Create a perfect holiday itinerary in Canterbury! Our guide features all the best festive events and activities. From Canterbury die-hards to casual visitors, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal splendor.
Popular events in Canterbury during the holiday season include the Historic Christmas Market, where charming stalls offer artisanal crafts and seasonal delicacies amidst the backdrop of the city's medieval architecture. The Christmas Light Parade dazzles with its luminous displays and fun-filled procession, capturing the spirit of the season for all ages. And the performance of Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight is something you definitely don’t want to miss, as the stunning setting elevates this classic masterpiece to a captivating experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Canterbury
- Historic Christmas Market
- Christmas Light Parade
- Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
- Holodomor Service with the Canterbury Ukrainian Ladies Choir
- Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival
- Royal School of Needlework: Pilgrims' Christmas Stockings
- Chiddingstone Castle Artisan Christmas Fair (Chiddingstone)
- Christmas Catastrophe at the Dockyard (Chatham)
- Chartwell House Christmas (Westerham)
- Quebec House Georgian Christmas (Westerham)
See these and even more events listed below!
Canterbury Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Light Parade
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display in historic city center.
Description:
The Christmas Light Parade in Canterbury features a spectacular display of twinkling lights illuminating the city's medieval streets and buildings, signaling the opening of the new Canterbury Cathedral Christmas Market.
Where: Canterbury | More Info: Christmas Light Parade
Glow Marwell
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail through a zoo setting
Description:
Glow Marwell features a vibrant light trail through Marwell Zoo, showcasing the zoo's animals and habitats in a colorful and immersive display.
Where: Colden Common | More Info: Glow Marwell
Waddesdon Manor Christmas
What to Expect:
Festive light trail and interactive installations inspired by Sleeping Beauty.
Description:
Step inside Waddesdon Manor to explore festively decorated rooms with twinkling lights, mesmerising installations, and immersive soundscapes inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty. The Manor's extraordinary façade is illuminated with spellbinding animated projections, while a new light trail through the Pleasure Grounds features playful interactive elements and seasonal favourites. The Christmas Fair and Food Village offer a selection of artisan stalls and festive food, and a festive afternoon tea is available in the Manor Restaurant.
Where: Aylesbury | More Info: Waddesdon Manor Christmas
Canterbury Holiday Markets and Shopping
Historic Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Revival of a 600-year-old Christmas market tradition.
Description:
The Historic Christmas Market at Canterbury Cathedral features picturesque German-style wooden huts, delicious food and drink outlets, a vintage-style carousel ride, and live music performances, including traditional carol services.
Where: Canterbury | More Info: Historic Christmas Market
Chiddingstone Castle Artisan Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Unique artisanal gifts and local food in a historic castle.
Description:
Chiddingstone Castle Artisan Christmas Fair features over 50 hand-curated stalls offering unique Christmas gifts, decorations, and food in a historic setting.
Where: Chiddingstone | More Info: Chiddingstone Castle Artisan Christmas Fair
Chartwell House Christmas
What to Expect:
Explore local gifts and seasonal items in a historic setting.
Description:
Chartwell House Christmas features beautifully decorated select rooms, local gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal food and drink, all under undercover stalls.
Where: Westerham | More Info: Chartwell House Christmas
Canterbury Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Candlelit performance of Handel's Messiah by period instrument ensemble.
Description:
Join the girl choristers and Lay Clerks of Canterbury Cathedral for a candlelit performance of Handel's Messiah, featuring the period instrument ensemble The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen and critically-acclaimed soloists. This intimate concert will showcase some of Handel's most enduring music in the beautiful surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral's Quire.
Where: Canterbury | More Info: Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
Holodomor Service with the Canterbury Ukrainian Ladies Choir
What to Expect:
Commemorative service with Ukrainian choir.
Description:
The Holodomor Service with the Canterbury Ukrainian Ladies Choir is a poignant inter-denominational service commemorating the victims of the 1932-1933 famine in Ukraine. The event features the choir's heartfelt performance, honoring the resilience and freedom of Ukraine.
Where: Canterbury | More Info: Holodomor Service with the Canterbury Ukrainian Ladies Choir
Scotney Castle 1960s Christmas
What to Expect:
1960s-themed Christmas celebration with rarely seen collection pieces.
Description:
Step into a glittering world of performance and nostalgia at Scotney Castle, where the mansion house is transformed into a cinematic storybook of Christmas fun and sparkle. Explore themed decorated rooms inspired by seasonal family favourites like pantomime, ballet, and film, featuring popcorn-garlanded Christmas trees and a tutu tree in the ballet-themed room. Enjoy glittering trees, sparkling decorations, and beautiful lights, and toast marshmallows in the cosy tea-room.
Where: Lamberhurst | More Info: Scotney Castle 1960s Christmas
Glittering celebrations at Hythe Imperial Hotel
What to Expect:
Exclusive dining experiences and live performances.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a variety of entertainment options, live performances, and mouth-watering menus at the Hythe Imperial Hotel.
Where: Hythe | More Info: Glittering celebrations at Hythe Imperial Hotel
Skate in Tunbridge Wells
What to Expect:
Calmer skating sessions for all ages and abilities.
Description:
Skate in Tunbridge Wells is an outdoor ice rink at Calverley Grounds, offering sessions for all ages and abilities. The rink features a large main rink and a smaller rink for parents and toddlers, with festive stalls and entertainment. Relaxed skating sessions provide a serene environment for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere.
Where: Tunbridge Wells | More Info: Skate in Tunbridge Wells
Canterbury Other Holiday Activities
Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of craft beers and local street food in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Description:
The Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge features 50 beers from UK breweries, street food, and music. Enjoy a curated selection of hoppy IPAs, sours, and imperial stouts in a historic setting.
Where: Canterbury | More Info: Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival
Royal School of Needlework: Pilgrims' Christmas Stockings
What to Expect:
Unique embroidery class inspired by 12th-century stained-glass windows.
Description:
Create beautiful Pilgrims' Christmas Stockings inspired by 12th-century stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral. This exclusive event combines traditional embroidery techniques with the rich history of the cathedral, making each stocking a unique piece of art.
Where: Canterbury | More Info: Royal School of Needlework: Pilgrims' Christmas Stockings
Christmas Catastrophe at the Dockyard
What to Expect:
Interactive elf training and private meet-and-greet with Father Christmas.
Description:
Step into the secret sub-station at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, where you'll join the Elf Academy to learn the art of elf magic and help Father Christmas prepare gifts. After completing your training, you'll meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift.
Where: Chatham | More Info: Christmas Catastrophe at the Dockyard
Emmetts Garden Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive winter-themed garden with unique sculptures and activities.
Description:
Emmetts Garden transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland with willow ant sculptures, Christmas characters, and seasonal activities amidst its stunning Edwardian hillside garden.
Where: Ide Hill | More Info: Emmetts Garden Christmas
Quebec House Georgian Christmas
What to Expect:
18th-century themed dinner party with traditional Georgian treats.
Description:
Step back in time to an 18th-century dinner party at Quebec House, where you can play parlour games, enjoy spiced hot chocolate, and taste traditional Georgian treats inspired by Mrs. Wolfe's recipes.
Where: Westerham | More Info: Quebec House Georgian Christmas
Ightham Mote Tudor Christmas
What to Expect:
Tudor-themed historical celebration with festive decorations and activities.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote, where a roaring fire, traditional carols, and a Tudor feast create a rich historical atmosphere. Explore the 700-year-old moated manor house, marvel at the stunning hand-painted Tudor Chapel, and enjoy festive decorations and crafting workshops.
Where: Ivy Hatch | More Info: Ightham Mote Tudor Christmas
Royal Engineers Museum Wartime Christmas Weekend
What to Expect:
Live demonstrations and vintage market.
Description:
Immerse yourself in the wartime spirit of Christmas at the Royal Engineers Museum. Watch live demonstrations, browse a market for festive handicrafts and last-minute treats, and learn about how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War.
Where: Chatham | More Info: Royal Engineers Museum Wartime Christmas Weekend
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Whitstable (6 miles)
- Herne Bay (7 miles)
- Folkestone (14 miles)
- Deal (14 miles)
- Dover (15 miles)
- Margate (15 miles)
- Ramsgate (15 miles)
- Sittingbourne (16 miles)
- Saint Peters (16 miles)
- Broadstairs (17 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (24 miles)
- Gillingham (24 miles)
- Maidstone (24 miles)
- Chatham (25 miles)
- Rochester (26 miles)
- Strood (27 miles)
- Canvey Island (27 miles)
- South Benfleet (29 miles)
- Rayleigh (29 miles)
- Pitsea (32 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (33 miles)
- Gravesend (33 miles)
- Wickford (33 miles)
- Basildon (33 miles)
- Grays (35 miles)
- Tonbridge (35 miles)
- Clacton-on-Sea (35 miles)
- Maldon (36 miles)
- Hastings (36 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (37 miles)
- Billericay (37 miles)
- Sevenoaks (39 miles)
- Dartford (39 miles)
- Bexhill-on-Sea (40 miles)
- Swanley (40 miles)
- Witham (41 miles)
- Brentwood (41 miles)
- Chelmsford (41 miles)
- Bexley (42 miles)
- Hornchurch (42 miles)
- Crowborough (42 miles)
- Colchester (43 miles)
- Dagenham (44 miles)
- Romford (44 miles)
- Welling (44 miles)
- Thamesmead (44 miles)