Brighton & Hove Museums reveals a season of festive fun

From Father Christmas’s return to the Royal Pavilion to an exciting mystery trail at Preston Manor, there’s no shortage of holiday fun for all ages.

For the first time in years, Father Christmas will be back at the Royal Pavilion, welcoming children to the stunning historic palace. Families can book private time slots, allowing little ones to meet Father Christmas, share their wishes, and receive a gift in a relaxed setting. To make a fabulous day out visitors to the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink can take advantage of a new Regency Rate offer giving skaters reduced entry to the Royal Pavilion.

To add to the festive experience, entry slots before 4.30pm include a puzzle trail round the Royal Pavilion to be enjoyed before a visit to the Grotto, with plenty of games, photo ops and seasonal treats along the way. With limited tickets available, visitors are encouraged to book early to ensure they don’t miss this magical experience.

Step into a Regency Christmas

While at the Royal Pavilion, guests can marvel at Regency Christmas trees and learn about festive traditions from King George IV’s era. Visitors will also get to experience A Very Victorian Christmas upstairs, where Queen Victoria’s holiday celebrations at the Pavilion are brought to life.

Children can follow the Royal Pavilion Mice trail, searching for mischievous little mice as they prepare for their own festive celebrations. The trail extends to Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and Hove Museum of Creativity, with the mice popping up in mini scenes featuring Christmas parties, tasty food, and gifts.

Visitors will love the magnificent Christmas trees, including one that recreates Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s iconic Christmas tree, which popularised the tradition in 1848. Before leaving, families can also pick up unique gifts at the Pavilion shop, including cute mice decorations and unusual Christmas tree decorations and admire the Bridgerton-inspired Christmas tree in delicate pastel colours.

Solve the “Mince Spy Mystery” at Preston Manor

Over at Preston Manor, families can test their detective skills with the Mince Spy Mystery. In this playful escape-room-style adventure, Mrs. Claus’s mince pies have been stolen, and a mischievous elf is to blame. Families will need to solve riddles and follow clues to save Christmas in this fun-filled whodunnit.

Festive Events for Adults Too

It’s not just for the kids – Brighton & Hove Museums have lined up plenty of activities for adults, including glamorous Christmas banquets and a carol concert in the Pavilion’s stunning Music Room. Tickets for these events are selling fast, so early booking is advised.

For those looking to get crafty, there’s a range of workshops on offer, from Christmas wreath-making to tree decorating and decoupage baubles.

Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums, said: “This year, Brighton & Hove Museums is thrilled to welcome Father Christmas back to the Royal Pavilion. There’s something for everyone, with festive decorations, craft workshops, ice skating, carol singers, trails for families, and magical experiences that will make this Christmas truly special.”

Illustrations for the Royal Pavilion Christmas artwork have been created by illustrator and artist Rachael Horner. To find out more about Rachael and discover more of her work, visit here.