Canterbury Lights Up For Christmas 2025 With One Of The UK’s Largest Christmas Markets
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Top Image Josh Carter
Canterbury is set to sparkle with six miles of lights and a city-wide celebration for Christmas.
With traditional market huts, a festive fayre and six miles of glittering lights and seasonal window displays – Canterbury is ready to light up for Christmas.
The city has announced that its Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Friday 14th November 2025 with switch-on moments and activities taking place from 5pm-8pm, marking the official opening of one of the UK’s largest festive markets and launching a magical evening of entertainment across the city.
This year’s celebration, titled “Let It Snow!”, will transform Canterbury into a winter wonderland with 12 themed locations hosting staggered switch-on moments, culminating in a city-wide glow. Visitors can enjoy free Park and Ride from 2pm, making it easier than ever to join the festivities.
Image © Alex Hare
The Christmas Market will once again be spread throughout the historic city centre, including a large festive fayre within the Cathedral’s Precincts, featuring artisan stalls, a carousel, a giant snow globe and live music. The city’s shop windows will also be aglow as the annual Christmas Window Trail launches, and this year’s theme is LEGO!
Highlights include:
- Westgate Hall: Twilight Market with food, crafts and live music; lights switch-on at 6.30pm.
- Marlowe Theatre: Live music from No Limits Street Band and a visit from the Snow White Panto Cast who will be switching on the theatre's brand-new light display at 5.30pm.
- The Beaney: Family Hub with Santa visits, decoration workshops and a Frozen-themed trail at the Library.
- High Street: Meet-and-greet with Frozen characters, live music and outdoor screenings of Frozen and Elf.
- Christmas Market: across the Cathedral, St George's St and Whitefriars enjoy an evening of entertainment and a chance to start Christmas shopping.
- Countdown Balcony, sponsored by Costa Coffee: Join the Lord Mayor and special guests, as they switch on the High Street lights at 6.15pm, with music to get the party started from FNKHAUS.
- St Margaret’s Street: Snow globe selfie experience throughout the evening.
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Burgate: Victorian-themed Christmas with performances of an abridged Christmas Carol, live music, roasted chestnuts and light switch-on at 6pm.
Image Josh Carter
Each year, Canterbury BID organises the Christmas Light Celebration to mark the start of the festive season and celebrate the opening of the Christmas Market. The city is nationally recognised for its beautiful Christmas lights, award-winning shop windows and fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages.
With snowfall, Christmas trees, live entertainment and festive cheer around every corner, Canterbury’s “Let It Snow!” celebration promises to be the most magical yet.
The event is organised by Canterbury BID and sponsored by Costa Coffee, Howden Insurance and Lily’s Social Kitchen.
Full details of the event line-up and the Christmas Window LEGO Trail are live on Visit Canterbury:
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