The Marlowe Theatre panto stars will officially launch Christmas in the city on Thursday 15 November. The popular lights switch-on event in St George’s Street will also feature a mix of games, community activities and music performances.

 

German Christmas Market
The German Christmas Market will once again add an air of rustic, festive charm to Whitefriars Square. A dozen wooden stalls will be selling a range of continental food specialities, Christmas decorations and gifts. Shop at your leisure to the tantalising aromas of barbecued sausages and mulled wine! 

 

The Christmas Market will run from 23 November until 23 December. Festooned with thousands of coloured Christmas fairylights, and overhung with pulsating globes that literally seem to float in the night sky above Whitefriars, the market paints a colourful yuletide tableau, especially as the evening draws in. This year Whitefriars is extending its globe-themed decorations to the Marlowe Arcade (soon to be renamed the Whitefriars Arcade) and will be adding some new lighting effects this season to create the illusion of swirling snow!

 

A visit from Santa!
Whitefriars will once again be laying on some festive entertainment this year with some regular visits from Santa himself. On December weekends in the run-up to the big day, Santa and his elf will have their own cabin in Whitefriars Square from 11am to 4pm. Come and meet Santa and receive a small gift. There will be an admission charge of £3 per child, which includes gifts from Santa.

 

Whitefriars will be making a donation of £1 for every child that sees Santa, with all money raised going to this year’s Christmas charity, Demelza Hospice Care for Children. 

 

Canterbury is a great place to shop any time of the year, but the city really comes into its own in the run-up to Christmas (and for the Christmas and new Year sales afterwards!), offering one of the best store line-ups in the South East.

 

Many of the 70+ stores located in Whitefriars will be trading late during the run-up to the big day, especially on Thursdays, where we will be offering free parking in our multi-storey car park in Watling Street after 6pm for Whitefriars shoppers (spend £10 or more to qualify).

Better still, if you come along to Whitefriars Square between 5pm and 7pm on Thursdays you can have your gifts professionally wrapped in return for a charity donation.

Christmas opening hours
Click here to download details of individual store opening hours over the Christmas period.

Win a £1,000 shopping spree and other great prizes
Don't miss our amazing online competition which runs from 1–24 December. We’ve got some great prizes on offer, as well as a chance for you to win our star prize... a £1,000 Whitefriars shopping spree! Click here to find out more.

 

Following the success of last year's smash hit Marlowe Theatre pantomime, you're guaranteed another fabulous festive treat this Christmas with Sleeping Beauty. Topping the bill are singing sensation Gareth Gates and pop legend Toyah Willcox, ably assisted by children's favourite Katrina Bryan (CBeebies' Nina and the Neurons), The Marlowe's favourite funnyman Ben Roddy, local comedian Lloyd Hollett and, direct from playing the lead role in Legally Blonde the Musical, West End star Faye Brookes.

 

With lavish sets, beautiful costumes, brilliant musical numbers, amazing illusions, lots of comedy and even a fire-breathing dragon, this promises to be Canterbury’s funniest and most magical pantomime yet. Once again, the show will be written and directed by Paul Hendy and brought to you by Evolution, the same creative team behind Cinderella.


Last year's pantomime was seen by more than 83,000 people, so book early to avoid disappointment! Call the Marlowe Theatre Box office on 01227 787787 for tickets or book online at www.marlowetheatre.com

 

The ‘original’ Father Christmas – St Nicholas – will be paying his annual visit to the city on Saturday, 8 December. This annual fundraising event starts with a parade through the city culminating in the arrival of St Nicholas at the Cathedral. 
 

The parade forms part of a long weekend of Christmas activity centred on the Heritage Museum in Stour Street. Step into a magical Christmas experience at one of Canterbury's most beautiful and historic buildings. Meet colourful characters, visit Santa in his grotto and take part in a festive quiz. Admission price includes a small gift for children.

 

There’s no better time to visit Canterbury than in December, as the Cathedral prepares itself for one of the most important events in its calendar. The life-sized crib is well worth a visit and the music sung by the Cathedral choir at services can only be described as ‘heavenly’! 

 

Finally, don’t miss the Lord Mayor’s Charity Carol Service in Rose Square on Christmas Eve. This event, which is usually presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury himself, attracts thousands and starts at around 6pm. It’s a great way to welcome in Christmas!

EVENTS PROGRAMME

15 November from 3pm to 6pm