
Wed 28 Oct and Thu 29 Oct 2026
Characters from History at Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle and Gardens · Chichester & Arundel
Castle admission applies (see website)
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)Arundel kicks off Christmas with a Victorian-style evening of street entertainment, a lantern procession and the lights switch-on.
Fri 4 Dec 2026
16:00 to 19:00
Free
From 4pm the town fills with live music, costumed Victorian performers and street entertainment, with mulled wine and mince pies to keep you warm. The independent shops and eateries stay open too, so it works well as an early bit of Christmas shopping and a bite to eat.
At 5.30pm a lantern procession sets off. The Christmas lights are switched on at around 6pm, and the evening finishes with carols around the tree. Worthing Silver Band and choirs from local schools, St Nicholas' Church and Arundel Cathedral will be singing. Father Christmas and his helpers will be there for the little ones.
Good to know: There's a 'Be a Secret Santa' appeal for toys, hampers and food vouchers, if you'd like to donate.
Arundel station is a short walk from the town centre, and parking in town fills up early on the night, so the train is the easier bet.
Going as a group? Our 16-seat minibuses take you from your door to the event and home again.
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Wed 28 Oct and Thu 29 Oct 2026
Arundel Castle and Gardens · Chichester & Arundel
Castle admission applies (see website)

24 Nov to 28 Nov 2026
Chichester Festival Theatre · Chichester & Arundel
See box office for prices

28 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027
Petworth House and Park (National Trust) · Chichester & Arundel
Normal admission applies (free for National Trust members)
Nothing coming up here right now.