We’ll be taking a break from our usual programme over the festive period, so there will be no meditation or yoga drop-ins, classes or courses. Instead we’ll be offering a special Festive Programme – one session a day with our team and teachers for a special event.
We hope you’ll come and join us!
Tuesday 23rd December – last full day at the Centre in 2025
Wednesday 24th December to Thursday 1st January 2026 – our Festive Programme…
Friday 2nd January – first full day back at the Centre in 2026
These events will be run by very small teams, so please arrive on time – doors open 15 minutes beforehand and we need to close them again promptly 5 minutes after the start time – there will be nobody to let in latecomers.
No need to book for any session. All events are by donation – online here or using the “Dona” card machine or dana bowl on the day – Thank You!
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve), 1pm to 3pm
Meditation for Peace Afternoon, led by Maitridarshin
All welcome
Though in the world outside there is strife,
Here may there be peace;
Though in the world outside there is hate,
Here may there be love;
Though in the world outside there is grief,
Here may there be joy.
From the Triratna Buddhist Community’s “Dedication Ceremony”
Join Maitridarshin for an afternoon of awareness and loving-kindness meditation dedicated to those in the world outside who are living with strife, hate, grief or who are suffering in any way.
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Thursday 25th December (Christmas Morning), 10am to 12pm
Morning Puja, led by Gambhiradhi
All welcome
Come along and join Gambhiradhi and Jane for a morning puja, meditation and reflections on the Three Fortunate Women.
No need to book, by donation.
Friday 26th December (Boxing Day), 11am to 4.30pm
The Hearth of Midwinter Day Retreat, led by Dharmakara
All welcome
Practices around rest and contacting the heart.
You will need to bring your own lunch (vegatarian/vegan only in the Centre, please), but hot drinks can be made in the kitchen.
Saturday 27th December, 10.30am to 3pm
Exploring the Sevenfold Puja Day Retreat, led by Sthanashraddha
Suitable for anyone who has attended an introductory course at the Brighton Buddhist Centre.
If you have a love of ritual and devotion, or are put off or left confused on discovering that Buddhism includes such elements, this day could be for you. We will go through the words of the Sevenfold Puja, taking time to explore and discuss the meaning and implications of them. Alongside this will be periods of meditation and, of course practice of puja.
You will need to bring your own lunch (vegatarian/vegan only in the Centre, please), but hot drinks can be made in the kitchen.
Sunday 28th December, 11am to 4pm
Meditation Reactive to Meditation Creative Day Retreat, led by Padmottara
For regular meditation / Dharma practitioners
Exploring ways we can move from a meditation practice that is dull, mechanical, uninspiring, disembodied and reactive towards a practice that is energised, inspiring, embodied, grounded and creative.
You will need to bring your own lunch (vegatarian/vegan only in the Centre, please), but hot drinks can be made in the kitchen.
Monday 29th December, 10am to 1pm
Self-Compassion Morning, led by Maitrimala
All welcome
A morning to connect deeply with ourselves with kindness and compassion.
We’ll start by relaxing with a compassionate body scan. Then we’ll look any Kristin Neff’s research- based 3 Components of Compassion and how to include them in our lives; and look at why self-compassion can be more helpful and effective than self-esteem.
There will be a meditation on self-compassion as well as quick practices to reconnect with ourselves in daily life.
Tuesday 30th December, 10am to 1pm
Poetry and Meditation Morning, led by Suryadaya
All welcome
Sharing our favourite poems & readings and meditating together. We invite you to bring along your own favourites too – seasonal or not.
All welcome, no need to book, by donation.
Wednesday 31st December (New Year’s Eve), 1pm to 3pm
Meditation, Buddhism and Chat Lunchtime Class, led by Shuddhadhara
All welcome
A more spacious lunchtime class to allow us to meditate together, but with time to explore and discuss anything you want to ask about meditation practice or the Buddhist life too – bring your questions!
Thursday 1st January 2026 (New Year’s Day), 10.30pm to 12pm
New Year’s Day Sesshin Morning, led by Khemasiddhi
All welcome
Start 2026 with a morning of stillness, simplicity and calm. We will mix sitting and walking practices with wintry haikus.
Tai Chi and Yoga Classes
Dharmakara‘s last Tai Chi class will be on Thursday 11th December, and will return on Thursday 8th January 2026
Eva Kozacikova‘s last (Evolution Arts) yoga class will be on Friday 12th December, and will return on Friday 9th January 2026.
Lisa‘s last (Evolution Arts) Chair-based yoga class of the year will be on Wednesday 17th December, and will return on Sunday 7th January 2026.
Khadine‘s last yoga class of the year will be on Thursday 18th December (not 22nd), and will return on Sunday 4th January 2026.
Jim‘s last yoga class of the year will be on Saturday 20th December, and will return on Monday 5th January 2026.
Pablo‘s last yoga class of the year will be on Sunday 21st December, and will return on Friday 9th January 2026 (not 2nd January).
Jane Manze‘s last (Evolution Arts) yoga class will be on Monday 22nd December, and will return on Monday 5th January 2026.
