A Jane Austen-themed Christmas celebration is coming to life.
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton will host A Very Austen Christmas from Saturday, November 22, to January 4, 2026, in honour of the 250th anniversary of the author's birth.
Visitors will be transported into a Regency-inspired festive experience, complete with ballroom silhouettes, themed Christmas trees and immersive storytelling.
Daniel Cox, head guide at Brighton & Hove Museums, said: "He adored her books, and she barely tolerated him, but now they are together once more under the same roof in the Royal Pavilion.
"It is the reunion Brighton did not know it needed, bringing King George IV and Jane Austen back into conversation in the very setting he loved.
"A Very Austen Christmas celebrates 250 years of her wit, wisdom, and romance, inviting visitors to step into her world, meet her characters, and enjoy a festive season that would have made even the Prince Regent smile."
The immersive experience includes diary extracts, character encounters, festive gossip and interactive elements guiding visitors through the palace.
Guests will explore Austen’s world through the eyes of characters like Mr Darcy, the Bennet sisters, Emma Woodhouse and Marianne Dashwood.
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A special talk by Royal Pavilion curator Alexandra Loske on Tuesday, December 16 will mark Austen’s birthday and explore her connections to Brighton.
While there is no evidence Austen visited the town, it features in her novels Pride and Prejudice and Sanditon.
Her brother, Henry Thomas Austen, spent time in Brighton with the Royal Oxfordshire Militia, suggesting she may have drawn inspiration from the area.
A Very Austen Christmas is included with Royal Pavilion entry, and all events can be found brightonmuseums.org.uk.
Visitors will also have the chance to meet Father Christmas, join storytelling sessions, and enjoy a family-friendly Regency Play Parlour.
Other events include Jane Austen at Christmas – In Conversation on Friday, November 28, an Austen Christmas Cream Tea on Wednesday, December 10, and Regency Delights: A Very Austen Christmas tours on Sundays December 7, 14 and 21.
The palace will be dressed in Regency-style decorations, with carols, costumes and activities bringing Austen’s world to life.
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