This year, Canterbury Christmas Market takes place from November 12th until December 24th 2025. The festive season is upon us, and one of the most anticipated events in Canterbury is the Christmas Market. Every year, locals and tourists alike flock to this charming market to soak up the festive atmosphere and indulge in a variety of seasonal delights. From unique crafts to delicious food, the Canterbury Christmas Market offers something for everyone.
Fast Facts (Bookmark These)
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Dates: Wednesday 12th November – Wednesday 24th December 2025
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Opening hours:
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Mon–Fri 10 am – 6 pm
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Sat 9 am – 6 pm
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Sun 11 am – 4 pm
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Christmas Eve closes 4 pm
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Size: Approx. 95 huts & 150+ stallholders – one of the largest markets in South‑East England
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Main locations: Whitefriars Shopping Centre & Marlowe Arcade, St George’s Street/High Street and the atmospheric Cathedral Precincts (post‑code CT1 2TF for sat‑nav)
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Entry: Free (small charges for bookable experiences)
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Headline experiences: Santa’s Grotto (pre‑book), Lapland VR sleigh‑ride, live music Thurs‑Sun evenings
Hotels Near Canterbury Christmas Market
When & How Long to Visit
Arriving earlier in the season means fuller stock and quieter mid‑week wanderings, while the final weekend (20–23 Dec) brings peak crowds but extra carol performances and last‑minute bargains. Plan at least 3–4 hours to cover all three zones without rushing; evenings (after 4 pm) showcase the best fairy‑light ambience.
Market Layout & What’s New for 2025
| Zone | What You’ll Find | 2025 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Whitefriars & Marlowe Arcade | Core shopping avenue; Kentish produce hall; gourmet street‑food village | Extra seating pods + extended vegan/plant‑based hut row |
| St George’s Street (High Street) | German bratwurst stand, craft‑gin bar, glass‑blower demo | New “Artisan After Dark” Thursday pop‑up (open till 8 pm) |
| Cathedral Precincts | Choir stage, charity stalls, eco‑gift quarter | Bigger covered performance tent & marshmallow fire‑pit |
The Cathedral section, re‑introduced only last year, now hosts nightly projection mapping onto the nave and a free Nativity light trail – well worth saving daylight for other areas first, then looping back here after dusk.
Food & Drink Highlights
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Mulled wine flight bar – three spice blends (Kentish apple, classic clove, cherry‑port fusion).
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Local legends such as Canterbury Pudding Co.’s sticky ginger brownies and Cheesy Lees raclette baguettes.
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Street treats: hog‑roast rolls with Bramley‑apple sauce, vegan mince‑pie ice‑cream, and giant churros dusted in cinnamon sugar.
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Festive tipple alert – look out for the Kentish craft‑cider hut offering limited‑batch hot spiced cider on Fridays and Saturdays.
Shopping: What to Buy
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Hand‑thrown Canterbury Cathedral mugs (only 300 numbered pieces).
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Recycled‑glass baubles blown on‑site – you can watch the demo and pick up your cooled ornament later.
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Kent lavender & hop pillows – uniquely local, perfect stocking filler.
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Ethical cashmere scarves from small Scottish weavers (High Street zone).
Many sellers accept cards, but the busiest evenings sometimes strain mobile terminals; carry a £30–£40 cash buffer just in case.
Family‑Friendly Must‑Dos
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Santa’s Grotto (Cathedral Courtyard) – timed slots sell out weeks ahead; book online.
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Lapland VR Sleigh Ride – five‑minute 4D journey (age 4 +).
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Mini Christmas‑tree trail – kids collect stickers from hidden firs to swap for a chocolate coin.
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Free puppet shows on the Whitefriars stage at 11 am & 2 pm weekends.
Live Entertainment & Events Calendar
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 14 Nov | Light‑Up Parade & official switch‑on | 6 pm |
| Every Thu–Sun | Live bands & choirs | 4 pm–7 pm |
| Sat 6 Dec | Kentish Folk‑dance flashmob | 1 pm & 3 pm |
| Tue 23 Dec | Community Carol‑Sing‑Along finale | 5 pm |
Follow @CanterburyChristmas on Instagram for last‑minute pop‑ups and weather‑dependent busking sets.
Getting There
By Train
High‑speed Southeastern services whisk you from London St Pancras to Canterbury West in about 55 minutes, making a car‑free day‑trip easy.
By Car & Park & Ride
Skip city‑centre congestion: three Park & Ride sites (New Dover Road, Sturry Road, Wincheap) cost £4 per car/day including shuttle for up to six passengers, with buses every 8–15 minutes. Watch Canterbury City Council channels – they usually run free Park & Ride after 3 pm on the Christmas‑lights switch‑on evening.
Accessibility & Facilities
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Step‑free surfaces link all zones; Cathedral Precincts has portable ramps over uneven flagstones.
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Accessible toilets in Whitefriars and the Cathedral Welcome Centre.
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A sensory‑friendly quiet hour (Mon 10 am–11 am) dims music and lights for visitors with autism or sensory needs.
Sustainable Visiting Tips
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Bring a re‑usable thermal cup – many drinks vendors knock £0.50 off refills.
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Use Park & Ride or trains to cut emissions.
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Dispose of waste in clearly marked recycle bins (glass, compostables, general).
Where to Stay
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The Abode Canterbury (4★) – on‑site restaurant & two‑minute walk to High Street zone.
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Cathedral Lodge (3★) – wake up within the cathedral precincts itself.
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Budget: YHA Canterbury offers family rooms and free parking.
Book early: weekend rooms often hit 90 % occupancy by late September.
Money‑Saving & Crowd‑Beating Hacks
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Arrive for opening (10 am) on weekdays – you’ll shop almost queue‑free.
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Combo deals: many caterers run lunch‑time specials (two mains + two hot drinks for £15).
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Download the “MyCanterbury” app for digital discount vouchers on selected huts.
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Visit on Mondays: parking is half‑price in council multi‑storeys after 4 pm through December.
Canterbury Christmas Market 2025 FAQ
When is the Canterbury Christmas Market 2025?
The Canterbury Christmas Market 2025 is scheduled to run from mid-November through Christmas Eve (12 November – 24 December 2025). Always re-check the official site before you travel in case of last-minute changes.
Where is Canterbury Christmas Market located?
It is centred around Whitefriars Shopping Centre, St George’s Street/High Street, and the Cathedral Precincts in Canterbury, Kent (postcode CT1).
What time does Canterbury Christmas Market open and close?
Typical core hours are roughly 10am–6pm weekdays, a little earlier start on Saturdays, and shorter hours on Sundays, with an earlier close on Christmas Eve. Exact 2025 daily times will be confirmed closer to opening—verify before visiting.
Is Canterbury Christmas Market free to enter?
Yes, entry to the main market areas is free. Only special attractions (like Santa visits or premium experiences) may require pre-booked tickets.
Do I need to book tickets for Canterbury Christmas Market 2025?
No ticket is required for general browsing. Pre-book if you want Santa’s Grotto, certain workshops, or timed immersive experiences—these popular slots often sell out weeks ahead.
What’s the best day to visit Canterbury Christmas Market to avoid crowds?
Mid-week (Monday to Thursday) before 3pm in late November or early December is usually quieter than weekends or the final shopping week before Christmas.
How long should I allow for a visit to Canterbury Christmas Market?
Plan 3–4 hours to explore all zones, enjoy food and drink, and watch some live entertainment without rushing.
What food and drink is at Canterbury Christmas Market?
Expect festive classics (mulled wine, hot chocolate, bratwurst, hog roast) plus Kentish produce, artisan bakes, plant-based options, and craft cider or gin stalls.
Are there vegan or gluten-free options at Canterbury Christmas Market?
Yes—many street-food huts now label vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. Arrive earlier in the day for the best selection of specialty bakes.
Can I pay by card at Canterbury Christmas Market?
Most stalls take contactless and mobile payments, but bring a cash backup (£20–£40) in case signal issues slow terminals during peak times.
Is Canterbury Christmas Market dog friendly?
Well-behaved dogs on leads are generally welcome in outdoor areas. Check individual huts or indoor attractions; assistance dogs are welcome everywhere.
Is Canterbury Christmas Market suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Yes—routes are largely step-free, though some historic surfaces can be uneven near the Cathedral. Look for temporary ramped sections and accessible toilet signage.
How do I get to Canterbury Christmas Market by train?
High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Canterbury West in under an hour; Canterbury East is also a short walk from the market zones.
Where can I park for Canterbury Christmas Market?
Use Park & Ride sites (e.g. Wincheap, New Dover Road, Sturry Road) to avoid centre congestion; the shuttle drops you near the main shopping streets.
Are there toilets at Canterbury Christmas Market?
Yes—public or shopping-centre facilities and accessible toilets are signposted in Whitefriars, plus temporary units in high-traffic areas.
Is there a Santa’s Grotto at Canterbury Christmas Market 2025?
A Santa experience typically operates with pre-booked timed slots. Reserve early, especially for weekend afternoons.
What should I wear to Canterbury Christmas Market?
Dress in warm, layered clothing, waterproof outerwear if rain is forecast, and comfortable non-slip footwear suitable for cobbles and potentially damp evenings.
Can I bring my own reusable cup to the Market?
Yes, and many hot drink vendors offer a small discount or extra topping when you do—an easy sustainable and money-saving win.
What are the must-buy gifts at Canterbury Christmas Market?
Look for locally made crafts: hand-blown glass baubles, Kentish food hampers, artisan candles, handmade jewellery, and Cathedral-themed ceramics or prints.
Is Canterbury Christmas Market good for families with children?
Absolutely—there are kid-friendly treats, craft stalls, occasional puppet or music performances, and seasonal trails; plan breaks for warmth and snacks.
What time are the Christmas lights on at Canterbury Christmas Market?
Lights typically switch on at dusk daily, with an official city “switch-on” event early in the season. Check the year’s announced switch-on date for parades or performances.
Does Canterbury Christmas Market close in bad weather?
Light rain rarely causes closures; severe weather (high winds or safety concerns) can trigger temporary suspension of some stalls or attractions—monitor official updates on the day.
Are there cash machines (ATMs) near the Christmas Market?
Yes—ATMs are available in and around Whitefriars Shopping Centre and on nearby high street bank frontages.
What accessibility services are available at Canterbury Christmas Market?
Expect step-free routes, accessible toilets, some quiet or sensory-friendly periods, and staff who can direct you to ramps or assistance points.
How early should I book accommodation for Canterbury Christmas Market weekends?
Ideally by late summer or early autumn (August–September) for December Fridays/Saturdays, as central hotels reach high occupancy quickly.
