Canterbury Christmas Light Switch-On 2026 - Canterbury City Centre

It's time to launch Christmas in Canterbury!

Join us for a magical evening of markets, music, family activities and festive entertainment with four Christmas light switch-on moments taking place between 5.30pm and 7pm.

Highlights

7 miles of twinkling lights
Live music and performances
Snow machines
Free family activities
Interactive experiences
Christmas characters
120 Christmas market stalls
Multiple countdown moments

Brought to you by Canterbury BID with a huge thank you to our Headline Sponsors - Costa Coffee!

Switch-On Locations

Burgate - 5pm-7pm 🎄 Light switch-on at 6pm

Experience a Victorian Christmas in one of Canterbury's most historic settings, with music from the Salvation Army and a festive performance of 'A Christmas Carol' at 6pm by Canterbury Shakespeare Festival.

Westgate Hall’s Twilight Artisan Market 5pm-8pm 🎄 Light switch-on at 6.30pm

Discover the finest local Kentish makers, artists and producers, enjoy festive food and drink, and soak up the atmosphere with live music.

Westgate Square 5.30pm-8pm 🎄 Light switch-on at 7pm

Enjoy live music from Steel Band, Soul Choir and The Soul Monkeys, hosted by KMFM, plus appearances from the Marlowe Theatre panto cast.

At 7pm all of the high street, the Marlowe Theatre and all three Christmas Market sites will also light up!

Festive Activities & Entertainment

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge 5pm-6.45pm An evening of Victorian Christmas crafts - make seasonal keepsakes and celebrate the start of the festive season. No booking, just drop in and join the fun!

St Margaret's Street 5pm-8pm
Step inside the Giant Snow Globe for festive photos and family pictures.

Three Cities Garden 5pm-8pm, Best Lane
Live music and dance performances from Your Music School and Razzamatazz Theatre Company.

Draper’s Arms Music Stage 5pm-8pm, Guildhall St
Enjoy live music from Purple Hearts and refreshments from Lily's Social Kitchen.

Nasons Square 5pm-8pm, High Street
Visit the Jolly Christmas Huts for festive food, drink and seasonal cheer.

Canterbury Cathedral Christmas Market 5pm-8pm, Cathedral Precincts
Browse artisan makers, enjoy festive food and drink, take a ride on the carousel and enjoy live music.

St George's Street Christmas Market 5pm-8pm
Explore Christmas huts, toasted marshmallows, VR sleigh rides and live music.

Whitefriars Christmas Market 5pm-8pm, Whitefriars and Rose Lane
Meet festive characters, enjoy seasonal food and drink, start your Christmas shopping.