From riverside sparkle to fairy tale castles, Southern Railway’s network is full of festive days out this winter. Whether you’re planning a Christmas shopping trip, a twinkling light trail for the kids, or looking to find the best stocking fillers at a cosy market, there’s plenty to explore within easy distance of the railway station. These are some of the South East’s most enchanting festive events this year.
‘Winter by the River’ at London Bridge
Nearest station: London Bridge
Date: 13 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Tickets: Free to enter, no tickets required
With Tower Bridge and the Thames as its backdrop, this market is pure Christmas magic. Discover boutique gift stalls for all your stocking fillers, gourmet winter food like artisan cheese and German bratwurst, all inside beautifully decorated Alpine chalets. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a rom-com.
Horsham Christmas Market
Nearest station: Horsham
Date: 21 November 2025 - 5 January 2026
Tickets: Free to enter, no tickets required
There’s a variety of Christmas events to delight every sense in and around Horsham this year. Kicking off with a Christmas launch party on Friday 21 November, there’ll be Christmas markets in Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Southwater, Steyning and Storrington. Then, explore the festive windows and displays which help to make the towns and villages extra magical. Don’t miss Christmas at Horsham Museum and Art Gallery, where there’ll be a Christmas-themed family art trail and drop-in craft sessions.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Nearest station: Haywards Heath
Date: 27 November 2025 - 3 January 2026
Tickets: Book here
Wakehurst’s award-winning light trail returns with its most dazzling display yet. Follow an enchanting route through the botanic gardens, where lanterns and shimmering installations illuminate the winter landscape. Expect glowing sculptures, immersive soundscapes, and the iconic fire garden that warms the December chill with plenty of marshmallows to toast. This is a perfect one for kids, so make sure you grab their train tickets with Southern's Kids for £2 deal.
Christmas at Hever Castle
Nearest station: Edenbridge Town
Date: 21 November 2025 - 2 January 2026
Tickets: Book here
Follow the yellow brick road for Christmas in the Land of Oz at Hever Castle this year. The beautiful heritage site transforms into a festive fairy tale each winter, complete with twinkling lights, log fires and beautifully decorated rooms. As darkness falls, wander through themed gardens lit up with thousands of sparkling bulbs, take a turn on the vintage carousel, or enjoy a crisp walk around the lake. Every corner tells a Christmas story, making it one of the South East’s most magical traditions.
Tulleys Christmas
Nearest station: Three Bridges
Date: 22 November - 24 December 2025
Tickets: Book here
Tulleys never does things by halves, and its Christmas experience is pure festive theatre. There’s a penguin parade, festival stage and teddy boutique which are all sure to delight the kids. Then, they can visit Santa, make reindeer food, and even decorate gingerbread with Mrs Claus in her bakery. Tulleys has everything you could think of for the ultimate festive family day (and night) out.
Christmas at Amberley Castle
Nearest station: Amberley
Date: Throughout December 2025
Tickets: Book here
Few places do Christmas quite like Amberley Castle. Within the 900-year-old walls, this luxury hotel is the perfect place for a winter retreat, with roaring fires, lavish decorations and festive afternoon teas served in grand surroundings. Guests can dine beneath glittering chandeliers and stay overnight for a Christmas experience straight out of a storybook.
Chichester Festive Market
Nearest station: Chichester
Date: 6 - 7 December & 13 - 14 December 2025
Tickets: Free to enter, no tickets required
Set against the backdrop of the city’s ancient streets and majestic cathedral, this market is a festive gem. There’s a wide variety of stalls offering everything from local food and drink to Christmas gifts and novelties. You can also enjoy a Christmas Tree Stroll, featuring seven unique tree sculptures created by local artists using sustainable materials.