Christmas | Visit Canterbury

Christmas

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Make it a Christmas to remember in Canterbury - eat, drink, shop and celebrate

Our city will be a delight for all the senses as you amble around the huts, local craft and produce stalls. Enjoying an array of live performances, indulging in delicious yuletide treats beneath the twinkling lights and seeing the Cathedral taking on an even more celestial presence against the skyline as you wander.

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 kids for a magical treat to visit Santa in person.

It's safe to say this year has been like no other and a lot of us are in need of some festive cheer. We're working hard to bring you a Christmas worth celebrating with covid-secure events and activities, it will just be a little bit different this year.

 

Experience a special Christmas in Canterbury

Festive family day out at Canterbury Cathedral

Take the kids to the cathedral for free in December and experience a place with more than 1,400 years of history...

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Daily guided tour with a festive twist

Make the most of this magical month with a guided tour around the city of Canterbury. Our story begins in 1647 when Christmas was officially cancelled and the eating of mince pies declared illegal!

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Gulbenkian's Christmas season 2020

Gulbenkian has Christmas all wrapped up this December. With an abundant selection box of treats from a wintery show for the whole family to festive films favourites there is something for everyone.

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Canterbury's Christmas selfie trail

Be a part of Canterbury's Christmas Tale for a chance to win £50! There are 10 selfie walls dotted across the city. Find your favourite one or two (or more) and take a photo.

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Beauty and the Beast Panto

Don't miss this beauty of a pantomime boasting dazzling sets and costumes, side splitting comedy and catchy songs! We’re delighted to host a ‘Covid-Safe’ traditional family pantomime, for a very limited run this December and featuring a dazzling West End cast!

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Wrap up warm for a winter day out

Fresh air, seascapes and countryside scenes – when it comes winter walks and outdoor adventures, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable.

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Rupert the Bear's Centenary exhibition

Immerse yourself into magical seasonal landscapes, play interactive games and create your own story as well as see original collections and artworks (some have never been on display before) and learn more about Canterbury’s Mary Tourtel, the creator of Rupert.

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Celebrate Christmas with Santa and friends

Meet the fairy, the elf and the great man himself, Father Christmas, with a special visit to Santa's Grotto in Whitefriars Shopping Centre this Christmas. The perfect magical experience for children aged up to 11 years.

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Nurse Nellie Saves Panto

The Marlowe presents a special, socially distanced production to keep the spirit of pantomime alive in Canterbury this Christmas. join Ben Roddy and friends as they tell the story of what happens when a baddie attempts to steal the joy of pantomime!

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Sunday Morning Winter Paddles

Wrap up warm to enjoy a winters paddle on the beautiful River Stour

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Shop brand name favourites and inspirational independents

Looking for Christmas gift inspiration?

With our handy guide to shopping locally for Christmas presents, you can still stock up on unique gifts and support our amazing independent retailers without leaving home.

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Christmas in Whitefriars - a sprinkling of Christmas

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Whitefriars and enjoy all your festive favourites in our open air setting in the heart of Canterbury. More than 60 high street stores, Christmas artisan market, festive food and drink, live music and more.

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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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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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Canterbury Gift Card

The perfect gift this Christmas – whether it’s a delicious meal out, a haircut, some new clothes or a trip out for the whole family, the Canterbury Gift Card has you covered! Accepted at more than 90 businesses across the city including shops, salons, cafés, restaurants and venues.

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Gift vouchers and unique experiences

The city of Canterbury and the coastal towns of Herne Bay and Whitstable are crammed with interesting independent shops, traders and experiences. Some of your favourites offer gift vouchers which can be purchased online and used later.

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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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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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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.

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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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Food and drink Festive feasts and tempting treats

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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Howfield Manor's seasonal special offer

Howfield Manor have a variety of festive menu options for lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, to tempt you. And what's more, during December, book for six and only pay for four!

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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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Special Christmas feasts at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

For Christmas 2020, keeping in mind your safety and following government guidance, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge are pleased to be able to offer options for a much quieter way to celebrate Christmas with family and friends.

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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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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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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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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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Relax and rejuvenate with a Christmas and winter break

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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Howfield Manor

A 12th Century Manor House set in five acres of grounds is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a peaceful break during this festive season.

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Broome Park Hotel and Golf Resort

One of the finest examples of Carolean architecture in England, Broome Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind this Christmas.

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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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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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