Discover your traditional Christmas in Canterbury
With candle-lit carols, snow flurries, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, hand-crafted nativity, seven miles of illuminations, and one of the UK’s largest Christmas Markets (part within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral) - there’s no better must-visit destination for your traditional Christmas than Canterbury (@visitcanterbury), where Christmas has been celebrated for more than 1,400 years!
Bake Off’s back, Strictly’s on our screens, and the nights are drawing in. As we begin to cosy down for the season, our thoughts naturally turn to Christmas and how to enjoy old traditions - and create new ones - with friends and loved ones.
One of the UK’s most magical destinations for a traditional Christmas is the stunning UNESCO World Heritage city of Canterbury. The historic city attracts huge numbers of festive visitors each year who flock to its outstanding shops - including big-name brands, boutique retailers, and stylish independents - indulgent food and drink offerings, award-winning pantos, awe-inspiring heritage sites, lively nighttime venues, and stunning traditional Christmas Market - one of the UK’s largest, and part-based in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.
The Big Switch On
The festive fun begins on Friday 13th November 2026 with the Christmas light switch-on events and the official opening of the city-wide festive market.
Christmas 2026 Highlights:
More than 120 German-style market stalls, food and drink outlets, games, VR experiences, and a traditional carousel.
A free, Sylvanian Families festive trail for all ages, with prizes!
The award-winning Marlowe Theatre panto - this year’s star-studded production of Peter Pan features Janette Manrara (Strictly Come Dancing), and fan-favourite Phil Gallagher (CBeebies and YouTube star, Mister Maker).
Guaranteed snow fall, with regular flurries in the Whitefriars shopping centre every weekend (from 14 November, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm).
Free entry to the stunning Cathedral Precincts when the Christmas Market is open, and a chance to see the beautiful hand-crafted, lifesize nativity.
Santa’s magical grotto and workshop, with chances for the whole family to help his mischievous elves during special events, workshops and dining experiences.
Marlowe Arcade Giving Tree, raising money for the Salvation Army.
Open-air Christmas Eve Carol Concert, in support of The Lord Mayor of Canterbury's Christmas Gift Fund.
Unrivalled shopping, with independent boutiques, big-name brands and artisanal products to fill stockings!
NEW ‘Canterbury & Coast’ app to help visitors and residents get the most from their Christmas visit, including special offers, discounts and competitions.
A Historic First
Christmas 2026 is also hugely historically significant, as it will be the first time that the Most Reverend Sarah Mullally - the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, and the first woman to hold the role - will lead the Christmas Day Eucharist in Canterbury Cathedral.
Open to all, this service is also livestreamed across the world via the Cathedral’s YouTube channel.
With so much to see, do and enjoy this Christmas, make Canterbury a cornerstone of your festive traditions.
INFO: Canterbury.co.uk
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