Arundel at Christmas
Arundel at Christmas 2024
T’was the month before Christmas and all through the town, Arundel was bustling with fun and joy all around
Once again this year, a wonderful and festive programme of events is being held in the town throughout December. You may remember the one-day event, ‘Arundel by Candlelight’ which had just got far too large to be held over only one day, so a more sustainable solution was found with Arundel at Christmas!
This brings together the many festive events and initiatives happening in Arundel throughout the weeks leading up to the festive celebrations. Arundel at Christmas shows that there are so many reasons to visit and while in the town, “…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 will take place on Friday 29th November with the tree lighting at 6pm and a traditional carol service in the Town Square and High Street.
You can buy foodie gifts and treats at the Arundel Farmers Market on Saturday 21st December. With 50+ stalls and festive entertainment in town throughout the day, you will be able to easily get into the Christmas spirit!
If you like to enjoy all the music and entertainment around the town there is still more to come as at the weekends you can hear a brass band and choirs. With more entertainment being arranged all the time, keep looking at the Events Calendar and Arundel at Christmas Facebook page and you can keep up to date with all that will be happening.
As you can see, there is plenty of opportunities to enjoy Arundel at Christmas throughout December so bring your family and friends and get involved with all the events taking place.
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 tree 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 that surrounds Arundel. See our Countryside & Walks page or take a stroll along the
The River – just perfect for walking off festive food! Swanbourne Lake is a particular favourite and ideal for families. And remember there are plenty of Dog Friendly Activities and places where your four-legged friend is very welcome.
This year, Arundel will once again shine brightly throughout December. Look out for all the beautifully decorated shop windows, visit our Arts & Antiques galleries, and Independent & Local Shops as well as the many places to eat and drink.
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
Updated 29 Oct ’24