Arundel at Christmas
T’was the month before Christmas and all through the town,
Arundel was bustling with fun and joy all around
The one day ‘Arundel by Candlelight’ event we enjoyed in previous years has been recreated as a new programme of events being held throughout December. It really had grown too large for a one-day event so a more sustainable solution was found which brings together the many festive events and initiatives happening in our town and shows that there are so many reasons to visit, and while here “…to eat, shop, drink and be merry!”.
Our Arundel at Christmas Events Calendar will keep you up to date with all that is happening this year.
Arundel – THE place to enjoy the Christmas spirit
Just as described in the wonderful poem, The Night Before Christmas, when the nights draw in and our thoughts turn to Christmas – Arundel is a special place to be.
If you want to wrap yourselves up in the magic of Christmas shopping, Christmas food and Christmas celebrations – Arundel is THE place to be.
Since 2002, Arundel has been the go-to town in Sussex for festive fun. The backdrop of the warm white lights on the wall-mounted real spruce Christmas trees adorning restaurants, pubs, cafes, businesses, and houses throughout the town ensures that Arundel becomes a magical and truly festive sight.
You can soak up the spirit of Christmas as you shop, drink, eat and enjoy festive activities. There is always something different to see and do each year so if you’ve been before, then come again! There are beautiful window displays in the shops and businesses throughout town so come and see which one is your favourite this year.
You can find out about all the exciting events to be enjoyed in Arundel throughout December in the Arundel at Christmas Facebook page
When does Arundel at Christmas take place?
This year, the Opening Celebrations are going to be extra special as the Duke of Norfolk with be receiving the Freedom of Arundel.
This very special celebration takes place in the Town Square on Friday 1st December from 6pm. It will be a double celebration with not only the Christmas tree lighting, procession, carols and festive entertainment but the Mayor of Arundel will also be conferring the Freedom of Arundel on Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18th Duke of Norfolk. You might even see Father Christmas as he will be coming along to this unique occasion too!
Tarrant Street Market will be held on Saturday 2nd December from 10am – 4.30pm with festive entertainment there throughout the day.
There’s Late Night Christmas Shopping in the town on Friday 8th December so you will have up to 8pm to buy your presents from the wonderful independent shops who will be open till late. To help get you into the Christmas spirit, there will be plenty of entertainment around the round the town too. The full details of those business staying open late are in the Arundel at Christmas Facebook page
On Saturday 9th December come along and support the Reverse Father Christmas Appeal and see the entertainment on the cobbles from 11am to 3pm.
You can buy foodie gifts and treats at the Arundel Farmers Market on Saturday 16th December . Throughout the day you can enjoy yet more festive entertainment to continue to get you into the Christmas spirit! Only a few days to go now!
If you are enjoying all the music and entertainment around the town there is still more to come on Sunday 17th December.
As you can see, there is plenty of opportunities to enjoy Arundel at Christmas throughout December so keep looking at our Events Calendar or the What’s on Where Guide.
What else can I see and do during Arundel at Christmas?
Do you want to shop for the perfect Christmas gift from independent boutiques, antique shops, and artisan food and drink specialists? Are you looking to stock up on festive foodie treats for Christmas meals? Are you looking for somewhere special for a festive night out to celebrate with work colleagues, family or friends?
Historic Arundel has it all at Christmas! Set against a backdrop of the fairy tale Arundel Castle with the town’s skyline dramatically dominated by the famous Arundel Cathedral real Christmas trees decorated throughout the town and a giant traditional Christmas tr brightly in the Town Square, Arundel is the perfect Christmas destination.
Don’t miss our Arundel Farmers Market You can tuck into seasonal menus at our Restaurants, Pubs, Bars & Breweries and Tearooms, Cafés and Coffee Shops, enjoy performances and entertainment from local artists and brave a festive swim at the Arundel Lido or if you want to find out more about this historic town, then Arundel Museum will give you a warm welcome.
You won’t be the only visitor to Arundel at Christmas – many birds overwinter with their resident feathered friends at the Arundel Wetland Centre. Enjoy a wintery walk through the beautiful local countryside surrounding Arundel – perfect for walking off festive food! Swanbourne Lake is a particular favourite and ideal for families.
This year, Arundel will once again shine brightly throughout December. Look out for Father Christmas, visit our independent shops and galleries and we can guarantee you can eat, drink, shop and be merry in our Tearooms, Cafés and Coffee Shops, Restaurants and Pubs, Bars & Breweries.
Discover all the events on our Events Calendar and Arundel at Christmas Facebook page
Who organises Arundel at Christmas?
A collaborative festival committee has been formed representing residents, businesses, attractions, local organisations, and community groups, to bring together this year’s ‘Arundel at Christmas’ programme of events.
For a complete list of the Arundel at Christmas events please visit the Events Calendar and follow the Arundel at Christmas Facebook page.
Christmas is coming to Arundel – so Visit Arundel this Christmas!
By Barb Hogan, Visit Arundel
Photos: Charlie Waring and Nigel Cull