Visit Canterbury

Canterbury - made for Christmas

 

Shop brand name favourites and inspirational independents

Canterbury Christmas Market

The perfect place to do a spot of Christmas Shopping.

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Unique pottery and glass gifts

Canterbury Pottery in The Buttermarket, Glass Art, Cosmo China and Espression Arts in Palace Street are all making unique pieces right here!

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Whirligig late night shopping

From 6pm til 8pm we will re-open our doors for our customers to come and shop with complimentary hot chocolate, a gift-wrapping service, festive music and chances to win spot prizes! But that's not all...

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Canterbury's Creative Quarter

The King’s Mile is a magical place at Christmas with its collection of independent shops and craftsmen offers a truly original selection of Christmas wares

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Calling all Chocolate lovers...

Looking for delicious sweet treats this Christmas? Madame Oiseau Fine Chocolates and The Fudge Kitchen are worth a visit – and you can watch them being made!

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Christmas shopping at Whitefriars

Home to the Christmas market selling local craft and produce, Whitefriars' also have more than 60 great shops and restaurants making it the perfect place for Christmas shopping this year.

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Artisan jewellery and designers

The city has a terrific group of artisan jewellery designer and makers: Ortwin Thyssen, Justin Richardson, Luke Goldsmith, Yi Lin and Trevor Fitzgerald are all continuing the ancient jewellers’ craft in Canterbury.

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Local art and crafts

See amazing, handmade, locally produced art and craft gifts at Walrus and Oyster, Lilford Gallery, Stark Gallery and Sowley, and the craft fairs and markets in the Westgate Hall and Canterbury Tales

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Christmas Art Fair with Chartham Vineyard

Wander round the Vineyard Gallery to see work by local artists, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, photographs and book art.

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The Cathedral Quarter: Canterbury's hidden gem

Steeped in history the beautiful cobbled streets of The Cathedral Quarter offers an eclectic mix of independent specialist shops, bars and restaurants

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Discover Neptune's winter collection

Make yourself at home and explore Neptune's winter collection of furniture, lighting and kitchens and accessories for your home and garden at Neptune Canterbury.

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Festive Fling along the King's Mile

Independent businesses along the King's Mile are opening their doors to welcome you in for a taste of some of the finest festive tipples Kent has to offer...

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Special gifts and personal pieces

The Chinaman specialises in fine gifts and jewellery in china, porcelain and crystal from leading brands Lalique, Herend, Nao and Vera Wang Wedgwood

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Canterbury Christmas Fair

Taking place at the beautiful Westgate Hall, you'll be able to shop a handpicked selection of products from small businesses in Kent and East Sussex

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Food and drink Festive feasts and tempting treats

Traditional Christmas lunch at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Looking for an exceptional Christmas Lunch or Christmas Party Night in Canterbury? Then look no further.

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Feast in former city jail

A delicious Christmas meal in a unique setting - Canterbury’s former police station and city jail.

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A foodie's favourite The Ambrette

A favourite of locals and visitors, let The Ambrette tempt your tastebuds with their award-winning modern Indian-fusion food.

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Festive afternoon tea at The Falstaff

Relax in our lounge or restaurant, indulge in an assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and warm scones served with clotted cream and local jam, mince pies and our fresh loose leaf tea, or something a bit stronger!

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Tuck into delicious fare at Tiny Tim's Tearoom

Offering a British atmosphere in the heart of Canterbury, this chandelier-lit tearoom is the perfect place to while away the afternoon whilst tucking into delicious fare.

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Seasons feastings at Abode Canterbury

At ABode Canterbury, we've got the season all sussed. From elegantly mouth-watering festive menus, handcrafted cocktails and an imaginative, far-flung wine list.

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Christmas at Bill's

Enjoy three courses and a welcome drink your friends and colleagues

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Cosy, locally produced comfort food

The Refectory Kitchen is a contemporary family run bistro serving breakfasts brunch and lunch containing Kentish ingredients as far as possible

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A La Turka

Serving dishes originating from Gaziantep, a city and settlement in Turkey's south eastern region. The region has a huge diversity and fusion of cultures.

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Café St Pierre

Celebrating 24 years in business, this family-run café near Westgate towers offers generously-filled, innovative baguettes, quiches, salads, cakes and pastries plus excellent coffee.

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Christmas at Cote

Enjoy French classics, full of festive flavours, while friendly teams ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your celebration, be it an intimate catch-up with friends or an office party

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Fire up the festive season

Let Nando's legendary fresh flamed-grilled Peri Peri chicken to warm you up this winter...

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Festive feasting at Wagamamas

Looking for something different. Enjoy freshly prepared, exciting winter warmers inspired by the flavours of Japan

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Getting cosy in the city

There is nothing more lovely than curling up by a roaring fire when it is cold or drizzly outside. Here's a few traditional pubs that come with a warm welcome, real ale and a hearth to warm your toes after a good day of Christmas shopping

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Firepit Restaurant

The brand new Firepit restaurant is a destination in itself, serving up delicious wood-smoked, Asian-influenced cuisine across sharing platters for your whole party to enjoy.

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Experience a magical Christmas in Canterbury

Magical medieval Christmas

Family festive fun with Father Christmas in a very special time travelling adventure for children...

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Chapter House Light Show

Let projected imagery and atmospheric sounds reveal the hidden depths behind the stone walls of the cathedral's Chapter House

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Santa Paws is coming to town

Treat your furry friend to a visit with Santa this Christmas...

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Snow Dragon

Billy has everything a young goat could need – and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy is looking forward to the annual visit of the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies…

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Festive wreath workshops

Join a wreath making workshop in the inspiring and festive surroundings of the Neptune Canterbury.

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Get your skates on

Showcase your spins, twists and turns on Canterbury's first ever festive ice rink, set in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Dane John Gardens...

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Join us for a winter warmer!

Sample some festive tipples with a microbrewery and distillery tour and tasting

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Getting cosy in the city

Curl up by a roaring fire after a good day of shopping and sightseeing at one of Canterbury's many traditional pubs...

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Magical family Christmas party!

Bringing you the nostalgia and magic of Christmas at Houdini's Magic Bar! Enjoy Festive nibbles, drinks, music, games, magic and a visit from Father Christmas

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Cycle the scenic Crab and Winkle Way

Through one of the largest ancient woodlands in southern Britain on your own bike, or hire one for the day from Kent Cycle Hire

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Seasonal still and sparkling wine tasting

Browse Chartham Vineyard Christmas Art Fair and enjoy a free tasting of their delicious and locally grown wine

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Find your perfect place to stay

Falstaff Hotel and Cocktail Bar

A traditional 15th century coaching inn, the Falstaff has been providing hospitality in Canterbury for more than 600 years

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The Dog at Wingham

Quintessential Kentish inn nestled in the picturesque village of Wingham on the outskirts of Canterbury. Drink, Eat and sleep at The Dog

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Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

The best located accommodation in the city! Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is a unique and contemporary hotel, in the private grounds of the Cathedral, a UNESCO designated World Heritage site.

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West House Apartments

Contemporary holiday apartments oozing style and sophistication in the vibrant area of St Duntstan's

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The Hugo Hotel

Beautiful sleeping quarters in a modern luxury hotel in the heart of Canterbury

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Kent and Sussex Cottages

Escape to a rural retreat in Canterbury for some of the most beautiful scenery the area has to offer

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Abode Canterbury

Contemporary design meets 12th century architecture in ABode Canterbury. Stylish uniquely designed hotel in the city centre with fine dining

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Cathedral Gate Hotel

Historic house dating back to 1438 in the heart of Canterbury, overlooking Burgate and spectacular views of the cathedral

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7 Longport

Stay in an original 15th century cottage for bed and breakfast on the edge of the historic city centre

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Hello herne bay winter graphic advert

shop by the sea, what's behind the door, bears trading company

Step into Christmas.....

See Canterbury transformed into a winter wonderland this year as our very first festive ice rink launches in the beautiful and historic Dane John Gardens, and the Christmas market returns bigger and better than ever!

Our city will be a delight for all the senses as you amble through the huts, local craft and produce stalls. Enjoying an array of live music performances and indulge in delicious yuletide treats beneath the twinkling lights. Leave with Christmas gifts, decorations and seasonal must-haves, as well as your very own wish list. Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Whitefriars, Canterbury, so take the whole family for a magical treat to visit Santa in person.

Meander the medieval cobbled streets and you’ll find the centrepiece of our Christmas celebrations, Canterbury Cathedral. Embrace the traditional Christmas carol services and concerts which fill the Cathedral with festive joy and thanksgiving.

Check out our guide to Christmas in Canterbury.