Is October too early for Christmas decorations, or are you happy to see the festivities begin? When would you like Horsham to start looking Christmassy? Let us know your thoughts by sending an email to [email protected]

Halloween is still ahead of us, but a Christmas tree complete with lights and baubles has already brought a festive feel to Piries Place in Horsham.

The tree’s arrival on October 14 caught nearby workers by surprise — and there’s a practical explanation for its early appearance.

Speaking to Allison Ferns on BBC Radio Sussex, Adam O'Shepherd, from The Bok Shop, described the moment staff spotted the installation during dinner service.

“It was a pretty strange occurrence, really,” he said.

At first, the team couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. Then the decorations started coming out.

“Slowly but surely, they start getting baubles out of bags and lights out of bags,” Adam said, adding: “It looks great.”

Visit Horsham, which has promoted the historic market town online since 2006, also shared the scene in a photograph credited to The Bok Shop. Its post added a light-hearted observation: “Last year it didn't come down until Easter!”

So why put it up before Halloween?

Ferns told listeners that BBC Radio Sussex had contacted Your Horsham, the town centre’s Business Improvement District. According to the explanation she relayed, the installation was arranged by the Piries Place landlord, and this was the only available date before the town’s Christmas launch party.

The response also highlighted how early the festive season begins behind the scenes for businesses and retailers, with preparations taking months.

Halloween is still ahead of us, but a Christmas tree complete with lights and baubles has already brought a festive feel to Piries Place in Horsham. | Sam Morton / Sussex World

placeholder image — Halloween is still ahead of us, but a Christmas tree complete with lights and baubles has already brought a festive feel to Piries Place in Horsham. | Sam Morton / Sussex World

There are already dates for the diary. Horsham’s Christmas Launch Party is advertised for Friday, November 20, from 4pm to 8pm, across the town centre. Nearby, Leonardslee Lights runs on selected evenings from November 27 to December 30, with an extended illuminated trail through the gardens.

The planning may make sense, but does an October Christmas tree feel right?

For some, it’s a welcome bit of sparkle as the evenings draw in. For others, there are still pumpkins to carve and autumn days to enjoy before thoughts turn to Christmas.