Christmas In Canterbury 2026

Canterbury is one of the UK's most magical destinations for Christmas.

With a stunning traditional Christmas market in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, wooden huts dotted along the cobbled streets, seven miles of sparkling Christmas lights, outstanding shopping, seasonal food and drink, award-winning panto hijinks, AND a festive family trail for all ages to enjoy, there is so much to do here at the most wonderful time of the year.

Save the date: the Christmas light switch-on and festive market opening will take place on Friday 13th November 2026. 

Full details of our Christmas in Canterbury 2026 programme of events and celebrations will be updated here soon, so check back regularly to plan your visit!

CHRISTMAS MARKET

It’s just not Christmas without a festive market to explore, and Canterbury has a real beauty to behold…

Our Christmas Market opens 13th November to 24th December, with beautiful wooden huts dotted along St Georges Street, Rose Lane, Whitefriars and in the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. Not only will you find gorgeous gifts and great grub, but you can also expect live music, snow showers, a visit from Santa and more! Full details of the market events will be releases soon.

CATHEDRAL CAROLS

For the ultimate festive glow, the Canterbury Cathedral Carol Services by candlelight are not to be missed. Held on both 23rd and 24th Dec, the cathedral choir will lead guests in singing some of the best-loved traditional carols in the awe-inspiring surroundings. Seats are unticketed and allocated on a first-come, first-seated basis. Find out more about the cathedral’s festive services for the whole family here: https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/events/

SHOP LOCAL

Whatever you need to get in the bag for life this year, make sure you are supporting local shops and businesses this Christmas! Canterbury is chock-full of unique, quirky, cosy and super-stylish shops and boutiques, so take the time to wander through the side streets and historic quarters to find that perfect something. You’ll find an amazing array of gift ideas, and you’ll be supporting jobs while you spend.

PUTTIN’ ON A PANTO 

Canterbury is well and truly at the centre of Christmas Panto jollity, with not one but TWO top-notch pantos in town. Head to The Marlowe Theatre to see The All New Adventures of Peter Pan from 27th November 2026 to 10th January 2027.

You can also book your tickets to see Goldilocks And The Three Bears at The Malthouse Theatre from 9th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027.

Both venues have a packed programme of non-festive yet still fun-filled shows planned throughout the season, so always check their websites for details of what’s on.

VISIT SANTA 

Santa is setting up his workshop in Fenwick Canterbury in November and December. Not only will you meet the man himself inside the magical grotto, but guests will also be able to help his mischievous elves with special events, workshops and dining experiences for the whole family! Full details will be released soon.

PARTY

Canterbury is fortunate to have a huge choice of places to party the night away, whatever your vibe.

Whether you are looking for a great venue to host your office drinks, want some festive cocktails with visiting friends, or you’re dying to ditch traditional Christmas food for something more exotic, Canterbury has you covered. And the dancers amongst you have lots of options for late-night revelry.

Search our wonderful food and drink venues to find your ideal spot and see what special party deals they have in store for Xmas!