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At Christmas time the small West Sussex city of Chichester transforms into a stunning, festively lit Winter wonderland, alive with the excitement of Christmas. When 'that time of the year' arrives, organisers are ready to prepare the city for, arguably, one of (if not THE) most joyful seasons of the year.

The festivities, marked by the prestigious turning on of the lights in late November, signal that Christmas is on its way and you need to get your shopping done! On the day of the turning on of the lights (usually around the 24th), there are some fantastic activities in an around the city centre for all of the family. This includes some form of street entertainment, live reindeer and a community carol concert. From this point on, Christmas shopping hours take affect and most shops stay open until nine o'clock Monday through Saturday, and half past four on Sunday. Perfect for getting a spot of Christmas shopping done after work!

Throughout the month of December, Chichester hosts many Christmas and continental markets providing a vast array of products ranging from cheese, to mistletoe, to gifts. You will be surprised by the diversity of products available at such fantastic prices! You can find these markets in North Street, East street, and in the East Pallant House car park.

In addition to this, an enormous Christmas tree is placed by the market cross at the centre of the town, and roast chestnuts and other refreshments, including hot drinks, are served. There are many carol concerts that take place around Chichester in the weeks approaching Christmas, not only at the cathedral; every church in the city holds a carol concert (often in collaboration with each other), which really pulls communities together.

Of course, if you're in Chichester you should always consider visiting the Festival Theatre! A pantomime is fun for all the family, and kids are bound to thoroughly enjoy themselves at the theatrical performances of classics such as 'James and the Giant Peach' and 'The Ugly Duckling'.

And if you still haven't been persuaded to visit Chichester at Christmas time, then this is my last resort. Shops. Yup, we've got plenty of them; and not just the large retail chains like Argos, Woolworths, Curry's, Gamestation, Dorothy Perkins and HMV! Chichester is a haven for small 'home grown' businesses and shops; and there is a great many of them scattered around the streets of the town. Shops like Toywizz, E.S.P., The Bazaar, Between the Lines and Coast mean that you'll find the prefect gift for everyone this Christmas!

Because Chichester is so beautiful at Christmas time, many people decide to spend their Christmas their. There is a great choice of wonderful hotels in chichester to stay in in and around the city centre, providing fantastic accommodation in chichester. The Crouchers Country Hotel is a short walk from the centre and provides excellent accommodation in west sussex. On the other hand, The Ship hotel is directly in the city centre, and provides an unparalleled closeness to the heart of the festivities. Whatever your needs from a hotel, you are bound to find accommodation in the city which caters for your needs!