Independent boutiques for partywear, toy shops for the little ones, beauty and pampering products, bespoke jewellery and artwork for lasting gifts - you can find all types of shops here. So many, in fact, that we suggest an early start to complete your Christmas list! The Christmas table is taken care of too, with kitchen and homeware stores and, of course, deliciousproduce from the local butchers, grocers, delis and wine shops.
Restaurants, cafes and bars in Whitstable and Tankerton cover all budgets and tastes. From coffee and a pastry or a light meal from the market huts by the quay to a hearty meal at a cosy pub or beautiful restaurant, the hardest part is choosing where! The choice is huge, whether it’s locally sourced oysters or fish and chips along the beach or one of the many specialist eateries including Caribbean, Italian, Indian, Thai and Turkish.
Christmas lights through the towns
Whitstable Christmas Light switch-on
Saturday 29 November, from the Harbour to the top of the High Street
Live music in the harbour from 1pm on Deadmans Corner. Make your own lanterns in the South Quay Shed and sip a mulled wine. Hungry? Between the South Quay Shed, Market Stall and West Whelks there are over a dozen foodie places to choose from.
The Christmas tree countdown and switch-on is at 4.30pm, which gives you plenty of time to start or even finish your Christmas shopping in the town. The harbour’s iconic Fisherman’s Christmas tree will also be lit - a wonderful tradition constructed with fishing baskets, buoys and netting.
The lantern parade starts once the official tree is lit up, making its way up the high street and magically switching the festive lights on as it moves along, accompanied with Christmas songs.
Carry on the Christmas atmosphere into the evening - pop into one of the town pubs or book ahead to secure your seats at a restaurant.
If you can’t make the big switch-on day, come another day and enjoy all that Whitstable has to offer. The market is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays and the shops will be open right up to Christmas Eve.
Whitstable Castle Christmas events
Christmas light switch-on, Saturday 29 November at 4.30pm (approx) along with a Christmas shopping event - browse their festive stalls between 2pm-9pm.
Father Christmas at the castle, Sunday 30 November at 3pm - if you miss this visit, he usually pops back a few times before the big day.
For the bigger people, whether you fancy a Michael Buble tribute dinner, wreathmaking with mince pies and mulled wine or just fancy a festive lunch or afternoon tea in the Orangery, be sure to book yourself in. The castle will be lit and decorated for Christmas until after New Year so it’s the perfect spot for a selfie in that Christmas jumper.
For details or to book call 01227 281726.
Tankerton Lights
Friday 28 November
The Talk of Tankerton is a dedicated team of volunteers who arrange for Christmas trees and festive lights across Tankerton’s high street every year.
You’ll find lots of lovely shops and restaurants here too - including The Bears Trading Company, Quite Contrary with beautiful gifts and homeware and Kaffeine with gorgeous items for the home, alongside their delicious coffee.
There will be Christmas Artisan markets on Sunday 16 November and Sunday 14 December, perfect for finding unique gifts.
