1) Beauty and the Beast

Looking to keep the children entertained on Christmas eve? Don’t miss the chance to see this well-reviewed panto based on the French fairy tale The familiar voice of CBeebies star Rebecca Keatley as the Magical Mirror is sure to delight your young ones but the plot has enchanted all ages since it came to popular attention after the 1991 Disney film. The show promises to combine an “amazing love story” with “oodles of silliness”, making for an effective mix of poignancy and humour.

Ropetackle Arts Centre, High Street, Shoreham, 11am and 2.30pm, from £10, 01273 464440

2) Star of Bethlehem

Anybody who has ever lived in Chichester or visited the planetarium knows that the Christmas Eve show is a mustsee. Dr John Mason MBE guides the audience through the Nativity tale in forensic fashion. It is, in the words of the planetarium, an “astronomical detective story”. More specifically, the issue of the star that guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Christ is explored. Was it indeed a star or a bright comet, or even a rare display of the Northern Lights?

South Downs Planetarium, Kingsham Farm, Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Road, Chichester, 1.30pm, adults £7, children £5, 01243 774400

3) Christmas at Drusillas

The Winter Wonderland illuminations at the fun park take three weeks to complete and that time and care is manifest in a dazzling display for all the family. Reindeer, penguins, seals and polar bears all feature in an elaborate show. Around 70,000 LED lights are used to create the display, specifically chosen for their low energy consumption. The animation of lights to music is a relatively new progression in the UK having been founded in America but more will be sure to follow Drusillas’ lead.

Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 10am, free with admission to park, 01323 874100

4) Theatre Royal Brighton tour

Few institutions in Sussex provide a more atmospheric sense of occasion than TRB and it opens its doors to the public on Christmas Eve. The sense of magic already conjured by the festive period will be heightened in the cavernous yet welcoming performance space. There will be a chance to sit in the Queen’s seat in the royal box and venture into the Gulp Bar, once visited by Laurence Olivier. The unique backstage area is built out of fishermen’s cottages. A great chance to channel more than 200 years of local history.

Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, 11.30am, £7.50, 08448 717650

5) Christmas Village

It’s last chance saloon for Christmas shoppers tomorrow and you could do worse than head to the heart of Brighton for last-minute goods. The atmospheric market features an array of charming, handcrafted presents that cater for any member of an extended family. After the gifts have been bought, you can unwind with a glass of mulled wine and a bratwurst from the German sausage stall. If you weren’t feeling in a festive mood before visiting the market, you will be afterwards.

Jubilee Square, Brighton, 10am