Broadstairs Christmas fair and lights switch-on
Join the festive fun on November 27 for the Broadstairs & St. Peter’s Chamber of Commerce Christmas Fair and Lights Switch-On.
From noon until 6pm there will be traditional stalls selling crafts, gifts, food and drink, mulled wines and ciders, as well as Christmas music, choirs and carol singing.
Thanet Male Voice Choir will be making their first public performance since March 2020, during the Broadstairs Christmas Fayre and Lights switch on. They will be singing Christmas songs and carols between 4pm and 4.30pm outside Pierremont Hall.
The light switch on is at 5pm.
Children’s Christmas parties with hot chocolate and Christmas cookie decorating will also be taking place. Children will be able to enjoy the festive music and create letters to Father Christmas ready for the Christmas Elf! There maybe even be a surprise visit from a special guest.
Parties are at 11am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Tickets are £7 per child (maximum one adult per child). Limited tickets available.
Book by calling 01843 263609 or email [email protected]
Westgate lights
The Westgate Christmas light switch-on and market takes place on December 5 from 11am to 5pm.
There will be entertainment, stalls, food, drink, funfair, live shows and even a visit from the big man himself at the Station Road event.
Co-op stores in Westgate and Birchington and Funeral Care in Birchington will be supporting Westgate and Birchington’s Christmas events, giving out hot chocolate and mince pies at both and donating 12 bottles of wine for mulled wine in Birchington.
Ramsgate Christmas Fun Day
Christmas in Ramsgate starts on Sunday, November 28 with a Family Fun Day in the town centre, from midday to 5pm. The event will see the return of the ever-popular Land Train and their Handmade Craft Market selling unique gifts and tasty treats in Queen Street, a mini carousel for the little ones and other funfair stalls will be based in the High Street.
To avoid large crowds, this year will be slightly different from the usual ‘Switch On’ event with no official countdown and some of the live entertainment will take place in Charlotte Court (behind the Horse & Groom pub) and some will be outside Timpsons. Choirs, singers, dancers and the cast of Birchington Pantomime will join the event with 2 special mini panto performances at 3 and 4pm. There will also be Christmas workshops supported by Addington Street Community Group and Looping the Loop in two of Ramsgate’s favourite caravans; Cozi van Tutti and Madventurevan!
Children will be able to meet ‘the real Santa’ and receive a gift if they take part in the free Elf (‘n’ Safety) Trail across town to reveal a hidden message. Details on how to take part can be found on the Visit Ramsgate website
As it is Christmas, there will of course be snow and real-life naughty elves who will no doubt be getting up to all sorts of mischief and as the event draws to a close, the town centre lights will appear and everyone is welcome to stand around the Christmas Tree to sing Silent Night by candlelight.
Ramsgate Late Night Shopping event
On Thursday, December 9, some of Ramsgate’s favourite shops will be open until 8pm offering all sorts of festive cheer. The Elf (‘n’ Safety) Trail will also be open for people to take part in with prizes being handed out at Little Seaside Town in the High Street. Christmas Market Traders will be joining in at Charlotte Court along with live entertainment.
Ramsgate FC
A Winter Wonderland is coming to Ramsgate FC’s WW Martin Stadium from December 19-27.
Santa’s Grotto, an ice skating rink, snow globe, live music, inflatables and food and drink will all be on offer.
Entry is free. Booking opens for ice skating and the grotto ( £5 each) from November 12 at 7pm.
Keep an eye on the Rams FC facebook page for further details
Westgate and Garlinge Action Group Against Housing Christmas Fair
GRASS Christmas fun
This year GRASS (Gordon Road Area Street Scheme),will be holding a Christmas event at The Oval Bandstand and Lawns in Cliftonville on Saturday, December 4 from noon until 6pm.
Enjoy free live music with The Decades Showband, The Hot Club of Cliftonville with Jonny Hepbir and the Margate Social Singing Choir. A licensed bar will be available selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive treats.
There will be street food vendors that include Madagascan fusion French food and gluten free Churros! Santa Claus will also be attending and free tickets will be available to meet him in his grotto. All grotto donations will go towards ‘Rethink Mental health charity’
There will be free Playbus and professional face painters will be available to get that Christmas glitter look!
The bandstand will be lit up with Christmas lights bringing Christmas cheer to the community.
Find out more on The Oval Bandstand facebook page.
Margate Caves
Father Christmas is packing his Covid pass and jetting in from Lapland to set up a subterranean sparkling snow-land hidden far below the hustle and bustle of Northdown Road in Margate, from Friday, December 3.
Dispensing festive cheer, gifts and plenty of ho-ho-hos, Father Christmas and his helpers will be welcoming little visitors to their underground winter wonderland every weekend from December 3-19. Children will be able to meet Father Christmas, receive a gift and explore the festively-themed Caves. Afterwards, families can shop for stocking fillers in the attraction’s gift shop and feast on the range of seasonal snacks and festive fancies available in the welcoming café.
“We are delighted that Father Christmas has been cleared to travel and has chosen the Margate Caves to make his home-from-home for Christmas 2021,” said Caves’ Centre Manager Kayleigh McMahon. “We can’t wait to welcome little visitors to experience some festive magic in this truly unique subterranean setting.”
Tickets will be £9.50 per child to include entry to the Caves and a carefully chosen gift. Two adults per booking will be allowed free, with additional adults charged at £4.50. Tickets are now available at: https://museumshops.uk/product/visit-father-christmas/
The Margate Caves management team is also looking for volunteers to help Father Christmas spread some festive cheer. Kayleigh McMahon adds: “No visit to the Margate Caves would be the same without our wonderfully enthusiastic volunteers. But with a busy Christmas season ahead, we would love to have some more little helpers to help us provide some festive fun.”
To volunteer to help, please contact Kayleigh at [email protected]
The Margate Caves are at 1 Northdown Road, with a bus stop right outside serving a number of routes. Sleigh parking is available at Trinity Square Car Park next door to the visitor centre.
Ellington Park Christmas Fair
Stalls, miniature train rides, Santa’s Grotto, live music and food and drink are all promised at the Ellington Park Christmas fair on December 5.
The event runs from 2pm to 7pm and will also include a festive raffle
Frozen – Festive Wonderland
Silvers will be hosting a magical children’s Christmas Wonderland on December 19, midday to 2pm, featuring visits from Ice princesses. The Festive Wonderland will include a visit from Santa and one present per child.
Find the event page and tickets here
Lights for Kent air ambulance
A Christmas light switch-on in a Ramsgate street will be raising money for Kent air ambulance this year.
The property in Nethercourt Farm Road will be lit up from December 1 and donations can be made up until Christmas Eve in the black letterbox on the front gate.
Quex Christmas fair
Quex Craft Village Christmas Craft Fair takes place on December 11th and 18th from 10am until 6pm each day.
Resident Crafts and Artists
Guest Craft Stalls
Visit From Santa (from 3:30pm)
Santa’s Post Box
Guaranteed Snow (from 3:30pm)
Charity raffle
Hot and cold food
Mulled Wine and Mince pies
Thanet Virtual High Street
Thanet Virtual High Street’s Christmas Fair will be in Old Town Margate on December 11 and 12 from 11am to 5pm. Local stalls, entertainment and treats for all.
Quex Elf Express
The Elf Express returns to Quex. Enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights whilst heading all the way to the Elf Tower where Mrs Claus will be delighted to meet you!
Marvel at Mrs Claus showing off her baking skills in her interactive show before journeying down Candy Cane Lane all the way to the Magical Elf Kingdom where Santa and his reindeer will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. Finish off your tour in Santa’s new Toyshop where you will be able to select your gift, but only if you’ve been good!
Elf Express begins on November 26. For dates and ticket prices go to https://quexactivitycentre.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/
Quex story time with Mrs Claus
Meet Mrs Claus and the Elves for a 90 minute experience including an interactive story followed by gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making and a magical visit to Santa’s real life reindeer!
Starts December 1. For dates and ticket prices go to https://quexactivitycentre.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
Minster Community Christmas
Minster’s community Christmas event takes place on December 11 from 4pm to 7pm.
It includes craft stalls and Father Christmas in the village hall, a best dressed elf competition at 4.30pm in Church Yard, school choir and Village Voices also in Church Yard, Salvation Army band, miniature steam train rides, a raffle and there will be refreshments in the Old School.
Father Christmas will be raising money for 1st Minster Cubs, Scouts and Beavers and will include a gift, Parents will be able to take their own photographs.
Broadstairs Christmas Market
Broadstairs Christmas Market returns to Victoria Parade from Thursday, December 9 to December 12. The market, organised by Zoom Events, will feature warming street foods, festive bar, handmade groceries, plus a unique selection of arts, crafts and gift ideas.
Enjoy freshly prepared hot street foods ranging from traditional Mexican dishes and Oriental cuisine to crepes made with fair trade and organic ingredients. Among the handmade groceries will be rich brownie slices and deep dish cookies from the popular Elle’s Bakery alongside other stalls with Turkish delight, baklava, nuts and fresh coffee. The Famous Last Stand bar will be providing a great selection of festive tipples to enjoy whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Stalls will be lining Victoria Parade with additional trestle tables for smaller crafters within the heated marquee on Victoria Gardens, selling items including candles, wax melts and fragrance products to fair trade mosaic bowls and flowers.
Alongside the free to enter Broadstairs Christmas Market, there are some special ticketed evening events in the heated marquee on Victoria Gardens. On Thursday 9th December there will be an evening of stand-up comedy, on Friday 10th December internationally acclaimed jazz artist, Katie Bradley takes to the stage with The Dave Ferra Band and on Saturday 11th December Rhythm Shack performs. All evening events are from 7pm – 9pm (arrive from 6.30pm) with the hot food court and winter bar staying open to complete the experience. Tickets are very limited due to the marquee capacity and available to those aged 16 and over from the web shop – click here to book.
The Broadstairs Christmas Market will be open on Thursday 9th December 12pm – 6pm, Friday 10th December 9am – 6pm, Saturday 11th December 9am – 7pm and Sunday 12th December 10am – 5pm.
Oak Hotel, Ramsgate, and RoRos
On Sundays from 5pm, The Oak Hotel and RoRos ice cream will be serving mulled wine/cider, Christmas waffles/ice creams and milkshakes, other hot food and drinks.
There will also be a snow machine going at each hour, (dependant on weather)
Outside Caffe Roma, at the Oak Hotel, harbour parade, to go with the Christmas Light Walk around the harbour November 28 until December 19 (Sundays only)
Santa Paws!
Madam Popoff, in Margate Old Town, will host a Santa Paws for dogs to visit Santa, have their photo taken and get a present on December 11 from midday until 5pm.
Cost is £5. All money will be donated to local rescue charities.
Christmas craft and gift fair Birchington
The Christmas fair will be held on November 20 at The Centre in Alpha Road from 10am to 3pm.
Stalls will offer gifts including planters, pamper packs, pottery and glasswork. There will also be a raffle. Admission is free.
Old Town market trail
A Christmas market trail will be held in Margate’s Old Town
November 13/14 Pharmacy Gallery and Market Place
November 20/21 Crate/Limbo artist studios
November 28/29 TBC at The Centre
December 4/5 The Margate School (former Woolworths) 10am to 4pm
Trader enquiries 07845 523423
There will also be an Old Town Christmas market on December 12 from 11am to 5pm.
Christmas Psychic Fair
The Christmas Psychic Fair will be held at Newington Community Centre on December 4 from 11.30am to 3.30pm raising funds for lipodema surgery.
Craft, food and gift stalls, face-painting, nail bar and more plus photo and gift with Father Christmas.
Free entry.
Under 1 Roof Thanet
Petticoat Lane Emporium, Ramsgate
Christmas tree festival
Trees decorated by church groups, clubs, local businesses and schools will be displayed around St Peter’s Church.
The theme this year is ‘My Favourite Christmas Carol’ but trees can be decorated as sponsors wish and may reflect what their club or business does.
The tree festival is on Saturday, December 11, open 10am – 5pm with a varied programme of musical entertainment from 2pm-5pm.
Cliftonville Farmers’ Market will take place on December 19 from 10am to 1pm.
It is now held at Walpole Bay Lawns, at the back of the Walpole Bay Hotel. Access is either from Fifth Avenue or Palm Bay Avenue.
Stalls include wild game, meat, local veg, olives, oils, sun dried tomatoes, Italian bakes, Kentish cheeses, vegan, Russian, fermented food, eggs, Kentish saffron, nut butters, foraged fruit cordials, dog treats, Cypriot/Turkish bakes, bread, coffee, Dutch cheeses, duck eggs, plants and eco goods.
Birchington shop local
On Saturday, December 4, many of Birchington’s independents will be offering great deals to say ‘Thank You’ for shopping local this year
There will also be Christmas carols, a lantern parade and the Christmas Light Switch on.
Co-op stores in Westgate and Birchington and Funeral Care in Birchington will be supporting Westgate and Birchington’s Christmas events, giving out hot chocolate and mince pies at both and donating 12 bottles of wine for mulled wine in Birchington.
Check Monty’s of Birchington facebook page for further details to be released.
Margate Civic Society
Margate Civic Society will host a Christmas event at Holy Trinity Church Hall, St Mary’s Avenue. Cliftonville on December 2.
There will be poetry, quiz, music, refreshments, carol singing, festive hamper fundraising raffle.
Raffle is £5 per ticket – all profits to go to Margate Civic Society – and Christmas Raffle tickets: £1 per strip or 6 strips for £5.
Both draws will take place at the end of the evening.
After the quiz, there will be one complimentary drink served per person: choice of a glass of red or white wine/juice/cup of tea or coffee with a mince pie and snacks. Additional drinks will be on sale throughout the evening for those who wish to indulge further.
Starts at 7.45pm, seated by 7.35pm.
Paid up Members: No charge. Guests: £6.50 nominal fee (to include refreshments)
If you are interested in joining Margate Civic Society, or wish to find out more, see www.margatecivicsociety.org.uk for further details.
Got a Christmas event you’d like to add to the list? Email us at [email protected]
Margate Christmas Lights and trees?
Wish they’d bring back the Christmas lights in Ocean Close near Epple Bay!
cost of leccy Peter cost of leccy
Me too Peter but I think that vendors selling food etc and making money off the back of this charitable fundraiser put some the people in Ocean Close off taking part in it again .
Plus car parking around there became a nightmare for the residents of that area.