Brilliant Brighton plans new Christmas lights and a festive afternoon

Brighton city centre will be glowing with festive cheer from Thursday 19th November as Brilliant Brighton unveils its brand new Christmas lights display, bringing a gorgeous gold glow to the city's streets throughout the festive season.

Funded by Brilliant Brighton's 500+ city centre businesses and supported by Costa Coffee, the spectacular display will illuminate North Laine, The Lanes, East Street, Western Road and North Street, creating a sparkling backdrop for Christmas shopping, festive get-togethers and seasonal celebrations.

And there's even more reason to head into the city, as Brilliant Brighton's much-loved Festive Afternoon returns on Saturday 5th December - also Small Business Saturday - from 2–6pm, bringing an afternoon of music, entertainment and Christmas fun to the city centre.

Visitors can look forward to cheerful helpers handing out festive goodies, alongside a fantastic line-up of Christmassy performers popping up throughout the Brilliant Brighton area. Local choirs, singers and musicians will fill the streets with carols and festive favourites, including Some Voices, Free Brighton Choir, SHE Choir, South Coast Trombone Choir, Hit The Silk, Jessica Hallam and Ger O’Hanlon.

The popular festive window dressing competition trail also returns, with businesses across the city centre creating spectacular seasonal displays. Visitors will be invited to explore the trail and vote for their favourite window, with both one lucky voter and the winning business each receiving a £100 Brilliant Brighton Gift Card, spendable at more than 60 participating businesses. The trail launches on Saturday 5th December 2026 and runs until Sunday 3rd January 2027.

Shelley Welti, Marketing and Events Manager for not-for-profit organisation Brilliant Brighton, said: “We're so excited to unveil our brand new Christmas lights this year. The beautiful gold scheme will bring a gorgeous glow to the city centre from Thursday 19th November, and it's a real gift to Brighton from our 500+ businesses who each year contribute to light up the city centre at Christmas.

“Our Festive Afternoon is the perfect opportunity to come into the city, enjoy the lights, listen to some brilliant local performers and explore all the fantastic festive window displays. Whether you're shopping for those all-important gifts or catching up with friends over something delicious in one of our many pubs, restaurants, bars and cafés, there's plenty of Christmas cheer to enjoy.”

Richard Sherrington. Area Manager for Costa Coffee in Brighton, said: "Christmas is a special time for communities, and we're delighted to be supporting Brilliant Brighton's Christmas lights and Festive Afternoon this year. It's a fantastic opportunity for local people to come together, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

“At Costa Coffee, we're proud to be part of communities across Brighton, and supporting events like this is one way we can help bring people together during the festive season. We look forward to seeing the local community celebrate and make the most of everything the Festive Afternoon has to offer."

With the Christmas lights illuminating the streets from 19th November and the Festive Afternoon taking place on Saturday 5th December, there's plenty of reason to make a visit to Brighton this Christmas. Come along, soak up the atmosphere, support local businesses and celebrate the season – including Small Business Saturday – in style!