Frost, fire and festive fun at the Royal Pavilion
It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas! And with a palace full of festive experiences, there’s plenty of reason to start planning a visit to the Royal Pavilion. From an interactive winter adventure and encounters with Father Christmas to festive shopping, Regency cream teas, seasonal banquets and a carol concert, Brighton’s iconic palace has something for everyone this Christmas.
Running from 21 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, A Fairy Tale of Frost and Fire invites visitors to discover the Royal Pavilion transformed for the winter season. Deep within the palace, an icy magic has taken hold. The dragon fire that once warmed its historic halls is dying out, and only Puck, a young dragon, holds the spark needed to restore the warmth before midnight strikes.
Young explorers can join Princess Charlotte on an interactive adventure through the palace, following a trail of clues, spotting hidden presents and taking on playful challenges. With mysteries to solve and a palace to save, it’s a festive adventure that puts children right at the heart of the story. Adults can enjoy the spectacular festive displays, sparkling Christmas trees and winter decorations that bring the Pavilion’s extraordinary interiors to life. It’s an experience for the whole family, with a palace to explore and a dragon to save.
There are more magical encounters in store for younger visitors, with opportunities to meet Father Christmas at the Royal Pavilion. The private Father Christmas experience takes place on 4–6 December, 11–13 December and daily from 18–24 December, with appointments available from 10am. Children can share their Christmas wishes, enjoy a private five-minute audience and receive a special gift. And or younger visitors who love a good story, Storytime with Father Christmas takes place on 5–6 December, 12–13 December and daily from 19–24 December, with sessions from 10.15am in the beautiful Red Drawing Room.
For those looking to add a little indulgence to the season, the Royal Pavilion’s popular Christmas Regency Cream Teas offer a chance to enjoy festive treats in elegant surroundings. Taking place on Tuesday 15 and Tuesday 22 December, with sittings at 2pm and 4pm, guests can enjoy freshly baked scones, seasonal tea and a short reading from one of Jane Austen’s beloved novels in the rarely opened King William IV Room, with staff dressed in Regency attire.
The palace also provides a spectacular setting for festive celebrations. The Christmas Banquets, taking place on 17, 18 and 19 December, bring family, friends and colleagues together for an evening of festive glamour. Guests will enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine in the Great Kitchen, a traditional carol concert in the Music Room and a three-course Indian-inspired feast in the magnificent Banqueting Room, beneath its spectacular dragon chandelier. The banquets run from 6.30pm to 11pm.
Christmas shopping gets its own special outing with Frost, Fire & Fizz, on Wednesday 2 December, from 5pm to 7pm. This exclusive after-hours shopping event offers the chance to explore the festive displays before enjoying a glass of Roebuck Estates English sparkling wine and browsing the Pavilion shop, with a special shopping discount included. It’s an opportunity to find something different while enjoying a little festive sparkle.
Music lovers can also enjoy the Royal Pavilion’s Carol Concert on Wednesday 16 December. Taking place in the stunning Music Room, the concert features beautiful local choirs performing much-loved Christmas carols. Doors open at 7pm, with the concert running from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, including an interval. A mince pie and glass of prosecco in the Banqueting Room add an extra festive touch.
From family adventures and festive encounters to shopping, dining and music, the Royal Pavilion offers plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas in one of Brighton’s most extraordinary settings.
Whether you’re setting off on a dragon-hunting adventure with the children, meeting Father Christmas, enjoying a festive afternoon tea or celebrating with friends, make the Royal Pavilion part of your Christmas.
