Westgate light switch on
The big light switch on takes place on December 4th with family fun from 11am to 5pm in Station Road. There will be music, stalls, fun 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
Father Christmas in person (located in train station reception)
Live on-stage entertainment throughout the day across two stages including – Coastal Choir, MOS Cast of Dick Whittington, Treble Bass, Off the Hook Productions, FNK Haus
Fun Fair
Christmas Market
Craft Stalls
Food and drink stalls
12.30pm-12.45pm Santa Parade
4.30pm Lights switch-on
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.
There will be activities including a Christmas trail, face painting, Santa’s Grotto, stalls and more.
9am-3pm Craft and Food Fair on Dog Acre (Opposite Library)
Christmas Trail
10am-4pm Santa’s Grotto at Baptist Church hall (Tickets £2 booked at Your World Financial Services)
Face Painting and glitter tattoos
Kids activities in participating shops
2pm Morris Dancing and Mulled Wine at Christies Wine Bar & Bistro
3pm Light Switch On
Organised by Birchington Traders and Together
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/
RETURN TO DUST (PG)
Palace Cinema, Broadstairs
A gorgeous, deeply heartfelt and gentle story about finding love in unexpected places. Humble, unassuming Chinese farmers Ma and timid Cao, virtual strangers, find themselves forced into an arranged marriage. But faced with overwhelming adversity, an unexpected bond begins to blossom, as both Ma and Cao, uniting with Earth’s cycles, create a haven for themselves in which love can thrive.
Saturday 3 December to Tuesday 6 December
The Total Stone Roses at Ramsgate Music Hall
Doors Open: 7:30pm
Entry Requirements: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
£20 + Booking Fee Book now
Indie Amnesty: Margate Christmas Special
December 3, The Albion Rooms, Cliftonville, 8pm start
Indie, Britpop and rock’n’roll bangers. For one night only, pretend it’s 2007 again and spray your jeans on, cut a fringe in and dance until late
General Admission £7.00 + Booking fee Book now
Festive beer Christmas Cracker
December 3, open noon – 5pm, Gadds Tap Room, 7 Hornet Close (Pysons Road industrial estate)
Celebrate the annual release of the festive beer Christmas Cracker.
12.30pm Ceremonial tapping of the cask
2pm-4pm Live music from Gaddzukes
Tasty food from URBAN GRiLLAZ
Christmas gifts shopping
Takeaway beer collections
Mulled wine
Margate W.I Christmas Fayre
December 3, open 11am-4pm, Dreamland Roller Room
Stalls from local makers and creatives plus a live performance from the Margate WI Fiddlers
Free entry
Dickens House Museum dressed for Christmas
December 3-4, 1pm-4.30pm (last entry at 4pm)
Dickens House Museum celebrates Charles Dickens’ long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. According to the reminiscences of Charles Dickens son Charley, they regularly had tea there with Miss Mary Pearson Strong, and her belief of her right to stop the passage of donkeys in front of her cottage became the donkey incident for the character of Betsey Trotwood.
The museum will be open for tours. There is also children’s crafts available including decoration making, to hang on your own tree at home. The gift shop will also be open for browsing including children’s books, classic books gift sets, Christmas candles, homewares, puzzles, cards, gifts and stationary.
Adult- £3.50
Child- £1.50
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £8.50
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 Airwolf helicopter Grotto (£5pp including a gift)
- Tank and Fire Engine Rides
- 1940’s Photo Booth
- Snowball Fights
- Browse the craft market
- Sample the food stalls
- Bouncy Castle, inflatables and face painting for the children
- Enjoy entertainment and much more
Free entry, additional cost for rides applies)
Academy FM Thanet Christmas fair
December 3, 2pm-5pm, Royal Harbour Academy upper site, Marlowe Way, Ramsgate
Christmas stalls, music and carols from the RHA choir.
Ramsgate’s Living Advent Calendar
A different venue every evening in December up to Christmas, 6.30pm-8pm
Raising money for Thanet Shelter and Support
December 3 at 13-16 Spencer Square, Ramsgate
December 4 at 27 Grange Road and Mill Cottages gate, Ramsgate
Holy Trinity Church Ramsgate Christmas fair
December 3, 1pm-3pm, Church is in Bellvue Road
Books, pre-loved clothes, cakes, refreshments, toys, children’s activities, games, raffle
Holy Trinity Broadstairs Christmas fair
December 3, 10am-2pm (Nelson Place, Broadstairs)
Stalls, books, raffle, tombola, lunches, refreshments
Roald Dahls Matilda the Musical (PG)
Matilda Wormwood is a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination — and the worst parents in the world. While her parents content themselves with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, she loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. On meeting an inspirational teacher, Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales.
December 2-8. Booking details here
The Baby Ronnie Foundation Christmas fun day
December 4, 1pm to 4pm, Garlinge Methodist Church
Giant Christmas craft and gift fair
December 3, 10am-3pm 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.
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
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 harbour
Keep an eye out as boat owners have now started to light up their vessels
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
There is a Rock’n’Roll alldayer on 03rd December, 12pm to 12am. Four Bands and two DJ’s, £15 entry at Ramsgate British Legion.
wow – i can see the crowds now