Festive Lunches and Christmas Parties
Guests celebrate the season with three-course festive dining or a buffet, followed by entertainment from a resident DJ playing popular hits. Gatherings take place in venues such as the Refectory Restaurant and the Clagett Auditorium within the cathedral grounds. Celebrations also include eco-friendly touches, such as FSC-approved crackers with no plastic content.
What to Expect
Festive dining and parties held in the Canterbury Cathedral grounds.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (for lunches), potentially 18+ for party nights (check with venue)
Neighborhood
The Precincts
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Food & Drink
Christmas lunches, group dinners and shared or private party nights include a three-course meal; the 21 December shared party night has an eight-item buffet, and party-night bars open from 18:30.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, friends and colleagues celebrating together
Vibe
Festive and sociable
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Christmas events start from £36 per person. Shared party nights: £42.50 per person on Sundays 6 and 13 December; £55 per person on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November. Private party nights: £47 per person on Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Monday 14 and Sunday 20 December. Shared party night with festive buffet: £37.50 per person, minimum group of 20. Shared Christmas lunches on 14–16 December: £39 per person; Clagett Auditorium lunches: £36 per person; Refectory Restaurant lunches: £39 per person. Group Christmas dinner: £45 per person Sunday to Thursday and £50 per person Friday and Saturday. A small additional room-hire fee may apply to groups below minimum requirements for private events.
- Hours: Shared and private party nights, and the festive buffet party: bar opens at 18:30, dinner seating at 19:00, and carriages at 23:00. Christmas lunches at the Refectory Restaurant have tables at 12:30, 13:00 and 13:30; private lunch groups in the Refectory Restaurant or Clagett Auditorium can be booked between 13:00 and 16:30. Group Christmas dinner in the Refectory Restaurant is 18:30–22:00.
- Parking: On-site parking is very limited; nearby city car parks have permits that can be booked in person after dropping off luggage and registering at the hotel.
- Accessibility: Visitors holding a Blue Badge parking permit should contact the venue directly to inquire about limited on-site parking.
Tips & Advice
- Enquire early about lunch or group-dinner availability, as these bookings require an enquiry.
- Send menu choices and dietary or allergy requirements at least six weeks before the event.
- For sat-nav directions, enter Burgate, Canterbury, rather than the Lodge postcode.
- Arrive via Christchurch Gate to enter or leave the Cathedral Precincts.
- If driving, plan to drop off luggage and register for a nearby city-car-park permit, as on-site spaces are very limited.
Special Events & Promotions
- Shared party nights are offered on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November, and Sundays 6 and 13 December.
- Private party nights are offered on Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Monday 14 and Sunday 20 December.
- A shared party night with a festive buffet is offered on Monday 21 December; a minimum group of 20 is required.
- A special offer applies to shared party-night spaces on Sundays 6 and 13 December.
- Shared party nights on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November have limited tables remaining.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is included with the festive events?
Party nights include a three-course meal and disco; the festive buffet party has an eight-item buffet and disco. Christmas lunches and group dinners include a three-course meal.
Can I book a Christmas lunch or group dinner?
Lunches and group dinners require an enquiry for availability. Christmas dinner is for groups only, and private events have a minimum commitment.
What should I do about dietary needs?
Send menu choices and allergy or dietary requirements at least six weeks before your event. Dietary menus can be requested from the events team.
Which spaces are available for lunches and dinners?
The Refectory Restaurant hosts lunch bookings and group dinners. Private lunch groups can also use the Clagett Auditorium; group sizes are limited by each room’s capacity.
How do I enter the Cathedral Precincts?
Arrive via Christchurch Gate, the main entrance to the Precincts. For sat-nav directions, enter Burgate, Canterbury, rather than the Lodge postcode.
More Christmas Events near Canterbury
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.