Get ready for a festive season of adventure in Folkestone! Discover all the exciting holiday events with our guide. Whether you're deeply connected to Folkestone or just making connections, this guide illuminates the seasonal offerings.
Popular events include the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, where traditional stalls showcase handcrafted gifts alongside delicious festive treats, creating a charming atmosphere. The Canterbury Christmas Market 2024 features twinkling lights and local artisans, offering unique seasonal gifts and seasonal delicacies. And don't forget the Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail, a stunning display of lights set against a historic backdrop that promises to enchant visitors of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Folkestone
- Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (Winchester)
- Canterbury Christmas Market 2024 (Canterbury)
- Windsor Great Park Illuminated (Windsor)
- Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail (Woodstock)
- Bournemouth Christmas Tree Trail (Bournemouth)
- Glow Marwell 2024 (Winchester)
- Waddesdon Christmas (Aylesbury)
- Festive Marketplace 2024
- Leonardslee Lights (Horsham)
- Bekonscot Christmas Events (Beaconsfield)
See these and even more events listed below!
Folkestone Holiday Light Displays
Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail
What to Expect:
Themed light trail with Tinkerbell and Father Christmas.
Description:
Blenheim Palace's Illuminated Light Trail features a stunning display of thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, and sparkling baubles. The trail includes themed areas like Neverland, where Tinkerbell sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees, and a moonlit London skyline. The event also includes a magical glimpse of Father Christmas and a variety of festive sounds.
Where: Woodstock | More Info: Blenheim Palace Illuminated Light Trail
Glow Marwell 2024
What to Expect:
Immersive light trail with natural elements and interactive experiences.
Description:
Glow Marwell 2024 is a spectacular winter light trail at Marwell Zoo, featuring breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences. Explore the natural elements of fire, earth, air, and water through immersive light displays, including a new ocean display and Sky Zone. Enjoy vibrant UV face paint designs, festive food, and cozy firepits. Visit Father Christmas in Marwell Hall, and experience the zoo's transformation into a twinkling wonderland.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Glow Marwell 2024
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
What to Expect:
Dazzling light trail with new installations and reimagined projections.
Description:
Windsor Great Park Illuminated features a dazzling light trail through woodland, with new installations and reimagined projections, accompanied by music and festive moments.
Where: Windsor | More Info: Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Leonardslee Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound installations in a beautiful woodland setting.
Description:
Explore the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, illuminated with light, sound, and colour. The trail features a new route with impressive installations, taking 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Enjoy wonderful seasonal food and drink before or after the trail, along with funfair rides and a Christmas Market.
Where: Horsham | More Info: Leonardslee Lights
Marlow Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven light display with live entertainment.
Description:
Marlow's Christmas Lights Switch-On is a vibrant event where the town's high street is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Stilt walkers dressed as Nutcracker Soldiers, Candy Canes, Mother Christmas, and the Snow Queen entertain the crowds. The event is a celebration of the town's community spirit, featuring live performances and festive cheer.
Where: Marlow | More Info: Marlow Christmas Lights
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive light installations and international Christmas tree replicas.
Description:
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Trail features over 100 illuminations and light installations, including a 60ft tall walk-through tree with 30,000 individually programmed lights, and replicas of international Christmas trees. The trail runs through the famous pier, Victorian Lower Gardens, and an Alpine-style market in The Square, offering street stalls, cafes, and an ice skating rink.
Where: Bournemouth | More Info: Bournemouth Christmas Tree Trail
Bekonscot Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Illuminated model village with festive train rides and special Christmas scenes.
Description:
Celebrate the festive season at Bekonscot with illuminated model village, festive train rides, and specially decorated Christmas scenes. Enjoy festive food and competitions, and spot nine naughty reindeer hiding around the village.
Where: Beaconsfield | More Info: Bekonscot Christmas Events
Folkestone Holiday Markets and Shopping
Festive Marketplace 2024
What to Expect:
Locally sourced gifts and seasonal food in a festive setting.
Description:
The Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm offers a variety of locally handmade items, food, and craft goods. Visitors can enjoy free family films, live music, and community events in beautifully decorated huts. The event also features warm and cozy indoor restaurants for those seeking refuge from the cold.
Where: Folkestone | More Info: Festive Marketplace 2024
Canterbury Christmas Market 2024
What to Expect:
Traditional German-style wooden huts and live music performances.
Description:
The Canterbury Christmas Market 2024 offers a vibrant celebration of the holiday season with a variety of Christmas-themed stalls, live music, and festive treats. Explore handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and delicious food and drink options amidst the historic city centre and Cathedral Precincts.
Where: Canterbury | More Info: Canterbury Christmas Market 2024
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional German-inspired wooden chalets with festive atmosphere.
Description:
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is a renowned event in Europe, featuring bustling atmosphere, stunning location, and high-quality exhibitors. Visitors can shop at pretty wooden chalets inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, enjoy festive lighting, Christmas carols, and mulled wine, and experience an authentic Christmas celebration with many services and events.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Waddesdon Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive festive experience with Sleeping Beauty theme and light trail.
Description:
Waddesdon Manor transforms into a festive spectacle inspired by Sleeping Beauty, featuring beautifully decorated interiors, new light projections, and a glittering light trail in the gardens. The event includes a Christmas Fair with artisan stalls and a Food Village offering takeaway food and drink.
Where: Aylesbury | More Info: Waddesdon Christmas
Milestones Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Meet Father Christmas in a Victorian-themed setting.
Description:
The Milestones Christmas Market offers a seasonal shopping experience with over 40 stalls selling festive gifts and treats. Meet Father Christmas in his grotto, enjoy live music, and indulge in festive refreshments.
Where: Basingstoke | More Info: Milestones Christmas Market
Faringdon Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and traders showcase their wares in a bustling town centre setting.
Description:
Faringdon Christmas Market offers a variety of local goods, including handmade crafts, seasonal food, and unique gifts, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the town centre.
Where: Faringdon | More Info: Faringdon Christmas Market
Folkestone Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Elf Express 2024
What to Expect:
Immersive theatre experience with iconic Polar Express characters.
Description:
Embark on a spectacular Christmas journey with THE POLAR EXPRESS at Spa Valley Railway. Meet iconic characters, enjoy immersive theatre, and receive a special gift from Santa. Savor delicious treats and hot chocolate as you travel slowly north. Upon arrival, write letters to Santa, check the naughty or nice list, and explore the gift shop for souvenirs.
Where: Tunbridge Wells | More Info: The Elf Express 2024
Folkestone Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Caves 2024
What to Expect:
Festive holiday celebration in a historic underground setting.
Description:
Explore the historic Chislehurst Caves, adorned with festive decorations and special events, offering a unique holiday experience.
Where: Chislehurst | More Info: Christmas at the Caves 2024
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Dover (7 miles)
- Deal (14 miles)
- Canterbury (14 miles)
- Herne Bay (20 miles)
- Whitstable (20 miles)
- Ramsgate (21 miles)
- Saint Peters (22 miles)
- Broadstairs (23 miles)
- Margate (23 miles)
- Sittingbourne (26 miles)
- Hastings (30 miles)
- Maidstone (31 miles)
- Gillingham (34 miles)
- Bexhill-on-Sea (34 miles)
- Chatham (34 miles)
- Rochester (36 miles)
- Strood (37 miles)
- Southend-on-Sea (37 miles)
- Royal Tunbridge Wells (39 miles)
- Tonbridge (40 miles)
- Canvey Island (40 miles)
- South Benfleet (42 miles)
- Rayleigh (42 miles)
- Gravesend (42 miles)
- Crowborough (44 miles)
- Pitsea (44 miles)
- Stanford-le-Hope (44 miles)
- Eastbourne (44 miles)
- Sevenoaks (44 miles)