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- 🐦 Drone Light-Shows, Festive Fairs & A Charity Superstore
🐦 Drone Light-Shows, Festive Fairs & A Charity Superstore
Another weekend jam-packed with comedy, Christmas markets, theatre, live music and candlelight concerts.
Ben Watkins
December 12, 2025
Happy Friday, Brighton!
The Xmas events and markets just keep coming this weekend, with some more unique events in the mix as well, like a drone show at Sussex County Cricket Ground and a candlelight Christmas Movies Concert. Plus, we’ve got features on a charity superstore for our local biz of the week, a new restaurant that is sure to be on Michelin’s radar, and of course, a host of top comedy, theatre and live music gigs across the city.
Here’s what’s squawking this week:
🛍 Xmas, Records and makers fairs from Hanover to Portslade
🎼 Candlelight concerts and a host of Theatre shows
🍽️ A new Brazilian/Italian fine-dining restaurant pick
🏠 A charity superstore supporting people experiencing homelessness this Christmas
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12/12/25-14/12/25
😂 Comedy Crackers ⏰ Sunday, 7.30pm A one-night-only festive comedy showcase bringing together household names including Romesh Ranganathan, Kerry Godliman, Kyrah Gray, Thanyia Moore and Elliot Steel. 🚁 WILD: The Drone Light Show ⏰ Saturday, 4.30-6.30pm An awe-inspiring drone show where animals, birds and wild landscapes burst into life through light and movement. A family-friendly spectacle that feels genuinely different to anything else this season. 🎬 Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks ⏰ Sunday, 9pm A magical candlelit concert bringing iconic soundtracks from much-loved Christmas films to life in one of Brighton’s most atmospheric venues. Expect festive nostalgia, soaring strings and a seriously cosy end to the weekend. 🎭 A Christmas Carol: The Creation of a Masterpiece ⏰ Sunday, 2.30pm A theatrical deep dive into the frantic six weeks Charles Dickens spent writing A Christmas Carol under financial pressure. A smart, intimate production blending storytelling, history and festive drama. 😂 Comedy at Christmas: Best of Edinburgh Fringe ⏰ Sunday, 7.30pm Seven award-winning comedians from the Edinburgh Fringe come together for a festive night of big laughs and sharp stand-up. A brilliant comedy showcase with proceeds supporting Rockinghorse Children’s Charity. 🎨 Brighton’s Festive Makers Fair ⏰ Saturday-Sunday, 10.30am-4.30pm One of Brighton’s most popular Christmas fairs returns with makers, artists, festive food, wreath workshops and a pop-up cafe. A brilliant stop for unique gifts and a proper festive wander, with free entry. | 🎁 Hove Local Monthly Market - Christmas Event ⏰ Saturday, 1.30-5pm A warm, welcoming Christmas market showcasing local artists, craftspeople and food producers. Three rooms packed with thoughtful gift ideas and independent finds. 🍴 BOM: Christmas Food & Drink Market ⏰ Saturday, 10am-5pm A regular festive market celebrating Brighton’s independent food and drink scene, from street food to handmade treats. A great spot for Christmas shopping with a community buzz. 🎭 Pickwick & Weller ⏰ Multiple Showings A fast-paced Dickensian comedy following the adventures of the ever-optimistic Mr Pickwick and the streetwise Sam Weller. Packed with colourful characters, sharp humour and classic storytelling. 🎨 Family Christmas Craft ⏰ Saturday, 2-4pm A free, relaxed festive craft session where families can make decorations, cards and seasonal treats together. A friendly afternoon with refreshments and a welcoming community atmosphere. 💿 Shoreham Record Fair - Christmas Edition ⏰ Saturday, 10am-2pm A festive vinyl fair packed with 25 sellers, rare finds and classic records across 45 tables. Early entry includes a free 7” vinyl, with free entry from midday for a relaxed browse. |
🛍️ Emmaus Charity Superstore
Over in Portslade, there’s the king of all charity shops, selling just about everything with an in-store cafe on top for an afternoon shopping trip that makes a real difference in our community. That’s because i’s run by Emmaus Brighton & Hove, a charity supporting people who’ve experienced homelessness by offering more than short-term fixes: a home, meaningful work and a supportive community. Every purchase helps fund that work, so your bargain hunting actually goes somewhere.
Set across one large site, it’s miles from the quick high street browse. Expect constantly-changing furniture, homeware, books, records, clothing, plants, vintage bits and plenty of unexpected finds, all under one roof. If you’ve got a clear-out in you, donations are just as valuable, and especially in the run-up to Christmas, they help support stability, purpose and belonging for people rebuilding their lives. You can also donate directly here.
📍 Drove Road, Portslade
🕒 Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am-5pm (Cafe until 4.30pm)
🔗 Visit Their Website
🌊 Maré
We’ve featured a fair few Michelin-listed restaurants in Brighton; this week, however, is a new restaurant that is a local one to watch for the Guide next year. Maré is the latest opening from celebrated chef Rafael Cagali and partner Charlie Lee (from 2-starred Da Terra in London), bringing a quietly confident restaurant to Church Road in Hove. Named after the Portuguese word for tide, the menu shifts with the seasons, rooted in Sussex and British produce and shaped by Cagali’s Brazilian-Italian heritage.
The cooking is led day to day by head chef Ewan Waller, with dishes designed for sharing across small plates, mains and generous sharers. Since opening in September, the 5-star reviews have been flowing in, with diners praising the bold flavours, skilled cooking and exciting dishes with unique combinations. The room is intimate with space for just under 40 guests and a central bar that makes the whole place feel like a mix between social and formal dining.
Drinks are a big part of the experience too, with well-made cocktails and a playful, eclectic wine list overseen by sommelier Jake Garstang. Maré sits neatly between fine dining and relaxed neighbourhood restaurant, ideal for special occasions, anniversaries or a celebratory dinner that still feels easy.
📍 60 Church Road, Hove
🍽️ Wed-Sun, lunch and dinner times vary
🔗 Menu & Bookings
12/12/25-14/12/25
Events marked with a * are sponsored
General Events
🎄 The Sussex Peasant Christmas Market - Hove & Pepper Pot
Friday, 9am-4pm @ St Andrews Church, Hove & The Pepper Pot
A festive Sussex market with local food producers, handmade treats and Christmas gift ideas from much-loved independent makers. One in Hove and One at The Pepper Pot
More Info
🎭 Alive in Wonderland
Fri-Sun, 2.30pm & 7.30pm @ Brighton Little Theatre
A magical, madcap Alice in Wonderland adventure for all ages where nonsense makes perfect sense.
More Info
🎤 HERE & NOW (Steps Musical)
Friday & Saturday, 2.30pm & 7.30pm @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A joyful pop musical packed with the hits of Steps, delivering pure escapism and feel-good energy.
More Info
🎤 Komedia Comedy Club
Saturday, 7.30pm @ Komedia
A top-tier comedy night featuring three standout acts and an MC at one of the UK’s most celebrated comedy venues.
Tickets & More Info
🖤 Deviants Market: Night of the Living Deviants
Saturday, 10.30am-4pm & 7-10pm @ Komedia
A kinky market celebrating LGBTQIA+ creators, community and fundraising for trans charities.
More Info
🎄 Christmas Tree Festival
Saturday, 10am-4pm @ Church of the Good Shepherd, Brighton
A church filled with over 20 Christmas trees decorated by local organisations, raising money for chosen charities.
More Info
🍝 Handmade Pasta Workshop
Saturday, 1-4pm @ Open Bakery, Brighton
Learn the art of handmade pasta, from dough to shaping, with a guided workshop and pasta to enjoy and take home.
Tickets & More Info
🕯️ The Secret Comedy Club
Saturday, 7-10.30pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery
An intimate, award-winning comedy night showcasing top Fringe and circuit comedians in a cosy setting.
Tickets & More Info
🕯️ Christmas by Candlelight Concert
Sunday, 7-9pm @ All Saints Church, Hove
A candlelit evening of favourite Christmas music and sing-along carols with choirs and orchestra.
Tickets & More Info
🎭 Two Turtle Doves: Dillie Keane & Barb Jungr
Sunday, 7.30pm @ Brighton Dome
A festive cabaret evening with two of international cabaret’s most celebrated performers.
Tickets & More Info
🎭 The Gift
Saturday 7.30pm & Sunday 5.30pm @ The Old Market
An immersive theatre and dining experience exploring celebration, generosity and the joy of being alive.
More Info
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
Sunday, 7pm @ Royal Pavilion
A candlelit orchestral tribute celebrating the iconic hits of Queen in a spectacular setting.
Tickets & More Info
🕯️ Sip & Wick: Candle Making Workshop
Sunday, 2-4pm @ The Joker, Brighton
A relaxed candle-making workshop where you create scented candles and paint tapers to take home.
Tickets & More Info
Family Events
⭐ The Christmas Stars
Saturday & Sunday, 9am-5.30pm @ Brighton Marina
An indoor illuminated festive trail filled with lights, hands-on activities and a journey to Santa’s grotto.
More Info
🎶 Sing Noel!
Saturday, 4-5pm @ Trinity Church, Lewes
A festive concert of Christmas choral music, carols and songs featuring New Sussex Singers and local school children.
Tickets & More Info
🎄 Breakfast with the Naughty Elves
Sat and Sun, 9am-11am @ The Ivy in the Lanes
A festive breakfast with Santa’s cheekiest elves, crafts, mischief and family gifts. More Info
Live Music
Black Grape | Chalk | Fri, 6pm | Tickets
D-Block Europe: PTSD2 Tour | Brighton Centre | Fri, 6:30pm | Tickets
Hacktivist | Molly Karloff | Regional One | Chalk | Fri, 7pm | Tickets
Healthy Junkies | The Hope & Ruin | Fri, 7:30pm | Tickets
Fatboy Slim - Charity Show | Concorde 2 | Fri, 11pm | Tickets
Mobius Loop (Matinee) | The Brunswick | Sat, 2pm | Tickets
The Shapeshifters (Day Party) | Patterns | Sat, 5pm | Tickets
Million Dead | Chalk | Sat, 6pm | Tickets
Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra | Brighton Centre | Sat, 6:30pm | Tickets
UK Queen | Concorde 2 | Sat, 7pm | Tickets
James Yorkston | Alphabet | Sat, 7pm | Tickets
Edie Bens | Folklore Rooms | Sat, 7:30pm | Tickets
Bones Ate Arfa | The Hope & Ruin | Sat, 8pm | Tickets
COEO | Patterns | Sat, 10pm | Tickets