Meet me in Chichester this Christmas: Chichester BID unveils festive celebrations inspired by Never Land

Chichester BID is inviting residents and visitors to make the city the backdrop to their Christmas celebrations, unveiling a season of festive events, family adventures and seasonal inspiration with a touch of Never Land magic.

Taking inspiration from Chichester Festival Youth Theatre's production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure at the iconic Chichester Festival Theatre, Christmas in Chichester 2026 will feature a host of festive experiences and activities encouraging people to enjoy the city throughout November and December.

With the city beautifully illuminated for Christmas, Chichester BID is launching Meet Me in Chichester This Christmas, a new campaign supported by Costa Coffee, inviting everyone to make the city part of their own festive traditions.

Celebrating the joy of spending time together at Christmas, the campaign will encourage people to linger a little longer and soak up Chichester’s festive atmosphere. Whether meeting friends for coffee, shopping for special gifts, strolling beneath the Christmas lights and admiring the imaginative Never Land window displays created by local businesses for Chichester BID’s festive window competition, taking part in a seasonal workshop or gathering with colleagues before the year draws to a close, it’s all about embracing the little moments that make the season so special.

Through festive features and social media content, the campaign will showcase the city's shops, cafés, restaurants, salons and other businesses, inspiring people to discover new experiences, enjoy familiar favourites and make more time for Chichester this Christmas.

Christmas lights, family adventures and a little Never Land magic

The celebrations begin on Saturday 21 November with Light Up Chichester, the city's Christmas Lights Switch-On and After Party. Festivities will get underway from 3pm, with entertainment leading up to the official switch-on at 5pm, when two local heroes, nominated for the positive difference they make to the community, will help illuminate the city. The celebrations will continue into the evening, with participating venues hosting live music, food, drinks and festive entertainment.

The Never Land adventure starts with Tinker Bell's Christmas Treasure Hunt, a free family trail running from 21 November to 24 December. Following a trail of lanterns through the city centre, children will be invited to solve clues and discover hidden treasure, with the chance to win a family ticket to see Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure at Chichester Festival Theatre.

On Saturday 12 December, Chichester BID's Festive Family Day will bring free Never Land themed activities and entertainment to locations across the city, offering another opportunity for families to enjoy Chichester together in the lead-up to Christmas.

Celebrating Chichester's independent businesses

Chichester's independent businesses will also take the spotlight through 12 Indies of Christmas, a series of short festive films featuring the people behind 12 of the city's independent shops, cafés, restaurants and attractions. The films will celebrate the personalities, products and experiences that make Chichester's independent businesses so distinctive.

Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID, said: “Christmas is a time for coming together, and we want Chichester to be the place where those moments happen, whether it’s celebrating an occasion or simply taking a little more time to enjoy the city. Our Christmas lights, events and activities help create the festive setting, but it’s the people and businesses that truly bring it to life.

“Through Meet Me in Chichester This Christmas, we’re inviting everyone to make the city part of their own festive traditions. Christmas is also an incredibly important time for our local businesses and every visit makes a difference. Whether people come to enjoy the lights, meet friends, spend time with family or discover somewhere new, we hope they’ll find even more reasons to enjoy Chichester this Christmas.”

To help residents plan their festive celebrations, Chichester BID's Christmas in Chichester brochure will be delivered to approximately 18,500 households from 1 November, bringing together details of events and activities alongside inspiration for shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying the city. A dedicated Christmas webpage will also feature an events calendar, festive guides and ideas for making the most of the season.

Christmas in Chichester is led by Chichester BID, working with Chichester City Council, Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and local businesses. The celebrations are supported by sponsors Mayo Wynne Baxter, Gold Arts, Costa Coffee and Blue Spire Accountants.

For the full Christmas calendar and festive inspiration, visit https://chichesterbid.co.uk/christmasinchichester/