec, 7:30-9:30pm @ Yellow Book Bar, York Place
A comedy night celebrating sketch, improv, musical and character comedy hosted by Leslie Bloom. More Info
🎭 Mystery Fluids: Holiday Special
Saturday 20 Dec, 8-10pm @ The Actors, North Laine
A festive cabaret filled with comedy, chaos and performance. More Info
😂 The Secret Comedy Club Saturday
Saturday 20 Dec, 7-10:30pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery, Kemptown
A packed Saturday night showcase from Brighton’s best-loved small comedy club. More Info
💃 The Soul Survivors: Soul & Motown Christmas Party
Saturday 20 Dec, 7:30pm @ Queens Hotel, Seafront
A Christmas party filled with classic soul, Motown and disco across two connected venues. More Info
🎧 SHHH! Don’t Tell The Kids! Age Against The Machine
Saturday 20 Dec, 3-7pm @ Chalk, Pool Valley
An early-evening DJ party spinning pop, indie, disco and Christmas classics. More Info
🪩 HIVE Christmas Special
Saturday 20 Dec, 9pm-2am @ The Rossi Bar, North Laine
A late-night community-focused party built on inclusive dancefloor energy. More Info
🎶 The Lainey Wilson Experience
Sunday 21 Dec, 8pm @ Komedia, North Laine
A live tribute celebrating the hits and storytelling style of country star Lainey Wilson. More Info
🎤 Live At Christmas: Sam Campbell, Simon Amstell, Lou Sanders & more
Saturday 20 Dec, 7:30pm @ Brighton Dome, Church Street
An all-star festive comedy night featuring some of the biggest names in UK stand-up. More Info
🎸 Indie Rock Night - Christmas Special
Saturday 20 Dec, 11pm @ Dust, Queens Road
A late-night club session mixing indie favourites with festive bangers. More Info
🌙 The Court
Sunday 21 Dec, 7:30-9:30pm @ Yellow Book Bar, York Place
A folklore-inspired night blending talks, music, performance and a curated night market. More Info
😂 Manic Mugday - Brighton’s Weekly Comedy Competition
Monday 22 Dec, 8-10:30pm @ The Secret Comedy Club
A cult-favourite comedy competition where pros and newcomers battle it out. More Info
Family Events
🎪 Long Nose Puppets: Flyaway Katie
Sat 20 Dec 11am | Sun 21 Dec 11am & 2pm | Mon 22 Dec 11am & 2pm | Tue 23 & Wed 24 Dec @ Komedia, North Laine
A colourful puppet adventure for ages 2-7 followed by a meet-the-puppets session. More Info
🎭 Once Upon A Whispering Wood
Fri 19 Dec 3:30pm | Sat 20 Dec 11:30am | Sun 21 Dec 3:30pm | Mon 22 Dec 10:30am @ Theatre Royal, New Road
A magical festive theatre show using puppetry, music and immersive storytelling. More Info
🍳 Breakfast with the Naughty Elves
Sun 21, Mon 22 & Tue 23 Dec, 9-11am @ The Ivy in the Lanes
A festive breakfast experience with Santa’s mischievous elves, games and photo opportunities. More Info
🎄 Christmas Fun Day
Saturday 20 Dec, 11am-2pm @ Old Boat Corner Community Centre
A low-cost family day with crafts, games, stalls and festive activities. More Info
🎭 Dream Upon A Christmas Star
Sunday 21 Dec, 10:30am, 12pm, 2pm & 3:30pm @ Old Boat Corner Community Centre
A gentle festive puppet show exploring dreams and Christmas magic for younger children. More Info
🎶 Sunday Drag Roast!
Sunday 21 Dec, 1-4pm @ Brighton Music Hall, Seafront
A family-friendly afternoon with live music and two free drag shows. More Info
🎭 Dick Whittington - Shoreham Panto 2025
Fri 19 Dec - Wed 31 Dec, multiple daily performances @ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea
A traditional festive pantomime packed with comedy, songs and family-friendly fun. More Info
Live Music
Absolute Bowie | Brighton Concorde 2 | Fri, 7:00pm | TICKETS
The Popguns (Christmas Special) | Prince Albert | Fri, 7:30pm | TICKETS
Andy Robbins | The Font | Fri, 9:00pm | TICKETS
Aftershock - Dirty Dike (DnB Set) + Pete Cannon | Volks Club | Fri, 11:00pm | TICKETS
Kieran Dacey | The Rossi Bar | Sat, 2:00pm | TICKETS
Crazy P | Quarters | Sat, 3:00pm | TICKETS
Hardcore Unlocked: Gammer + Whizzkid | Volks Club | Sat, 4:00pm | TICKETS
The Bootleg Beatles | The Brighton Centre | Sat, 6:30pm | TICKETS
80s Hifi Christmas Special | Concorde 2 | Sat, 7:00pm | TICKETS
MAPACHE | Daltons Showrooms + Bar | Sat, 7:30pm | TICKETS
Matt Finucane | Daltons Showrooms + Bar | Sat, 7:30pm | TICKETS
Canvas Cuts Launch Party | Volks Club | Sat, 10:30pm | TICKETS
Robb Johnson & the Irregulars | The Prince Albert | Sun, 2:00pm | TICKETS
Black Rave Culture | Volks Club | Sun, 6:00pm | TICKETS
Step Into Christmas | The Brighton Centre | Sun, 6:30pm | TICKETS
Bad Manners + Splodgenessabounds | Concorde 2 | Sun, 7:30pm | TICKETS
INTO THE DARK FINAL UK SHOW | Daltons Showrooms + Bar | Mon, 7:00pm | TICKETS