Christmas Uncovered: Dark Origins Revealed

The idea that Christmas has a darker side may come as a surprise to many, but it's a fact that will be explored in depth at the Seed Talks event, The Dark Origins of Christmas: Demons, Witches & Twelfth Night. This talk will take place on Wednesday, 2 December 2026, at the Brighthelm Centre in Brighton, and will be led by Professor Diane Purkiss, a renowned expert in English literature and folklore.

Professor Purkiss will guide the audience through the ancient rituals and festivals that have shaped the modern Christmas celebrations, including the Roman festivals of Kalends, Saturnalia, and Sol Invictus. The talk will also cover the story of St Lucy, the Christian martyr, and the fairies, demons, and witches that are often overlooked in traditional Christmas narratives.

The event is presented by Seed Talks, an organisation that brings together leading researchers and thinkers to discuss the mind, brain, and human experience. With over 1,000 talks and 200,000 guests to date, Seed Talks has established itself as a reputable and engaging platform for exploring complex topics. Tickets are with the button beside the article.