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🌟 Come and join in the Christmas merriment on Friday 13 November between 5pm-8pm as Canterbury's spectacular Christmas lights are switched on around the city centre for 2026!❄️ Expect an evening of celebrations, live music, festive characters and more as the town illuminates for the season. There will be 3 stages around the town with different festivities for each stage of the switch-on, allowing people to spread out and enjoy a full evening of fun. The event is organised by Canterbury BID with thanks to Headline Sponsor Costa Coffee.
Switch On Stages
🕯️ Victorian Christmas in Burgate
⏰ 5pm-7pm – Light switch-on at 6pm
🎺 Music from the Salvation Army
🎭 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.
✨ Please note: At 7pm all of the high street, Marlowe Theatre and all three Christmas Market sites will also light up!
🎉 More festive activities & entertainment around the city:
🏛️ 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 Precincts Christmas Market: 5pm-8pm
🎠 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
⛄ Meet festive characters, enjoy seasonal food and drink, start your Christmas shopping!
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Canterbury, Kent, England, Europe, United Kingdom
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