A group of people at a party cheering.
Organoke – karaoke, but not how you expect it. Photographer Tom Leighton

From club nights to childhood classics - it’s beginning to look a lot like the 2023 Festive Programme...

Dance and Circus, Dance, Comedy, Comedy, Contemporary Music, Gay interest, Participatory - young people, Children / Family, Children and Family, Family, Christmas, News, Events, Classical Music, Classical Music, Visual Arts & Film, Art & Film, Christmas
Girl dancing in front of the moon, holding a lit match

Striking magic

An enchanting reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's classic, The Little Match Girl, from award-winning choreographer Arthur Pita headlines this year’s winter season.
 

Step into an imaginary Italian town one icy Christmas eve and follow a young girl’s hopes and dreams in this timeless tale of friendship, family and kindness.
 

Using dance, song and Frank Moon’s atmospheric music, this spectacular production will inspire all ages and was recommended by The Guardian as a ‘funny and moving production’ that 'adults should beg, borrow or steal a child to take…or simply take themselves'.
 

Three people in front of a purple background, one of them is holding two human-like masks of the lower face.

Adults - it’s time to let your hair down!

For colleagues, party-goers and old friends back in town for the holidays, look no further than our comedy and sing-a-long events for a brilliant big night out.
 

Black Books’ comedy legend, Dylan Moran, is headlining Live At Brighton Dome Christmas Special, alongside award-winning ventriloquist Nina Conti, Mock The Week’s Maisie Adam and more.

Showcasing major headliners alongside emerging comic talent, Brighton’s biggest comedy night is guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit.

A person with a sparkly top on holding a microphone and brussel sprouts on a stalk
Photography Olivia Harris

Making its debut in Brighton, Organoke is a karaoke spectacular featuring our very own Concert Hall organ. You’ll be led through a raucous night of festive pop favourites by the glorious Ida Barr and live band, plus a rare opportunity to perform onstage. Whether you’re distinctly out of tune or a regular Mariah Carey, it’s time to let loose with the performance of a lifetime you’ve been hiding in the shower!

A group of men on a stage with shiny pink suit-vests on and their hands in the air.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus is back and you’re invited to the Yuletide ball... interpreting the much-loved fairytale, Cinderella, via camp classics and Christmas songs a-plenty, Sing-derella is guaranteed to dazzle, delight and provide a happy ending for all! 
 

Two people throwing snowballs

Family festivities like never before

Say ‘no more’ to one-size-fits-all family events. This season we have a range of shows and experiences for all ages and preferences... 
 

Interactive show Snowed In calls for audience-friendly snowball fights, high energy and participation. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 (and adults too!) will revel in this magnificent winter adventure that ignites the imagination.
 

A man and a girl sat on the floor touching a plant
Photography Electric Egg Frequency Festival

If things get too much, take a calming break from hectic and overstimulating festivities with Touch & Glow, perfect for years up to five and under. Move around freely and explore multi-sensory immersive technology that fills walls with colour and makes sounds through plants at the touch of a hand. All themed inside a winter wonderland, come along to create worlds and release your little one’s creativity using the wonders of technology.

People on a stage with graphics of snow flakes, stars and musical notes in front

Put aside what you think you know about classical music concerts... Christmas with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Brighton Festival Chorus and Brighton Festival Youth Choir will get the whole family raring to go this Christmas. Submit the worst Christmas jokes you know, get the chance to conduct the chorus (imperfections encouraged!) and wear your favourite festive jumpers and accessories.
 

The Muppets from a Muppets Christmas Carol

The Muppets Christmas Carol is in town, but this time with a live orchestra! Enjoy the festive feel-good classic with its music score performed live to the film.

A group of people wearing tinsel and other christmas accessories

Celebrating 20 years of festive performances at Brighton Dome, The Choir with No Name Brighton present The Big Christmas Singalong! Involving and raising money for people impacted by homelessness, come along for a night of festive singalongs for the whole family, with guest appearances from soul sensation Alice Russell and the Hullabaloo Quire.
 

The scene from the snowman where the boy and the snowman fly through the air

The Snowman & Magical Music is perfect for movie and live-music lovers. Soak up the festive atmosphere of the classic animated film, The Snowman, accompanied by the Covent Garden Sinfonia playing the score live. It doesn’t stop there – the orchestra will also perform a selection of magical pieces from Harry Potter, Disney's Frozen and the Christmas classic Sleigh Ride.

Two women standing in front of some plants, surrounded by sticks and leaves

Genre-blurring folk duo The Unthanks also perform their new Winter collection in the Concert Hall this season, having earned themselves a Mercury Music Prize nomination and international acclaim throughout their career. Their music is described as 'a take on tradition that flips so effortlessly between jazz, classical, ambient and post-rock, it makes any attempt to put a label on them a waste of time', this is one for those of you who want to celebrate the season a little differently this year. 

Inside a snowy forest with thin trees

Keep it simply beautiful with Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s sweeping and enthralling Winter Solstice:Arvo Pärt and Sibelius, conducted by the acclaimed Sian Edwards and featuring Ruth Rogers on the violin and Joanna MacGregor on the piano. There’s no time like winter to get lost in Arvo Pärt’s hauntingly spiritual music.

A woman smiling and looking to the side

Galas or dancefloors, what will you choose to see in 2024?

We bring the festive season to a close with two wildly contrasting events on 31 December. Join Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra at their stunning seasonal New Year’s Eve Gala - led by wonderful British conductor Stephen Bell and featuring English National Opera’s young operatic soprano Ellie Laugharne.

11 people with brightly coloured skin under a large disco ball

Or, combine glitz, glam and a gloriously inclusive vibe with Our Roots - the unmissable New Year’s Eve club night, celebrating Brighton's LGBTQIA+ community in a safe and spectacular space for all.

Created in partnership between Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and local club legends Polyglamorous & Gal Pals, all you need to do is keep on dancing! 

Celebrate the season your way - book the perfect festive event for you.