Herne Bay is ready to shine this festive season, with sparkling lights, unique gifts, and plenty of Christmas cheer to discover by the coast. Whether you’re shopping local, meeting friends for a winter treat, or enjoying one of the Bay’s festive events, there’s something magical waiting for everyone.
Festive events for all ages
Mark your calendar for the fabulous Herne Bay Christmas Lights Switch On and shopping event on Sunday 16th November from 1pm-6pm. This is a fun, family event designed to support the wonderful shops, eateries, local artisan and craft traders in the Bay. Kick start your Christmas shopping and meet Santa at the Seaside Museum during the event, bookable in advance: tickets - £8 per child available from the Old Sweet Shop.
Advent Windows in the Bay
Back by popular demand, Buy in the Bay’s Advent Windows trail returns from 1–24 December. Each day, a new festive window display will be revealed across town on Buy in the Bay’s Instagram grid, celebrating the creativity of local businesses. Wander through the Bay and share your favourites on Instagram using #AdventWindowsHerneBay, it’s the perfect way to explore while supporting independent businesses.
Christmas on the Pier
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without yet another opportunity to visit Santa. Santa’s Grotto on the Pier is open on 29 & 30 November, 6, 7, 13 and 14 December, with a chance for little ones to meet the big man himself.
The pier’s festive food stalls and artisan shops in the retail village are also a must-visit for Christmas treats.
Santa Run
Don’t miss the jolliest jog of the year, Santas on the Run is returning to Herne Bay seafront on Sunday 14 December with 3k, 5k and 10k routes along the seafront in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
Shop, eat, gift local
Herne Bay is full of inspiration for Christmas shopping from home and lifestyle to fashion, toys and books for those special gifts, or pick up a unique one-off gift from our vintage and artisan stores, brimming with treasures. Herne Bay is known for fantastic food and drink, from cosy cafés, tearooms and restaurants – an array of places to suit all tastes and budgets allowing you to pause and soak up the festive atmosphere. So, wrap up warm, bring your shopping list, and enjoy the sparkle of the Bay. Supporting local has never felt so magical.
