Christmas in Canterbury: A Festive Guide to the Historic City

25 Sept

At Christmas, Canterbury transforms into a winter wonderland. Its cobbled medieval streets sparkle with festive lights, the historic Canterbury Cathedral hosts special seasonal services, and the city comes alive with markets, events, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re here for Christmas shopping, a festive getaway, or to soak up the atmosphere, Christmas in Canterbury is a magical experience.

Canterbury Christmas Market

The Canterbury Christmas Market runs from mid-November through December, filling Whitefriars and the city centre with festive cheer. Visitors can browse wooden chalets selling:

Handcrafted gifts and decorations
Winter street food and mulled wine
Local produce, sweets, and artisan treats

Live music, carol singers, and children’s entertainment add to the festive buzz, making the market a must-visit for anyone in Canterbury during the season.

Canterbury Cathedral at Christmas

No festive visit to Canterbury is complete without experiencing the Cathedral’s Christmas services and concerts. Highlights include:

Advent Carol Services
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass
Family-friendly carol concerts
Seasonal exhibitions and special tours

The Cathedral’s soaring Gothic architecture, illuminated for the season, creates a truly unforgettable backdrop for Christmas worship and music.

Festive Shopping in Canterbury

Canterbury is one of Kent’s best shopping cities, and at Christmas it’s even more special. Alongside the market you’ll find:

Whitefriars Shopping Centre – high street brands and department stores
The King’s Mile – boutique shops selling unique gifts and local crafts
The Creative Quarter – independent outlets with artisan, handmade products

With its mix of big names and small independents, Canterbury is the perfect place for Christmas gift shopping.

Where to Eat & Drink this Christmas

Many of Canterbury’s pubs, cafés, and restaurants offer festive menus throughout December. Popular spots include:

The Corner House – seasonal British dishes with a cosy atmosphere
The Foundry Brewpub – Christmas ales brewed on site
Tiny Tim’s Tearoom – indulgent festive afternoon teas

For something extra special, book a festive dining experience near the Cathedral for a truly atmospheric evening.

Things to Do with Family

Christmas in Canterbury isn’t just about shopping. Families will find plenty to enjoy:

Festive light trails through the city streets
Ice skating rinks (seasonal pop-ups in Kent often reach Canterbury)
Pantomimes and Christmas shows at the Marlowe Theatre
Visits from Father Christmas at local grottos

Plan Your Christmas Visit to Canterbury

Best time to visit: Late November through Christmas Eve for markets, events, and Cathedral services
Travel: Canterbury is less than an hour from London by train, with two main stations (Canterbury West and East)
Stay: Boutique hotels like The Falstaff or cosy B&Bs in the city centre make for a perfect Christmas getaway

Why Visit Canterbury at Christmas?

With its medieval architecture, festive markets, and Cathedral at the heart of celebrations, Christmas in Canterbury offers one of the most enchanting festive experiences in Kent. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, attending a carol service, or simply enjoying mulled wine beneath the Christmas lights, Canterbury is the ideal destination for a festive day out or weekend break.