Arundel by candlelight

First things first, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you all a very Happy New Year. We had a lovely Christmas, for the first time Noah really grasped the concept of Christmas and the idea of Santa Claus.

We’ve had some wonderful firsts this Christmas; the excitement of a tree, unwrapping presents (Noah certainly enjoyed unwrapping his and everyone else's for that matter) and his first Christmas lunch. Like a true foodie he polished it off.

I’m currently wrapped up like a woolly mammoth as the temperatures in London have plummeted; it’s bloody freezing and we’re having a deluge of rain.

I’m not quite ready to acknowledge January, I'm in denial. So I thought I would do a flash back and share with you our visit to the Arundel by Candlelight festival. 

Every December the historic town of Arundel in South England holds a candlelight festival. 

Set against what Arundel is most famous for its picturesque castle, which looks like a scene from Hogwarts. 

Mary, Joseph, a choir of angels, an adornment of animals (including the prised turkey) and the three kings gather. They are here to kick the festivities off and sing all the famous carols.

Houses are adorned with beautiful Christmas trees, with white lights and traditional wreaths.

Shops become all festive, wowing me with their Instagram beauty. 

Choirs, musicians and brass bands add a beautiful backing track to the festivities as you wander round the Christmas markets and the children have a few cheeky goes on the funfair. 

I can recommend a yummy hot chocolate and Noah had fun racing in an old fashion car. 

The town has a wonderful array of traditional pubs, restaurants and antique shops. Shopping and food for me is a marriage made in heaven. 

So The Loft at Sparks Yard in Arundel has to be my perfect place; a lovely restaurant with beautiful views above a shop adorned with gifts and cooking goods.

Noah gave it a big thumbs up, as did we. 

We finished our day visiting the Arundel Brewery and getting some supplies for Christmas. 

Overall a wonderful day out and one I really recommend. We are looking forward to going back in the Summer months, when it is slightly warmer to look round the castle and taste more of the delights Arundel has to offer. 

What did you do to get in the Christmas spirit? 
Have you set any New Year resolutions or are you giving them a miss? Share in the comments below. 

www.arundel.org.uk