Westwood Cross has switched on the light display with hundreds of people enjoying the entertainment yesterday (November 16) but there are still plenty more events to come.
Cliftonville
Cliftonville Partnership will host a Christmas switch on event on December 6 from 4.45pm- 6.30pm at St Paul’s Church in Northdown Road.
The event will include an appearance from Simple Simon, balloon modelling and magic, face painting and songs from the Holy Trinity St John’s COE Primary School choir. Free tea or coffee and a mince pie will also be on offer.
The event will begin at 4.50pm with the arrival of Margate mayor Julie Dellar followed by a welcome from Reverend Nick Ratcliffe.
There will then be appearances from Simple Simon, Off The Hook Productions and a performance of Fame.
The switch on takes place at 5.30pm followed by music from Holy Trinity & St John’s primary school choir and pianist David Ruddock. Balloon modelling and face painting is from 5pm to 6.30pm.
Margate Carnival Court will also be in attendance. Activities, apart from the light switch on, will be in the church.
Ramsgate
Ramsgate’s Christmas light switch on takes place on November 25 in the High Street, King Street and Queen Street from noon-5pm
There will be a land train, elves workshop, live entertainment, lantern parade workshops and more
The switch on is at 4.30pm
Ramsgate Christmas fair also combines with Ramsgate Handmade and Vintage Fair from 11am-5pm with Christmas treats, gifts and decorations, all made locally. Mulled wine and mince pies are on hand to keep you warm!
The town also has its very own Northern Lights this year in the shape of a special laser show.
Definitive Special Projects Ltd, a laser light company, bring ‘Aurora Borealis’ to Ramsgate for nine nights between December 8 and 16, where a laser display will be shown across the harbour from 4pm to 10pm.
The event has been arranged by Ramsgate Town Council and Visit Ramsgate.
The boats in the harbour will also be lit for the festive season during December.
Broadstairs
A Christmas fair takes place in Broadstairs on December 1.
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Chamber of Commerce present the fair and light switch on from noon to 5.30pm.
The traditional family event at Pierremont Park and hall will have Christmas themed stalls, Santa in his grotto, local choirs and the turning on of the Christmas lights.
Turner Contemporary
Turner Contemporary will light up its tree on December 1 with an event running from 4pm to 6pm.
Christmas carols will be performed by Palm Bay Primary School. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available in the cafe.
The gallery is hosting Christmas tree installation Does The Iterative Ft by Joanna Tatham and Tom O’Sullivan.
Installed on the terrace, the temporary sculptural and audio artwork commissioned in 2017 by The Kings Cross Project was originally in Granary Square London during the Christmas period.
Westgate
Father Christmas, entertainment and a snow globe will all be at the Westgate light switch on on December 2 from 11am to 5pm.
The fun takes place in Station Road with Santa, a fun fair for all the family, live entertainment throughout the day and Christmas themed stalls. The light switch on is at 4.30pm
There will be two stages with Thanet acts from dancing to school bands and a parade.
This year rather than have a celeb’ to switch on the lights the event committee asked Westgate on Sea to vote for their Local Hero. There were many names put forward with some wonderful back stories however the committee had to pick one. The winner was Ruth Shilling who is well known in Westgate and loved by many.
Birchington
Birchington’s main switch on fun has not been announced yet but the annual light display at Essex Gardens will feature animated spokes for arches, snowflake and stars for trees and is due to run from December 1 to January 5.
Nethercourt
A huge 25,000 bulb Christmas light display in aid of charity will go on show in Ramsgate from December 1.
Food Shack owner Tyrone Keen,27, wife Katie and five-year-old Bethany will be creating a light spectacular at their home in Nethercourt Farm Road to raise funds for the Kent Air Ambulance.
The Christmas display raises funds through donations and the sale of food and drink. It can be seen from December 1-3, 6pm to 9pm.
There will be a firework display at the switch on as well as music, mulled wine, glow stick,s hot and cold food and drinks from the Food Shack and a 20 ft blow up Santa.
Margate Old Town
A Christmas switch on Cecil Square, Margate, hangs in the balance as the town team and Cllr Iris Johnston try and organise a tree for the site.
Grottos
Santa’s Grotto will be open at the Hornby Visitor Centre on Ramsgate Road, Margate on Saturday, December 15 from 10am-3pm..
Entry to the grotto is £8 per child and includes meet and greet with Santa and a special gift. Payment required when booking. Limited spaces.Call 01843 233524
Youngsters can also see Santa at the Toy Fort Grotto at Westwood Cross. Children can meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift. It is recommended to book early.
The grotto is open until Monday, December 24. Price is £4 per child.
Booking details at www.westwoodx.co.uk
