Discover the special events happening across the city throughout December, from members of the Chichester Family Arts Network.
Engage in creative workshops, immerse yourself in captivating storytelling sessions and experience the enchantment of a magical Santa's Grotto – there's something for every family to enjoy! Click on the links below for more details.
Bertie the Cathedral Cat: A Chichester Christmas Trail | Chichester Cathedral
Monday to Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm & Sundays 12.30 - 2.30pm
Spot Bertie the Cathedral Cat enjoying the many treasures and artworks in our historic Cathedral. Should you find all of the Berties, you’ll win a decoration for your Christmas Tree!
Pick up a trail from our Visitor's Desk or in the various leaflet holders around the Cathedral and tick off each Bertie you find. Share your experience with us on social media using #ChiCathedralChristmas.
Gonk Trail | The Novium Museum
Thursday 7th - Saturday 23rd December
Christmas gonks have taken over The Novium Museum once again! One mischievous gonk has mixed up all the labels on all the other gonks Christmas lists. Can you work out what each gonk would like for Christmas then name and shame the guilty gonk? £1.50 per trail purchased at the Reception and includes a chocolate treat.
Christmas Family Drop-in Workshop | Chichester Cathedral
Saturday 9th December, 11.00am - 2.00pm
Join us to express your creativity this Christmas! Parents and guardians can get involved and watch their little ones enjoy crafting against the magical backdrop of our Cathedral.
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Christmas Story-telling in the Cathedral Nave | Chichester Cathedral
Saturday 16th December, 10.00am
Come along to a special Christmas story-telling event with the Interim Dean of Chichester, the Reverend Canon Simon Holland, as he shares the story of Bertie the Cathedral Cat in the spectacular setting of the Cathedral Nave. This event is suitable for children under 5, their siblings and parents/caregivers and is free, no need to book.
Stories and Fun | Graylingwell Chapel
Monday 11th December, 3.30pm
‘Stories and Fun’ at Graylingwell Chapel provides a friendly, inclusive and creative space for children and families. Storyteller Chris’s wealth of experience enables him to offer a ‘Suitcase of Play’ which includes puppets, parachute games, musical instruments, bubbles, songs, movement & dance, plus a richness of interactive story-telling. Tickets are £2 per family.
Image: Freedom Through Fun
Santa's Grotto | Chichester Festival Theatre
Tuesday 12th - Saturday 23rd December
To put the fairy on top of the Christmas tree, Chichester Festival Theatre have created their very first Santa's Grotto on Oaklands Park this year. Theatre elves are busy tinkering away to give a wonderful gift to Chichester. A Grotto full of Christmas spirit and theatrical magic. Tickets are £12 per child.
Colourful Landscapes | Pallant House Gallery
Tuesday 19th December, 11.00am - 2.00pm
Nurture your child’s creativity this Christmas and join Pallant House Gallery for a fun landscape workshop inspired by their exhibition, John Craxton: A Modern Odyssey. To make their final pieces even more special, an array of materials such as wool, threads, and tissue paper will be provided, allowing them to add textures and depth to their artwork.
As a final festive touch, all artworks will be individually wrapped, ready to be shared with loved ones as a meaningful Christmas gift. Who wouldn’t want to receive such a special gift for Christmas? Tickets are £25 each.
Image: Pallant Hosue Gallery
We look forward to welcoming you this Advent and Christmas!