What to do in Chichester this Christmas

Everyone loves to get into the Christmas spirit and there are plenty of events in Chichester that are helping us to do that this year and I thought I would provide a list of them for you to make it easier.

Naturally, with Christmas really being about the birth of Jesus, many of the events are being put on by a number of the great churches in Chichester. 

We will start with the most famous church in Chichester: Chichester Cathedral. They will be putting various carol services on in the cathedral throughout December such as the Chichester College service last Wednesday followed by the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service last Thursday. Their main carol services however will be performed by the Chichester University music students and occurs on 20th and 21st December at 18.00 and 22nd December at 15:00.

We will proceed from the 900 year old Cathedral to the slightly younger 6 year old Grace Church Chichester who also have a Christmas Carol Service this year. The choir at Grace Church will be equally professional as the Cathedral but a bit smaller and more modern in their chosen genres. They will still be singing traditional Christmas hymns but the eclectic choir and band will be singing songs with a modern twist for fun for all the family. Their services are on 18th December at 16.30 and then again at 19.00. 

Moving away from the churches, Petworth House will be putting on a live nativity as a wonderful family Christmas event. This will be part of their Winter spectacular and all are invited to the historic town to follow their live nativity to itc conclusion in the stable yard where lanterns and woolens are essential! The story begins at 18.00 on 16th December. 

At Chichester Festival Theatre, one of Russia's most successful popular touring companies, Moscow City Ballet, return to showcase their talents with productions of The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet. Performances run from 3rd to 8th January 2012 with at 19.30 with matinees at 14.15 on 4th, 7th and 8th. 

Experience the traditions of Christmas past & discover how our ancestors enjoyed the Festive Season at Weald and Downland Museum. Walk off the Christmas pud as you enjoy traditionally decorated houses with their crackling log fires, with many decorated for Christmas in the style of the period when they were originally built. Also enjoy a variety of festive fare, music and stories from Tudor to Victorian times. From 26th December to 1st January.

Well that is a decent list to keep you busy this Christmas but remember to regularly check the What's On section of Chichester People for events throughout the year!