There are plenty of fun festive activities to enjoy in the Arun District this November and December. From switching on Christmas lights to conferring the Freedom of Arundel on the 18th Duke of Norfolk, there is something for everyone in our local area during this festive season.Christmas lights – ‘Switch On’ dates for your diary

See the information below for each town and don’t forget that there is FREE parking on Saturdays in the run up to Christmas in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Littlehampton Lights Switch On – 18^th November

Soak up some Christmas spirit at the Littlehampton Christmas Lights Switch on event and Late-Night Shopping on the 18th November. The High Street will be packed with festive cheer and lots of local retailers will be staying open late, so you can snap up your Christmas gifts. Enjoy live music and entertainment as well as food stalls, artisan stalls and the opportunity to visit Father Christmas! 

See more at: Events – Visit Littlehampton and their social media channels.

Bognor Regis lights Switch On – 25^th November 

Come and join the festive fun in Bognor Regis from 4pm- 7pm and soak up the atmosphere with plenty of seasonal activities and things to do, as well as live music, entertainment and stunning digital projections! Read more about this event here: https://lovebognorregis.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-switch-on/

Follow the “Enchanted Woodland” Light Trail through Hotham Park to the “Ice Rink  in the Park” for a magical Christmas experience from 4^th – 17^th December. Watch out for more information coming soon on our social media platforms and See more ‘What’s On in Bognor Regis’ information at Love Bognor Regis and their social media channels.

We are also delighted to share that the ‘Ice Rink In The Park’ (London Road Coach Park) will be open 23 November 2023 to 02 Jan 2024 inclusive. 

Arundel Christmas lights Switch On – 1^st December

December 1^st 2023 will be a double celebration in the historic town of Arundel. Not only will the Christmas Tree lights be turned on, to launch the traditional Christmas Festival, but on the same occasion, the Mayor of Arundel will confer the Freedom of Arundel on Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18^th Duke of Norfolk, the hereditary Earl Marshal of England, whose responsibilities include organising major ceremonial state occasions.

“So many people wished to witness and participate in this very special event that there was not a room in the town large enough to accommodate them. So, we decided to hold it in the Town Centre, at the heart of the conservation area, where everyone who wished to could take part”, explains Cllr. Tony Hunt, Mayor of Arundel. 

“The Freedom of Arundel is only conferred in rare and exceptional circumstances. Since 1945 this honour has only been conferred on 7 individuals and the Royal Sussex Regiment. It took account of the contribution that the Duke had made to national life through organising both the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth ll and the Coronation of King Charles lll. This has earned the Duke of Norfolk respect and gratitude across the country, and in doing so it has enhanced the reputation of Arundel. People in Arundel told me that they felt proud that “our Duke” had not only organised the Coronation but was centre stage throughout”, explains Cllr. Tony Hunt.

Conferring the Freedom of Arundel also marks the contribution that the Duke has made to life in Arundel, and the exemplary effort which he has made to maintain sustainability and biodiversity on the Norfolk Estate, including his project to extend curlew from their northern stronghold on the Yorkshire Moors to the Peppering Estate in West Sussex.

Keep an eye out for more festivities throughout December, as part of the wonderful annual Arundel at Christmas event and don’t forget the November and December Monthly Farmers’ Markets (3rd Saturday of each month) and much more. Find out more at: VisitArundel.co.uk and their social media channels.

Several of the villages in Sussex by the Sea will be holding seasonal events too. Follow our social media channels for the latest information shared as its published.

‘Sussex by the Sea’ and Arun District Council provide this information in good faith, as provided by partners and event organisers, or researched and published on various local websites and social media channels. Please click the links provided and contact the event organiser/attraction/business or venue direct to confirm current details.