Cosy coastal Christmas in Camber
From Santa special steam train rides, via atmospheric illuminated light trails to festive late-night shopping, carol singing, and bracing Christmas Eve swims, don’t miss these brilliant happenings for a cosy coastal Christmas in Camber.
Festive Makers Market at Rye Harbour
A brisk walk on a blue-skied day to the Festive Makers Market at Rye Harbour is the ideal way to get in the Christmas spirit. On the 23rd and 24th November, their Festive Makers Market will showcase over 20 talented local artists and makers. The café will be dishing up mince pies and warming spiced drinks.
Photo credit: Georgina Holt
St.Mary’s, Battle Christmas Tree Festival
Community Christmas favourite near Camber, St. Mary’s in Battle is hosting various events, including the annual Christmas tree festival which kicks off on Sunday 24th November. There’s festive Christmas stalls on Saturday 30th November, and tea, cake and an Advent carol service on the 1st of December, when the winning trees will be announced.
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Santa specials at the Kent & East Sussex Railway
Santa has been welcoming families at the Kent & East Sussex Railway since 1974. Head there this year for an atmospheric, 75-minute return steam train journey in festively decorated carriages and meet the man himself. Pop into the station’s winter wonderland and grab a steaming mulled wine.
Image credit: The Kent & East Sussex Railway
Game cooking with Paul Webbe in Rye
As we head into game season, make a beeline for Rye to learn how to butcher, prepare and cook the delicious local wild game that East Sussex is known for, under the watchful eye of Chef Paul Webbe. Taking place on Thursday 14th November, the evening includes a seven-course dinner and four matched wines.
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Christmas light display at Hever Castle
Come Christmas, Hever Castle is decked out with roaring open fires, twinkling Christmas trees and the ‘Magic of Christmas Past,’ where you can experience an enchanting Tudor Christmas. As dusk falls, Hever’s award-winning gardens are transformed into a dazzling light display. Stroll them with a steaming mulled wine in hand. Book your slot between November 22nd and January 3rd.
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Christmas crafts at Charleston House
The brilliant Charleston House has a slew of Christmas craft workshops to take part in this December. Pick from festive wreath making, creating block printed Christmas cards or trying your hand at making festive folk-inspired rush stars.
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Take a wintery Coastal Walk
The East Sussex coastline offers spectacular views year-round, but a brisk winter’s walk on the empty swathes of Camber Sands to catch a vivid sunset before retreating to a roaring fire at your Camber Holiday Cottage is a cosy coastal Christmas that takes some beating.
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Rye Christmas Festival
On Saturday 7th December, The Rye Christmas Festival brings the town to life with festive spirit featuring musical performances, carol singing, a Santa’s Grotto, and plenty of inspiration for your coastal Christmas shopping list.
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Festive late-night shopping
Make the most of Hastings late-night shopping evening on Saturday 23rd November. The independent shops will be open until 8pm, there’ll be live music, and the brilliant Christmas Tree Light Switch On to get you in the mood.
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Hastings Christmas Eve Swim
Every Christmas Eve, locals brave the chilly waters for a quick dip. Don your swimsuit and woolly hat and join them – it’s liberating and will be a coastal Christmas in Camber to remember.
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Bedgebury Christmas Walk
Running on time slots from 15th November right through to New Year’s Day, The Bedgebury Christmas Walk is a must for your Christmas in Camber. With over a million twinkling lights adorning the pinetum and forest, keep your eye out for the sparkling flock of robins, tunnels of light and giant seed pods floating up to the sky. It’s great fun.
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Christmas story telling at Bodiam Castle
Step back in time at Bodiam Castle on its exciting merry medieval Christmas trail, exploring the dances and games that would have been enjoyed and getting a glimpse into what went into making an epic festive medieval feast.
Little ones will love Bodiam’s Christmas storytelling. Held in the grotto-style castle tower room, the 15–20-minute stories weave enchanted Christmas tales of tales of dragons, knights, and castles. Storytelling is free with admission.
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Eastbourne’s Lightning Fibre Ice Rink
To get your skates on in East Sussex this Christmas, head to Eastbourne for a winter skate at its Lightning Fibre Ice Rink. Open every day from 29th November to 31st December (except Christmas Day). Young children can also have a go on the ice and can hire a penguin to push along.
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Christmas at Tillingham
When it comes to superlative Christmas dinners, you’re in luck if you’re spending your Christmas in Camber. Book Executive Chef Tom Herrieven and Head Chef Adam Swain’s Christmas menu, which covers everything from spice cured sea trout pastrami to start, with Tillingham wild venison pie for main, plus a Christmas pudding with an orange and brandy custard to finish. It’s a real treat.
Photo credit: Tillingham
Read more for your cosy coastal Christmas in Camber:
- Check Camber Holiday Cottages’ availability calendar to book your cosy Christmas in Camber
- Where to pick up local produce for your Christmas dinner in Camber
- Best National Trust & English Heritage sites for Christmas walks in East Sussex
