Alongside the darker evenings, woolly jumpers and fairy lights, the magic of winter is gusting through Brighton and a flurry of festive celebrations make up our events programme this December.

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'.

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.

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!

Photography Olivia Harris 

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! 

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.

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.

Photography Electric Egg Frequency Festival 

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 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.

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 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.

Set the soul soaring

For a more mellow evening, ‘Britain’s most popular female folk singer’ Kate Rusby returns to Brighton with a brand-new Christmas album. Described as having ‘mastered the art of Christmas songs', this self-branded Christmas-lover is bound to thaw hearts this winter with her distinctive brand of happiness, humour and storytelling.

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. 

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.

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.

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.