Magical Seasonal Events in Eastbourne Not to be Missed this Christmas!

This year, like all others, Eastbourne has an abundance of Christmas events, shows and attractions from now until Christmas Day and beyond! There is sure to be something to suit all of the diverse tastes of visitors (and residents). So, whether your preference is for bustling Christmas markets, for slapstick comedy in the form of 'Panto', or sparkling light shows and Winter Wonderland magic, Eastbourne has a slice of Christmas for everyone to enjoy! 

Neon Noel

In 2015 Eastbourne celebrates it's 700th year as a market town, and to mark the rather remarkable anniversary, Eastbourne's Chamber of Commerce has organised a spectacular 'Neon Noel' luminale light and audio show! The first of it's kind on the South Coast, the light and audio show will project the story and history of Eastbourne onto the Town Hall clock tower, located in Little Chelsea! Kicking off on Friday 4 December at 4.30pm during Little Christmas in Little Chelsea, the dazzling five minute light and audio show will be played at 4.30, 5.30 and 6.30pm every day from 4-13 December; this will be a truly magical and unique experience!

Little Christmas in Little Chelsea

Talking of Little Chelsea, the annual street market celebration 'Little Christmas' in the quaint Little Chelsea area of Eastbourne, brings a host of entertainment, food and drink and market stalls for late night shopping! From 4pm on Friday 4 December, Grove Road and South Street, the heart of Little Chelsea, will bring the sounds and smells of Christmas to life! This year Little Chelsea has gone all out to create the most wonderful of events for people of all ages! Santa can be visited in his grotto, they'll be visits from Disney Princesses, Anna and Else, Cinderella and Belle, Morris dancers, funfair rides, carol singing and Oh ho ho, so much more!

Christmas Markets at Eastbourne Bandstand and Traditional Christmas Concerts

Another brand new Christmas event for this year, Eastbourne's Bandstand will transform into a bustling outdoor Christmas market, reminiscent of traditional markets found in many European cities such as Cologne, Vienna and Brussels! From 9-13 December, the market will be open from 10am until 7pm, where shoppers can make many festive finds, perfect for gifts for loved ones. With festive food, mulled wine and lots more magic to be found at the Bandstand, there is no need to escape to the continent for the magic of a Christmas market! Don't forget about the Bandstand's traditional concerts, which are all free to attend and really bring people together on Christmas Day morning, Boxing Day morning and New Year's Day, to celebrate the season to be jolly!

Drusillas Park Winter Wonderland

The UK's best small zoo, Drusillas, switched on the lights to their own sparkling illumination light show earlier this month! A visit to the Winter Wonderland Illuminations, which has been a very popular attraction for many years, will make for an unforgettably magic experience for the family! A visit to Drusillas this Christmas would be incomplete without meeting and greeting Father Christmas in his cosy Christmas Cottage; for an additional £10, children can meet Father Christmas and receive a great little early Christmas gift. Find him there during weekends from 21 November and then daily from 12 until 23 December, before he must fly back to the North Pole to prepare for his epic journey across the world on Christmas Eve! 

Santa Fun Run

Don a Santa suit and burn some calories before the Christmas indulgence begins! The annual Myaware Santa Fun Run and Walk takes place on Sunday 6 December at 1.30pm! The three mile course sees participants pacing along the prom and ending up at Holywell Tea Chalet, to be rewarded with a hot drink and mince pie. Do you fancy taking part? You'll receive your very own Santa suit to wear whilst you run and keep afterwards and you'll help in raising awareness of and money for Myaware - a charity fighting against the Myasthenia Gravis neuromuscular disease! Don't miss out on this great chance to get into the Christmas spirit and help raise funds for a very good cause!

Coca-Cola Truck stops in Eastbourne

Holidays are coming, Holidays are coming... and so is the big red Coca-Cola Truck! The iconic truck, which has featured in Coca-Cola's famous seasonal adverts for years (2015 is the twentieth anniversary year of the adverts which are recognised around the world), is touring the country in December and Eastbourne was chosen as one of it's pit-stop destinations! You can visit the truck and take your picture next to it on Friday 18 December from 12-8pm, where it will be parked in the pedestrianised precinct of Terminus Road, just outside Debenhams!

Eastbourne Panto - Peter Pan

Of course Christmas would be incomplete without laughter, song and dance in the form of a slapstick comedy pantomime! With a sprinkling of fairy dust, Peter Pan comes to the Devonshire Park Theatre in a panto debut! Eastbourne Theatres will tell the family favourite story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, his little fairy friend Tinker Bell and the Darling children as they take to the skies and adventure in enchanting Neverland! From 11 December 2015 until 17 January 2016 a star-studded cast featuring Ewan Goddard as Peter Pan, Brian Capron as his nemesis Captain Hook, Martyn Knight as Mrs Smee and 'Britain's Got Talent' runners-up, Twist and Pulse, will present the most enchanting of pantomimes, which both adults and children will fall in love with! 


There are many, many more Christmas events for you to discover this month, including after hours shopping at Towner Art Gallery, a plethora of yuletide theatre productions and more visits from Father Christmas! Head to the VisitEastbourne Christmas page to discover more!

Seasons Greetings and Happy Christmas!

The Twelve Pubs of Christmas!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a glass of the finest G 'n' T!

With the festive season now in full swing and Christmas day only one week away, it's time to finish the last little bits of present buying and food shopping, put on your party hat and head to the pub to celebrate with friends and family.

Eastbourne and the surrounding areas have an overwhelming number of pubs for you to visit this Christmas, we really are spoiled for choice. From family favorites to the best pubs for after work drinks, here's our round up of twelve Eastbourne pubs that are a must-do this Christmas!

1. The Farm @ Friday Street in Langney has recently been awarded Silver in the Best Tourism Pub of the South East, in the Beautiful South Awards and not without good reason! The large pub is extremely cosy, with a grand open fire to warm yourself by whilst you indulge in the fine wines, locally brewed beers and locally sourced freshly made food all on offer. A festive menu is available by pre-ordering, although they are now fully booked for Christmas day!

Farm @ Friday Street

2. If you're out walking along the Seven Sisters and the Cuckmere Valley over Christmas, then you're going to need to warm-up and refuel, so head to The Golden Galleon for a lovely riverside pub with a log fire. They serve up great traditional pub food and real ales, and are a family friendly pub making it the perfect place to gather after a Boxing Day family walk.

3. In the last few working days before Christmas, why not gather your colleagues and friends in Bibendum on South Street? This town pub is looking very festive, with a large brightly decorated tree and twinkling fairy lights and it's comfortably full with young people gathering for a post-work Christmas tipple. With good wines, champagnes and mulled wine on offer, it won't disappoint.

4.  The Lamb Inn in Old Town is boasting a delectable Christmas menu this year, so if you're planning a last minute festive feast with friends, contact them quickly to take advantage of a delicious menu at a very purse-friendly price. The beer and ale served at The Lamb, is brewed and supplied by the local iconic Harveys Brewery of Lewes, making it a popular pub with Eastbourne locals. Christmas Eve would be the perfect time for a visit, as seconds away is St Mary's Church who welcome everyone to their Carol Service at 4.30pm and to Midnight Mass at 11.30pm.

5. Nestled into the quaint little Willingdon Village you will find the Wheatsheaf Inn, and there is plenty of room at this Inn this festive season. See the Church Street Nativity on Friday 19th, and catch some live music from an 8-piece string band on Saturday 20th. This pub is always buzzing on Christmas Eve and they are also open for three hours on Christmas Day!

6. Beachy Head Pub is located right next to the South Downs National Park, making for stunning views when sat by the window in the pub. Family friendly and pet friendly, the festive menu on offer at Beachy Head is mouth watering, so why not book a table for a hearty New Year's Day family dinner after a glorious walk?

Beachy Head Pub

7. The Harvester is a great family pub located at the Harbour end of Eastbourne, and they are still taking bookings for Christmas Day. If it's a full-on three course dinner for the family you're after, instead of cooking at home, then you won't find better value for money in many other places this Christmas. Alternatively, the pub makes another post-walking place to warm up this winter, with warm fires and wonderful decorations.

8. After the Bandstand Boxing Day Concert, head to The Ship close by in Meads Village for some mid-day drinks with friends and family. Their tasteful Christmas decorations are simply beautiful this year, creating a very warm and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy. Warm yourself up by the fire whilst drinking their Winter Pimms or Mulled Wine, whilst you enjoy a relaxing day with loved ones. 

The Ship at Meads

9. South Street spoils Eastbourne for great pubs, with The Dolphin being another cosy Christmas venue for festive drinks. The Dolphin are also spoiling their guests with an array of yummy winter drinks being served. Winter Pimms, Baileys Hot Chocolate, Honey Toddy and Dainty Damsel are only half of the festive drinks of offer, why not try and taste them all this Christmas period?

10. The Tiger Inn in East Dean dates back to the fifteenth century and serves beers and ales brewed only minutes down the road at Beachy Head Brewery. This warm, traditional and historical pub makes a necessary pit-stop if you're taking a walk on Beachy Head this Christmas, and the pub even has five guestrooms, if you're lucky there may even be some room at the Inn to make a night of it this Christmas.

11. The Old Oak Inn in Arlington, close to Abbot's Wood and not far from Polegate and Hailsham is the perfect place to spend New Years Eve! Dance the last night of the year away with classic disco music or indulge in a lavish five course dinner, before welcoming the New Year in with a glass of champagne and a festive firework display.

12. Christmas in Eastbourne wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Marine pub on Seaside! This place truly comes alive at Christmas, and is famous for being the most decorated pub in all the town! With tinsel, baubles, lights and more hanging from the ceiling and walls throughout the entire pub, it is a sea of Christmas sparkle and a real gem of Eastbourne! On Christmas Day, it makes the perfect pub to visit after the Bandstand Christmas Day Concert to have a Yuletide drink with friends, before heading home for Christmas Dinner!

The Marine

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the Best of Eastbourne Pubs this Christmas! Have fun getting Merry but remember to drink responsibly!

A Grand Ol' Christmas Recipe: Delicious Chocolate Chestnut Cake

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne's, Head Pastry Chef Carlos Dantas, has shared a delectable Christmas recipe with us. So we're spreading the love and sharing the recipe for all to read... and try.


Why not put your baking skills to the test this weekend and try making your own Christmas Chocolate Chestnut Cake? What's more, it's a Gluten Free recipe, so it's perfect for the special dietary requirements of your guests (or you, if you plan on scoffing the whole thing yourself).

Carlos' Christmas Chocolate Chestnut Cake

Ingredients

200g Dark chocolate (70%)
250g Unsalted butter
250g Chopped cooked chestnuts
200ml Milk
225g Sugar
4 Large eggs (separated)

Method

1. Melt the chocolate and butter together over a low heat until mixed.
2. In a food processor, mix the chestnuts and the milk into a puree.
3. Whisk the egg yolks and 125g of sugar to a light fluffy consistency.
4. Whisk the egg whites with 100g of sugar.
5. Mix the chocolate sauce with the chestnut puree, then fold in the egg yolks.
6. Gently, next fold in the egg whites to retain volume.
7. Lightly grease an 8-10 inch baking tray.
8. Pour in the mixture and smooth the top.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius for 30-40 minutes (it should be firm but not hard to the touch).

To make a Ganache topping, mix 100g of chocolate with 125g of double cream and 50g of butter. A tablespoon of Rum is optional, although highly recommended by Carlos!

We've still to try baking this tasty-looking cake ourselves, but we're going to have a Visit Eastbourne team bake-off to see who can make the most delicious Christmas Chocolate Chestnut Cake; we may even get Carlos over here to be the tasting judge.

Share your photos of your attempts at baking this Chocolate Chestnut treat with us on Twitter @VisitEastbourne or Facebook, or share some of your own special Christmas recipes.

If you don't fancy baking, but would love to indulge in some yummy delicacies made by Carlos, then you can book a table in one of the two Grand Hotel restaurants and have a yourself a merry little Christmas treat!

Happy Baking!

EASTBOURNE’S FAMOUS PANTOMIME IS BEASTLY GOOD FUN!

Eastbourne’s stunning pantomime is the family favourite Beauty and the Beast, at the Devonshire Park Theatre from 12 December until 11 January. With a cast of pure talent and plenty of magical surprises in store it is sure to be the highlight of the season!

Eastbourne favourites Martyn Knight and Tucker return to cause more chaos and calamity with Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson, fresh from her West End roles in Spamalot, Legally Blonde and Shrek making her Eastbourne debut as Malevolent.

Our heroine Belle (Emily Bull) is set to go on a journey of love and adventure which will prove that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Imprisoned in an enchanted Chateau by a hideous looking beast, her only friends are Dame Derriere (Martyn Knight) and the hapless Potty Pierre (Tucker), but what has happened to the handsome Prince? Will the wicked enchantress’ spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?

Eastbourne’s pantomimes are famed for giving audiences a true live theatre experience, with a full band, beautiful costumes designed and created especially for the show and of course lots of magical onstage effects. And with tickets prices that are far from beastly, priced from just £12, this is a pantomime for everyone to enjoy.

Beauty and the Beast at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, from 12 December until 11 January. Tickets priced from £12 to £20 with concessions available, to book or for more information call the box office on 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.

Our Exclusive Interview With Santa!

To our VisitEastbourne fans… you’ve stuck by us all year round through scorching heat waves and the December wind and rain, so here’s our Christmas gift to all you good girls and boys – an exclusive interview with the man himself…  Santa Claus!

Santa, we are delighted you are taking time out of your busy pre-Christmas schedule to talk to us today.  You must be busy at your Christmas Cottage in Drusillas Park, how’s it all going?

Everything is going very merrily indeed. I have a lot of help from my elves and we are having a lovely time meeting all the boys and girls at Drusillas Park and finding out what they would like for Christmas. My Cottage is bursting with presents the elves have made ready for delivery on Christmas Eve and children can sit on my sleigh, which is parked just outside, to have their photo taken.

Have the people of Eastbourne been good this year?

Yes, Eastbourne has such a wonderful community spirit I think you’ve all been amazing this year.  Your Santa Fun Run event for charity tickled me greatly, what fun I had jogging along! And your 12 days of Christmas Competition was a great celebration and I was happy to supply the gifts early - it’s so important at Christmas time to celebrate what we have, and to help those in need.

Your team of reindeer must be getting ready for their big trip on Christmas Eve, how do you prepare them?

Like all animals, it is very important that I care for my reindeers properly to ensure they remain happy and healthy; after all they have a very important job to do!

I always make sure they are well fed and have plenty of fresh water and during December I give them extra helpings of grass, moss, birch and willow leaves to help them through the long night on the 24th December.

My pre-flight checks involve a thorough look at their antlers and hooves! After Christmas male reindeers lose their antlers before new ones grow back again for next year. During the winter months, their hoof pads also shrink and tighten to help with the cold conditions…and reduce slipping on rooftops!

What other animals live near your main home at the North pole?

 When I’m back home at the North Pole, I see a whole host of other wildlife, including polar bears, seals, whales, arctic foxes, arctic wolves and sometimes the beautiful snowy owl, like the two at Drusillas. I have to come to the zoo though to see penguins - they live in the South Pole which lots of people don’t realise!

Do you have any special gifts for the people of Eastbourne?

Next year is going to be very exciting indeed as we have another great list of events planned with Magnificent Motors, Carnival, Tennis, Extreme, Airbourne, two beer events and much more!

How do you celebrate on Christmas Day?

Well delivering presents all around the world is quite exhausting, so I always have a little nap and feed the reindeer when I get home.  I’m usually refreshed by mid morning, so with a little Santa magic, I might take Mrs Claus to the free Christmas Day concert at the Redoubt Fortress for some festive singing and dancing.

What festive gifts will you and Mrs Claus be getting each other this year?

I have a book on Eastbourne History for Mrs Claus as she is very excited to go to the new Ancestors Exhibition at the Pavilion in February. She’ll be ready to see the fascinating reconstructions and findings that the Ancestors team have uncovered.

I’m hoping for panto tickets to see Aladdin at the Devonshire Park Theatre – the evil Abanazaar is being a bit greedy wanting the magic lamp, so he won’t be getting any Christmas presents this year!

What’s your favourite Christmas Film?

It’s got to be White Christmas, I try and watch it every year but I am extra excited this year as the stage version is on at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre! Opening on 19 December and running to 4 January, the show is based on the paramount film and includes some fantastic festive cheer and songs, including the famous ‘White Christmas’. I can’t wait!

Thank you Santa for taking the time to talk to us, before we go - any special requests?

A mince pie or two and a carrot for Rudolph would be lovely, however the most important thing is for you all to have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends, help those around you and celebrate your wonderful town of Eastbourne!

Merry Christmas Santa!

Visit Santa in his Christmas Cottage at Drusillas Park between now and 23 December, open from 10am to 5pm each day.

Winter Wonder in Eastbourne!

With Christmas fast approaching, why not watch the magic unfold in Eastbourne over the winter season? Each year is bringing you a bigger and better extravaganza; Be sure to visit our fantastic events to bring you some fun & laughter over the Holidays.

29^th November 2013 – January 2014

Drusilla’s Winter Wonderland

To enjoy the enchantment of Christmas visit Drusilla’s Park at 4:30pm this December to reveal a magnificent winter wonderland display for all of the family. Father Christmas will make his annual return to the zoo where he will be pleased to meet all of the children for fun and magic this Christmas. Also available are hot honey roasted chest nuts, as well as a glass of mulled wine for the adults!

1^st December 2013

Santa Fun Run & Walk, Eastbourne Seafront

For the 7^th year running, the Santa Fun Run is back to bring you some festive cheer! Santa’s will be making their appearance at the Sovereign Centre Eastbourne and ho ho ho-ing their way to Holy well Tea Chalet. The Santa’s are hoping to beat last year’s grand total of £15,000 for the fantastic charity MGA.

2^nd December 2013

Russian State Ballet & Opera House; the Nutcracker; Congress Theatre

After a successful premiere year at the Congress, the Nutcracker is back with its wonderful live orchestra to bring you an unforgettable 3 day Christmas spectacular. The Nutcracker, Swan Lake & Romeo and Juliet are set to bring you a beautiful fairytale for all of the family. Performance times are 7:30pm. Ticket prices range from £22 - £32; with discounts available for over 60’s, students, unemployed, children and disabled.

Also at the Congress Theatre is A Christmas Spectacular, presented by the fabulous Rattonians each year. Come along and join in the fun 6^th-8^th December. £12.50 per ticket; show time starts at 19:30.

3^rd December 2013

Wonderland Late Night Opening & Curator Talk, Towner

Join in with the fun at Eastbourne’s Towner Art Gallery, for a special Christmas Evening Event where you will discover more about the Towner’s Wonderland Exhibition with the collection curator. You can also find some wonderful Christmas gifts at the in store shop.

7^th December 2013

Christmas cheer at the Eastbourne Enterprise Centre

This is your chance to meet Santa every Saturday and Sunday, as well as his reindeers on the 15^th December. There is also a popular gift fair including 35 stalls selling everything you need for Christmas shopping. This takes place on the 1^st December for everyone to enjoy. Receive a complimentary mulled wine and mince pie on any visit which is free! Festive friends will also be on hand to welcome customers hoping to raise even more money than last years total of over £600 for the Chestnut Tree Children’s Charity.

Little Chelsea Christmas, South Street Eastbourne

South Street is once again coming to life for the 4^th year to bring you Christmas Magic offering great festivities for all of the family. Available will be: Santa’s Grotto and his reindeer, carol singing and dancing, a delicious hog roast, market stalls & late night shopping. You can find some special and unique gifts, and why not warm yourself up with a delicious mulled wine & mince pie. An evening not to be missed! The fun starts at 5:30-10:00pm.

Stargazing with Eastbourne Astronomical Society, Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum

Ever wanted to explore more of the night sky and become familiar with constellation patterns and galaxies? Why not join the Eastbourne Astronomical Society as they host a fun filled evening stargazing at the Redoubt Fortress. Beginners are all welcome as well as experienced; the event is free with hot drinks available. Warm clothes are advisable.

13^th December – 12^th January 2014

Aladdin! Traditional Fun Filled Pantomime, Devonshire Park Theatre  

Everybody loves A Panto! So why not join in the fun? It is back once again ensured to entertain you and the family, taking you on a spectacular adventure. Featuring your favourite characters Wishee Washee, Widow Twankey and of course the fabulous Genie the lamp. Tickets are selling fast! Contact the Devonshire Park Theatre for more details.

14^th December 2013

Historic Old Town Christmas Party & Seasonal Street Market, Eastbourne Old Town

Why not venture into Eastbourne’s Historical Old Town to visit the seasonal street market full of wonderful Christmas gifts and joy. Eastbourne’s oldest village also welcomes you to visit the historical St Mary’s Church, Manor Gardens, Motcombe Lake and Pilgrims House.

Jongleurs Comedy On The Road, Royal Hippodrome Theatre

The Royal Hippodrome Theatre welcomes Comedy on the Road on 14^th December 2014 with an exciting line up of comedians. A wonderful night out in the run up to Christmas! Tickets are £12/£10 concessions.

25^th/26^th December 2013

Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day

Eastbourne’s silver band are returning to yet again bring a morning of entertainment you on Christmas Day with 90 minutes of festive tunes and fun. Why not join in with the magical Christmas Spirit and watch Eastbourne’s longest tradition at the Redoubt Fortress at 10:45am. Also available are hot and cold drinks including mulled wine on a lovely winter’s day. 

Sid and Scrat to Switch On Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park

Sid and Scrat from Ice Age will switch on the spectacular Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park this year, when they visit the award-winning zoo for the first time ever on Saturday 30th November.

Sid & Scrat from Ice Age

The beloved duo will meet and greet visitors at intervals throughout the day before switching on the lights during a grand ceremony at 4.30pm, marking the official start to Drusillas Park’s Christmas Winter Wonderland 2013.

Sid and Scrat are sure to feel right at home as the spectacular Illuminations are set within an ice-capped kingdom and feature an animal themed light show synchronised to music. Young revellers can see a host of magical creatures within the dazzling display, adding some extra sparkle to the festive season from 4.30pm each day, from Saturday 30th November until Sunday 5th January.

Drusillas Winter Wonderland

Also making his first appearance of the year on 30^th November, Father Christmas will make a welcome return to the zoo. Visit his cosy Christmas Cottage and have your picture taken in his sleigh; for a small additional charge children can meet Santa and receive an early Christmas gift.  Plus visitors can also Hug a Husky on selected dates, or enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Located just off the A27, Drusillas Park is open from 10:00am until 5:00pm daily, with the exception of 24th, 25th and 26th December.  For further information and dates for Santa’s Christmas Cottage and Hug a Husky events please telephone (01323) 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk

Bandstand Kicks Off Festive Holidays with Christmas Day Spectacular

Eastbourne’s iconic Bandstand will provide a Christmas Day highlight for residents and visitors as the traditional free concert returns for a triple bill over the festive period.

With more than 4,000 festive fans expected, the seafront venue will provide yuletide entertainment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day – all completely free of charge.

A long standing tradition, the concerts date back to 1935 and have grown in popularity ever since, along with a customary Boxing Day dip in the sea for the brave bunch of hardy swimmers!

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “These concerts have such a great atmosphere and are very popular as a pre-dinner delight for both residents and visitors alike.  With many hotels packed out with festive guests, these concerts are an important part of the Christmas package in Eastbourne and it is a delight to see so many join us in our beautiful resort for their festive break.”

Christmas Day sees the return of the Eastbourne Silver Band with traditional carols and classic Christmas songs in a pre-Christmas dinner treat.

The Ray Campbell Dance Band provide a refreshing alternative to the TV repeats on Boxing Day with a lively round up of festive hits and dancing, along with mulled wine to warm up the revellers.

For the third year running, the Bandstand will see a third concert in its festive calendar with The Ray Campbell Dance Band returning on New Years Day for some celebratory hits and a conga around the Bandstand, to welcome in the new year.

Concerts run from 10.45am to 12.15pm on Christmas Day, and from 11am to 12.30pm on both Boxing Day and New Years Day.  Entry is free.

For more information visit the Bandstand website or telephone 01323 410611.  For information on Christmas events and festive breaks visit the VisitEastbourne website. 

VisitEastbourne’s trip to the Enchanted Zoo

This weekend just passed saw the grand opening of the Drusillas Park Winter Wonderland Illuminations and VE were invited to take a peek!

Having visited Drusillas many times before I was really excited in anticipation to see what new additions had been added for this festive season this year. There certainly was no denying that on paper the new attractions sounded to be quite something. From hugging a Husky, festive winter warmer treats for the stomach and the pinnacle of the show; the Winter Wonderland Illuminations.

After touring the zoo itself and seeing all the incredible and different animals up close and personal, some extra close such as the Lemurs through the walk around Lemurland it was time to head for what we had come for…the Winter Wonderland arena. Going around the park we had sneak peaks of what was in store however when we set eyes upon the full display, Wow – we were blown away! A giant Santa’s grotto arena with giant reindeer and sleigh, Father & Mrs Christmas greeting little ones with surprises wrapped in paper! Not forgetting the jovial Santa’s little helper, the elf! It really was magical and like we had been transported to Lapland. Whilst waiting for the main display of the lights, we took full opportunity to grab something to eat in Explorers Restaurant. It was simply delightful, the food was delicious and the staff extremely pleasant and always very willing to help and extra friendly with the children.

Father&Mrs Christmas with his helpful elf

After we headed for the illuminations, there was just enough time to grab some delectable delights from Station Buffet including Mince Pies, Cinnamon coated Donuts and what would be required to keep us warm during the show – Mulled Wine!! Mmm



The Incredible Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park



Before we knew it the day had gone so fast and it was time to head over to the illuminations site. What happened next was simply magical. The whole atmosphere changed and it was one of the most festive experiences of my life. Christmas carols played to a packed out crowd of people as the winter lights started twinkling and glistening. Polar Bears and Penguins started glistening in the crystal black sky and the enchanted mystical icy river started to flow through the ice-capped kingdom. It was amazing and from this we could see easily why it’s creator, Paul Toole has been called ‘King of the Lights.’ All these fantastic lights were carefully choreographed to music and the extra special large screen of The Muppets gave the kids something to chuckle along to! Looking around, the looks on the faces of the children was something extra special and filled everyone with warmth. Their amazement at seeing such an experience was just pure wonder and something that I’m sure will have filled not only us, but them too with Christmas spirit. The only thing it left us wanting was a return visit and the moment when Father Christmas comes and squeezes himself down the chimney whilst Prancer, Rudolf & Co munch on the carrots left by the bed!

Twinkling Polar Bears & Penguins



A trip to Drusillas Park this Christmas is a must! Everything is epic and so perfectly thought out from start to finish. It’s Christmassy enough that even the biggest Scrooge would love it! If you would like to win a family ticket to Drusillas this Christmas, simply visit the VisitEastbourne Competition website here.

Located just off the A27, Drusillas Park is open from 10:00am until 5:00pm daily, with the exception of 24th, 25th and 26th December.  For further details please telephone (01323) 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk