As we head into December even more Christmas events are due to take place in Thanet. Here is the next instalment of events to take you up to (and including) December 8, plus isle pantos that you might like to book.
For December 9 onwards look out for the Christmas events list part 3.
Westgate light switch on
The big light switch on takes place on December 4th with family fun from 11am to 5pm. There will be music, stalls, fin fair, food and Santa.
FNKHAUS will be the headlining band this year. They will be on stage 2 between 4pm and 5pm and will be counting in the light switch on at 4.30pm
Oval Bandstand Cliftonville
Get in the festive spirit with mulled wine, great shopping, food, and free live music at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns on December 3 from noon until 5pm.
Bring your family and friends and join a fabulously festive afternoon of great shopping, delicious food, and live music!
As well as the usual range of alcoholic drinks and cocktails, The Oval Bar will be offering mulled wine to warm you up, and The Oval Kiosk will be serving up hot chocolate and festive treats.
Santa Claus will join the fun and tickets will be available to meet him in his grotto!
Event organisers GRASS will also be lighting up the bandstand with Christmas lights.
Free but tickets need reserving here
Birchington Christmas fun
Christmas fun in Birchington takes place on Saturday, December 3, 9am to 3pm at Dog Acre, Station Road.
There will be activities including a Christmas trail, face painting, Santa’s Grotto, stalls and more.
Cliffsend Village Hall
The switch-on takes place on December 3 at 6pm. There will be mulled wine and hot chocolate with a free mince pie for every drink bought.
There will be performance from Star Dance Academy.
The organisers are raising funds for Rainbow Ward at QEQM Hospital with donations going to the ward’s Amazon wishlist.
Ramsgate Tunnels
Saturday 3rd December – Keep the Home fires Burning – A talk by Isaac Naylor
This Christmas special will investigate the consequences of the Battle of the Atlantic on the people of Ramsgate in 1940 facing a Christmas of scattered families, rationing, and improvisation. It will also explore the stories of the Dig for Victory Campaign, the British Restaurants, the National Salvage Campaign and the various Warships Weeks and Spitfire Drives, when residents dug deep into their waste and wallets to play their part in keeping the home fires burning!
Sunday 4th December – Christmas Fun 10am to 4pm
There will be 1940’s Christmas cookery demonstrations throughout the day from our good friend and 1940’s reenactor, Judith Knight. There will also be free Christmas decoration making and rock painting, a 1940’s vintage clothing stall, a vintage collectables stall, unusual gifts from the gift shop, a Teddy bear tombola run by the local brownies, and fundraising stalls for the local RNLI and the St Lawrence Clock Restoration Appeal.
The cafe will be selling festive Mulled Wine, Hot Chocolate and cake.
Entry to the event and museum is free but tours of the tunnels will run as normal throughout the day.
Father Christmas at the Caves
Margate Caves, December 3-23
Weekends from Saturday 3rd December 11am to 4.30pm and then Monday to Friday 11am to 4.30pm from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd December.
The Margate Caves are being transformed into a sparkly subterranean snow-land this Christmas as the great man flies in from the North Pole and sets up his magical and merry wonderland, hidden far below the hustle and bustle of Northdown Road.
The jolly elves will welcome you to the Caves and invite you to explore the subterranean Winter Wonderland, with seasonal selfie points, festive trails and activities. Hark! The Chief Elf will call when it’s time for your visit! You’ll enjoy some time with Father Christmas and the children will receive a special gift. There’ll be a chance to create a Christmas craft to take home, as well as enjoying our subterranean wonderland.
The café will be serving seasonal specials along with sweet treats, and there is range of gifts for all the family available in the shop.
Children will be able to meet the man in red, receive a gift and explore the festively-themed Caves, with the shop and café open for festive themed treats and gift buying!
Tickets are £10 per child including entry to the Caves, a visit to Father Christmas, a craft activity and gift to take away
Up to 2 adults per booking are FREE and no ticket required
Additional adults charged at £4 and will require to pre-book
https://www.margatecaves.co.uk/
Father Christmas at Crampton Tower
Crampton Tower, Broadstairs, December 3-18
Journey up the Crampton Tower, through the elves workshop, to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
1pm-4:30pm Every Saturday and Sunday (3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December)
Kids of all ages enjoy the model railway layouts and, if the weather allows, they’ll love to ride on the 5-inch gauge miniature railway!
Price £10 per child includes: Visit to Santa’s Grotto, a carefully chosen gift, entry to the museum and one free train ride per paying child (weather permitting)
Accompanying parents and guardians (maximum of 2 per group) gain free entry.
No pre-booking but please come early to avoid disappointment.
Pay desk opens at 12:30pm (Cash Only)
Last admission 4pm or when maximum numbers have checked in,
Hot drinks and children’s play area in the warm waiting room in our main hall.
Tickets and Pricing
£10 per child https://www.cramptontower.co.uk/
Holy Trinity Church Margate Christmas fair
Watch the fabulous Rock choir and also dancers perform at the Holy Trinity Church Margate Christmas fair on Saturday, December 3.
Performances are from 11am and 1.30pm, admission is free.
Christmas Cracker Wonderland Manston
With RAF Manston History Museum at Hanger 3, Spitfire Way, Manston
December 3-4, open 10am-4pm
Enjoy a Christmas Cracker Wonderland weekend extravaganza for all the family with the team from RAF Manston History Museum
Visit Santa in his helicopter Grotto
Airwolf (£5pp)
Browse the craft market
Sample the food stalls
Enjoy entertainment and much more
Free entry, additional cost for rides applies)
The Baby Ronnie Foundation Christmas fun day
December 4, 1pm to 4pm, Garlinge Methodist Church
Giant Christmas craft and gift fair
December 3, 10am-3-m at Hartsdown Academy, Margate
Free admission, free Santa’s Grotto with small treat for every child
Winter Open Days: Christmas Decoration
December 3-4, Powell Cotton Museum, Quex Park, Birchington, 11am – 3pm
Dust off those winter coats and have a grand day out with your family.
Your ticket includes a visit to the Museum, a guided tour of Quex House and entrance to Quex Gardens.
Activities include:
* Create and take home your own festive decoration for your Christmas tree
* Get arty by making your own festive wrapping paper design
* Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit by enjoying the wonderful voices of Rhythm Express Performing Arts, performing some of your festive favourites in Quex House at 12pm and 1:30pm. (Each performance is approx. 30 minutes)
£2.50 per person, all ages. Additional donations towards the cost of craft activities or generally to support our work are gratefully accepted.
Elf the Musical
Dreamland December 7-13
ELF flies into Margate this December bringing Christmas cheer for all to hear with the smash hit Christmas musical! Doors open 6pm with start at 7.30pm
Based on the comedy film starring Will Ferrell – ELF comes to Margate for a limited run at Hall by The Sea in Dreamland Margate.
Brought to you by Regency Productions.
Check for ticket availability. Prices from £21 plus booking fee Book now
The Elf Express
December 3-24, Quex Park, Birchington
Open 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th – 24th December from 10am
All the good boys and girls are invited to board the Elf Express and depart to the Magical Elf Forest where the elves are eagerly awaiting your arrival.
The elves need your help to prepare for the big day and may even reward you with a sweet treat or two.
Enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights whilst heading all the way to the Elf Tower for an interactive theatrical spectacular!
Marvel at the Elves before journeying down Candy Cane Lane all the way to the Magical Elf Kingdom where Santa and his real life Reindeer will be eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Finish off your tour in Santa’s Toyshop where you will be able to select your gift, but only if you’ve been good this year!
Adult £12.70-£14.70 / Child £21.70 – £24.70 plus booking fee https://www.theelfexpress.com/
Storytime with Mrs Claus – Kitchen Edition
December 3-24, Quex Park, Birchington
Open 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th -24th December 10.30am -6.30pm
Join Mrs Claus in her kitchen at Quex Park, Birchington, this Christmas for a festive story spectacular. Suitable for children of all ages, Mrs Claus will be telling an immersive story with singing, special effects, and Christmas Cheer. The perfect addition to the Elf Express or an individual experience, Mrs Claus Story Time is a Christmas outing not to be missed
StoryTime with Mrs Claus, Kitchen Edition, is a separate experience to The Elf Express and does not include The Elf Express trails or tractor ride. Santa is not present for StoryTime with Mrs Claus, Kitchen Edition, and this experience does not include meeting the Reindeer.
£8 per person https://www.theelfexpress.com/mrsclausstorytime
St John’s Church Margate
Saturday 3rd December – 10am to 4pm – Christmas Tree Festival
Free entry / refreshments available / ”nearly new” stalls for bargain gifts including toys and books plus Christmas decorations and handcrafted items
Sunday 4th December– 10.30am – Christingle Service
Wednesday 7th December – 10am to 4pm – Christmas Tree Festival
https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/553173564873500/
Bon Volks Christmas art market
Friday 2nd December 6pm-8pm opening Night
6pm – 7.30pm – Workshop
Make your own Christmas decorations from felt and recycled materials with artist/illustrator Rebecca Strickson. All materials supplied. £10
Saturday 3rd December
12 – 5pm – Arts Market. Free entry.
A perfect opportunity to discover the wide range of practices at Bon Volks Studios and find a unique Christmas present.
5pm – 7pm Workshop – Create an embossed votive with artist/metalsmith Billie M Vigne.
In this two hour workshop you will deconstruct an empty drinks can and emboss a design onto it to create a votive that can be hung or mounted. All materials supplied (or feel free to bring your own empty can – non crushed!) £12
Sunday 4th December
11am – 12.30pm Workshop
Make your own Christmas decorations from felt and recycled materials with artist/illustrator Rebecca Strickson. All materials supplied. £10
12 – 5pm Arts Market
5pm Musical performance with Arctic Circle in association with Lost Map, Daylight Music and Bon Volks, intimate solo show with Fell, the musical alias of Nicolas Burrows – creator of sun-kissed psychedelic pop dreaminess.
All profits go directly to the artists..Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
More details https://www.bonvolks.com/bon-volks-margate-events
Bon Volks, 12 Park Lane, Margate
Margate School Christmas Market
December 3, open 11am-5pm
Browse the stalls of local creatives for that perfect gift
Designers and Makers Christmas Market
Turner Contemporary, December 3-4, open Saturday 10.30am-5pm and Sunday 10.30am- 4pm
22 Kent artists, makers and designers will be showing their work at this year Designers and Makers Market.
Exhibitors include jewellery, ceramics, hats, wood work and more will be available directly from makers and to discuss their work
Ramsgate’s Late Night Shop and Market
December 8, Shops open 3pm until 8pm
Christmas market in Charlotte Court with over 20 stalls
Shops offering nibbles and bubbles
Free raffle ticket with every late night purchase between 5pm-7.15pm. Prizes include vouchers to spend in participating businesses of your choice
Shops taking part include – Board at Home, Wooden Box Cafe and Wooden Box Gallery, Sugar Rush, Arts in Ramsgate has drumming workshop, Kids Bright House, House of Dawg, Heaven & Hell, The Recovery Well, Alchemy, Limarni, Turner Rowe Gallery, Molly Pickle Studio, Saltworks, York Street Gallery, McGillan and Woodell and Elephant in the Room.
Ramsgate harbour
Keep an eye out as boat owners start to light up their vessels in December
And for panto fun…
Mother Goose at the Sarah Thorne Theatre
There will be panto in Thanet this December – oh yes there will – as Mother Goose is staged at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs.
The theatres panto, now in its 11th year, features John Goodrum as the Dame playing alongside Lisa Payne and Ian Crosher to name but three.
The full professional company with live music and members of the Masque Theatre School will begin public performances on Friday 9th December and will continue until New Year’s Eve.
Special Charity Nights and School shows have again been sold out in advance.
Full times and prices are available at www.sarahthornetheatre.co.uk
Tickets are available from Ticketsource on 0333 666 4466 or go to the website www.sarahthornetheatre.co.uk for details of how to book On-line, 24/7.
Little Red Riding Hood
Minster Village Hall, November 30-December 3
Shows weekdays at 7.30pm and Saturday 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Minster Playhouse present ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ with story by Tina and Robert Burbidge
Join Little Red Riding Hood on her adventures as she goes to visit her Grandma and befriending a wolf
Tickets Adult £10, Child £5
Contact [email protected] or call 07501 894381
Dick Whittington
Margate Operatic Society (MOS) has found a new home for its annual, panto at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate.
The society usually treads the boards at Margate Winter Gardens but the current closure of the venue meant the team had to relocate.
This year MOS is bringing Dick Whittington to the stage. The tale was also the first panto performed by MOS in 2004.
It has now been revived with cast members joining the Margate Christmas fair event yesterday (November 26) before bringing some bell-chiming, rat-catching all-singing, all dancing fun to St Lawrence College in December.
Written and directed by Neil Paterson with choreography by Amy Simpson, the cast includes Molly Knight as Dick, Stuart Clements as Tommy the Cat, Shannon Essery as Alice, Stephen Porter as Sara, Lloyd Newstead as Mr B and Harcus Copper as King Rat
Dick Whittington will be staged from Wednesday, December 14 to Sunday December 18.
Wednesday – Friday at 7pm – Saturday and Sunday 1pm and 5pm in Taylor Hall, St Lawrence College, Ramsgate
Tickets: Adults £15, Senior £13 and Children £10
Available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/mos-productions/dick-whittington/e-kxekrj
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Act 1 Theatre Group bring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the stage n Birchington this December.
The panto will be staged at The Centre in Alpha Road from December 15-17.
Can the charming Snow White escape the clutches of the Evil Queen? With the help from Prince Charming, Dame Soggybottom, seven odd men and a little magical magic from Fairy Fortune, Snow White’s story isn’t over yet….
The cast, who performed at the Ramsgate Christmas light switch on, promise toe-tapping tunes andfun for the family.
Buy tickets at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Act1Theatre/snow-white-the-seven-dwarfs-a-family-pantomime/e-yayzmd
