As decorations have been in stores since the summer holidays, it is inevitable that many students may have gotten into the Christmas spirit sometime around October 1, and then out of it again by December. Hopefully, this article will reignite your passion for the holiday season by providing some ideas of how best to celebrate it in the city.
Ice Skating at the Pavilion
Does anyone else remember the 1997 direct-to-video animated film, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas? In it, Belle and her codependent crush engage in a number of Christmassy activities including ice skating in the castle’s gardens. The protagonist glides elegantly on her skates while her love interest falls flat.. Anyway, I have yet to grace the ice rink at the Pavilion in fear that I’ll resemble the beast. Luckily, there’s no charge for spectating from the sidelines (besides the mulled wine you’ll inevitably purchase from the bar). So, while the adventurous among you can spend £11 having a great time, the anxious can live vicariously.
The ice rink is open from 26 October to 5 January.
Sleeping Beauty
“He’s behind you,” is something usually said on a night out at Coalition after a creepy guy won’t leave you alone. Fortunately, this Christmas season you’ll be able to shout it during Sleeping Beauty, the pantomime playing at the Hilton from 19 to 30 December. On second thought, it may have to be “she’s behind you,” as I can’t think of any male villains in this film. It appears that 1950s Disney still enjoyed pitting women against each other.
Brighton Lights at Stanmer Park
If the cost of living crisis means you won’t be able to foot the electricity bill, should you decide to decorate your house with Christmas lights, don’t worry! Well, do worry, then put it to the back of your mind because it’s nearly Christmas and you don’t want to bring down the mood…and take a trip to Stanmer Park to live through the council who had the budget to light up the greenery. As the venue is so close to the university, it’s the equivalent of popping into your next-door neighbour’s house to spread some good will. For £16, you can walk through the illuminated Palm House, enjoy live performances from local musicians, and pick up gifts from the Christmas market.
Tickets available from 11 to 23 December.
The Laines
If £16 is too steep, why not take a trip to the Laines and enjoy the Christmas lights they have to offer. I must warn you, however, that some of the choices this year are inexplicable. If the council wants to promote Brighton, why not go the whole vegan-hog and throw in a neon “F*** the Tories” sign or a bedazzled tofu block? Instead, we have an alien in a Christmas hat and a breakdancing robot.
Although not limited to Brighton, I’d encourage you to also take a trip to the Morrison’s on St James’ Street to pick up some Gingerbread Mulled Wine, which took out the bitter taste in my mouth left by the North Street lights. Warning: don’t go with young children or they may misconstrue the old bloke with a beer belly and bulging sack running from security as Father Christmas.
So, there you have it! A range of activities to ensure that you simply have a wonderful Christmas time.