Canterbury Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Canterbury and surrounding areas
Canterbury welcomes Christmas 2025 with the Cathedral precinct and medieval streets aglow with Christmas lights, seasonal markets and festive events that draw visitors to the city centre. Attend Handel's Messiah by Candlelight, visit the Canterbury Christmas Market 2025 or celebrate at the New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Dance for music, markets and holiday activities near the Cathedral. With candlelit services, craft stalls and illuminated tours, Canterbury offers a timeless mix of things to do during the holiday season.
Find the best Canterbury Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
23 eventsKent's largest free Christmas market with a Dickensian festival
Christmas Parties
19 eventsFestive party nights with curated menus and drinks
Christmas Lights
17 eventsA mile-long trail with a 40m light tunnel and festive road train.
Christmas Shows
7 eventsCandlelit performance of Handel's Messiah in a cathedral
Christmas Activities
34 eventsImmersive Christmas quest to boost the 'Cheerometer'.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Rochester Christmas Market
(Rochester)
Kent's largest free Christmas market with a Dickensian festival
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Christmas at Bewl Water 2025
(Bewlbridge)
Immersive Christmas quest to boost the 'Cheerometer'.
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The Pantiles Christmas Markets
(Tunbridge Wells)
Festive chalets and Rudolph's Runner land train
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Enchanted Trail of Light at Colchester Zoo
(Stanway)
A mile-long trail with a 40m light tunnel and festive road train.
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Christmas at Hever Castle: The Land of Oz
(Hever)
Immersive 'Land of Oz' themed Christmas experience
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Handel's Messiah by Candlelight
Candlelit performance of Handel's Messiah in a cathedral
Events Happening Soon (6)
Canterbury Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Canterbury
Canterbury Christmas FAQ
The main events include the Christmas Lights Switch-On, the Cathedral Christmas Market, and the city-wide festive celebrations with live music, markets, and themed displays.
Canterbury is known for its Cathedral light displays, festive window trails, and the tradition of the Christmas market set in the historic precincts, often featuring live music and local crafts.
The city center, Cathedral precincts, and Westgate Hall are the top spots for festive light displays, with additional neighborhood displays throughout the historic streets.
The main markets are in the Cathedral precincts and city center, with additional artisan stalls and craft fairs at Westgate Hall and other central locations.
Free activities include viewing the Christmas lights, exploring the window trail, attending the market switch-on, and enjoying live music at public events around the city.
Families enjoy the Christmas market with carousel rides, character visits, live music, and the festive window trail, all set in the safe, walkable city center.