| At Christmas time the small West Sussex city of | | | | placed by the market cross at the centre of the town, |
| Chichester transforms into a stunning, festively lit | | | | and roast chestnuts and other refreshments, including |
| Winter wonderland, alive with the excitement of | | | | hot drinks, are served. There are many carol concerts |
| Christmas. When 'that time of the year' arrives, | | | | that take place around Chichester in the weeks |
| organisers are ready to prepare the city for, arguably, | | | | approaching Christmas, not only at the cathedral; every |
| one of (if not THE) most joyful seasons of the year. | | | | church in the city holds a carol concert (often in |
| The festivities, marked by the prestigious turning on of | | | | collaboration with each other), which really pulls |
| the lights in late November, signal that Christmas is on | | | | communities together. |
| its way and you need to get your shopping done! On | | | | Of course, if you're in Chichester you should always |
| the day of the turning on of the lights (usually around | | | | consider visiting the Festival Theatre! A pantomime is |
| the 24th), there are some fantastic activities in an | | | | fun for all the family, and kids are bound to thoroughly |
| around the city centre for all of the family. This includes | | | | enjoy themselves at the theatrical performances of |
| some form of street entertainment, live reindeer and a | | | | classics such as 'James and the Giant Peach' and 'The |
| community carol concert. From this point on, Christmas | | | | Ugly Duckling'. |
| shopping hours take affect and most shops stay open | | | | And if you still haven't been persuaded to visit |
| until nine o'clock Monday through Saturday, and half | | | | Chichester at Christmas time, then this is my last |
| past four on Sunday. Perfect for getting a spot of | | | | resort. Shops. Yup, we've got plenty of them; and not |
| Christmas shopping done after work! | | | | just the large retail chains like Argos, Woolworths, |
| Throughout the month of December, Chichester hosts | | | | Curry's, Gamestation, Dorothy Perkins and HMV! |
| many Christmas and continental markets providing a | | | | Chichester is a haven for small 'home grown' |
| vast array of products ranging from cheese, to | | | | businesses and shops; and there is a great many of |
| mistletoe, to gifts. You will be surprised by the diversity | | | | them scattered around the streets of the town. Shops |
| of products available at such fantastic prices! You can | | | | like Toywizz, E.S.P., The Bazaar, Between the Lines |
| find these markets in North Street, East street, and in | | | | and Coast mean that you'll find the prefect gift for |
| the East Pallant House car park. | | | | everyone this Christmas! |
| In addition to this, an enormous Christmas tree is | | | | |