Folkestone Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Folkestone and surrounding areas
Folkestone lights up the holiday season with bright displays along the harbour and in the creative Quarter. Winter parades, holiday shows and local markets bring the community together for seasonal entertainment and family-friendly attractions. Stroll the seafront, enjoy festive performances and explore craft stalls where Folkestone’s lights and activities create a warm coastal celebration this festive season.
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Christmas Markets
25 eventsKent's largest free Christmas market with a Dickensian festival
Christmas Parties
20 eventsChef-prepared, frozen Christmas meals for easy home celebration.
Christmas Lights
15 eventsLantern festival illuminating Dover
Christmas Shows
9 eventsCandlelit performance of Handel's Messiah in a cathedral
Other Christmas Activities
31 eventsImmersive Christmas quest to boost the 'Cheerometer'.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Lightning Fibre's Ice Rink
(Eastbourne)
Outdoor ice rink adjacent to railway station
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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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Dover Winter Light Up
(Dover)
Lantern festival illuminating Dover
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Eastbourne's Largest Christmas Market
(Eastbourne)
Eastbourne's largest Christmas market with over 100 artisan vendors.
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The Pantiles Christmas Markets
(Tunbridge Wells)
Festive chalets and Rudolph's Runner land train
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Folkestone Christmas FAQ
The biggest events include the Folkestone Christmas Lights Switch-On and the Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm, both drawing large crowds for parades, markets, and festive entertainment.
Folkestone’s traditions include the Creative Quarter Christmas Lights Turn-On featuring local authors and performers, as well as the community-focused Sandgate Christmas Event with its craft market and Santa’s Grotto.
The Creative Quarter and Sandgate neighborhoods are known for their festive light displays and community events, offering some of the best holiday lights in Folkestone.
Local makers and Christmas markets are primarily found at the Festive Marketplace on Folkestone Harbour Arm and the Sandgate Christmas Craft Market, both showcasing artisan vendors and seasonal goods.
Enjoy free events like the Creative Quarter Christmas Lights Switch-On, neighborhood light displays, and browsing the festive markets, which offer a budget-friendly way to experience the season’s joy.
Families can enjoy the Santa Specials steam train rides nearby, visits to Santa’s Grotto at Sandgate, and festive markets with crafts and treats suitable for children.