Canterbury Christmas Market (2025)

This year, the sparkling market will be opening on Friday 11th November – 24th December 2022 and can be found in various spots around the City of Canterbury in Kent. You’ll find the very heart of the festive market in and around Whitefriars Shopping Centre. So, if you’re out for a bit of Christmas shopping, why don’t you stop off at the market and enjoy some festivities and seasonal food?

It’s also FREE to enter the market, but up to you whether you’d like to purchase tickets for the attractions going on with the market.

Now you know where and when the market is, it’s time to start planning what you can do there!

Sadly the famous Santa Grottos won’t be running this year…but before the sad faces appear, you’ll be happy to know there are NEW and exciting festive attractions to enjoy!

First off, the annual switch-on event is set to dazzle your eyes on Saturday 12th November. Join in on the parade as you marvel at the twinkling and beautiful lights surrounding you.

Welcome to the newest Christmas activity for the whole family to take part in. Race through a charming market town that’s decorated with beautiful Christmas ornaments, before gliding over fluffy snow. During your journey, you’ll discover Santa Claus’ homeland and how wonderful it is! What else will you be blown away with?

The VR ride holds up to 6 people and will create the most magical family memories.

Do you want to truly make your kiddies day? Then bring them along for a special meet and greet with the one and only Santa Claus! They can munch on a yummy breakfast of pancakes with syrup, whipped cream and strawberries, yoghurt and festive fruit kebab. Then they can wash it down with apple & pear juice and a delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows! Mmm…

As well as a festive breakfast, your kids can take part in a fantastic selection of fun activities and meet the elves!

Another incredibly fun activity for the kids – writing letters to Santa Claus!

Set in an enchanting garden, your kids can join in on a workshop with the help of Santa Claus’ trusty elves. The kiddies can write about what they’d wish for Christmas. How they’ve been good girls and boys and how much they love Christmas before posting them in the chatty post box.

Did you think they left out the fun for your furry friends? Of course not!

Your four-legged friends can welcome the Christmas spirit by meeting the jolly man himself. They can also capture a Santa snap before gobbling up a yummy treat!

Dogs of any size and shape are welcome, as long as they’re well-behaved. Please make sure your doggos are comfortable in busy and noisy environments.

Of course, you can’t have a Christmas market without browsing the magical stalls! From bespoke gifts, handmade gifts, decorative ornaments, tasty treats, and a brilliant array of gifts. Your friends and family will really appreciate this Christmas.

Not only are there handcrafted gifts to purchase, but you’ll be filled with the sounds of musical melodies. From live music events and Canterbury Cathedral carols to the sound of bustling crowds. Engage in meet & greets with seasonal characters and make some marvellous memories!

Feeling hungry? Well, you’re in the right place! With a Bavarian food village, you’ll have a selection of food to indulge in. Choose your treats from an array of charming stalls, from the Merry & Bright Christmas Bar to The Larder – home of the famous Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. Then satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Totally Scrumptious where you can indulge in churros, doughnuts and more.

Grab yourselves some roasted chestnuts from Frankly Nuts, or fill up on slow-roasted meat and potatoes. Before heading to a stall where you can dunk cookies! Can you imagine the sweet goodness?

And if you fancy a festive fiesta head over to Comamos Fajitas for some locally-sourced food and a mighty Mexican feast.