Things to see and do in Thanet, December 6-8

Don’t Stop Believin’

6th December, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre Ramsgate

From the producers of smash hit show, Lost in Music – the boys and girls are back in town.

And this time, live on stage, they’re breathing life into the music of Bryan Adams, Blondie, Cher, Rainbow, Bon Jovi, Kate Bush, Starship, Europe and Belinda Carlisle.

This production brings 30 of the biggest end-of-night anthems to life in full colour with a sizzling cast, fantastic costumes and amazing light show.

With songs including, Summer of ’69, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, Livin’ on a Prayer, Sweet Child O’ Mine, China in Your Hand, You Shook Me All Night Long, Sweet Home Alabama and many more.

Tickets from £33 plus booking fee Book now

Craig Charles Funk and Soul House Party

6th December, 9pm, Dreamland Margate

This DJ show invites fans to enter Craig’s living room as he delves into his extensive record collection to bring you straight-up groove bangers, exclusive funk and soul cuts, and much more. Plus support from Dat Brass and special guest Omar

This is a 18+ event (ID required)

Check ticket availability and Book

Bird {15}

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

A 12-year-old girl’s fractured Kent home life is transformed when she encounters a mysterious stranger seeking out his own family in Andrea Arnold’s striking tale. A tender, striking and extraordinarily surprising British coming-of-age fable from Oscar winner Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, American Honey), starring Barry ‘Saltburn’ Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, and newcomer Nykiya Adams.

Friday 6 December to Tuesday 10 December. Details here

Piece of Mind

December 6-8, Hold Gallery, Albert Street, Ramsgate

Private view Dec 6^th, 6pm-9pm, mulled wine, drinks and nibbles.

Late Night Shopping

December 6, 5pm-7pm

Shopping at an array of independent shops on Addington Street Ramsgate

The Social Christmas Party at Olby’s

6th December, 7pm, Olby’s Soul Café Margate

DJ Jerome will be playing his usual mix of rock n roll, swing, rhythm and blues and boogaloo, with a healthy dose of Christmas crackers on the side!

Pre-event Soul Cafe Menu Available click here to book a table (tables not reserved in the venue space)

General admission £5 per head

Buffet tickets £10 per head Book now

La! Margate opening

Opening night at La! December 6, from 5pm.

Venue for  LGBTQIA community and allies by Proud Pink Inns.

La! 13 – 15 High Street, Margate.

Para­noid Lon­don A/V

6th December, 9pm, Faith In Strangers Cliftonville

A spe­cial audio visu­al show of their sig­na­ture raw acid house sound at Faith In Strangers in Margate

Tickets £17.90 Book now

Rave Tapes

6th December, 7.30pm, Justines Margate

EDM from 90’s/2000’s with a rock twist! At Justines in Margate

Support comes from @notv.theband!

This is an 18+ event

Tickets £6 Book now

Going Under Alt Xmas Party

6th December, 9pm, Margate Arts Club

DJ Gothika will be playing rock, metal, emo, pop-punk, nu-metal and alternative throwbacks, as well as some cheesy Christmas classics and Christmas metal songs!

Please note this is an 18+ event

Tickets £4 plus booking fee (or £5 on the door) Book now

A Christmas Night

6th December, doors open 7pm, The Centre, Birchington.

This performance is brought to you by Birchington Guild of Players, an amateur dramatic group for the production of plays and pantomimes.

Tickets available by email [email protected] or by phone 07969293336

There will be seasonal food served during the interval. Please inform them of any dietary or allergy requirements when booking

A licensed bar is available at all evening BGOP productions. Tickets £12pp

St Peter’s Church Christmas Tree Festival

6th December – 8th December

See the church filled with Christmas trees in a dazzling display.

Friday 6th December

3pm – 6pm Judging of the trees by the Mayor of St. Peters and Broadstairs, Cllr Mike Garner and awarding of prizes.

4pm – 5.30pm Musical entertainment including St Peter’s Church choir and St Peter’s Wellbeing choir

Saturday 7th December

10am – 11am Peaceful viewing time (no music)

10am – 9pm  The church is open for viewing of the trees

11am- 11.20am Reading of The Night Before Christmas

1pm-3pm Open Mic Performances

7pm David Lammler plays favourite Christmas melodies and carols on the organ. Singalong and enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie

Sunday 8th December

8am BCP Service

9.30am Sunday Praise Nativity. Enjoy the unique surroundings of the Christmas trees while the Children take part in the service

11am -11.30am Musical entertainment

11.30am-1pm Viewing Time (with music)

Donations when visiting the festival would be appreciated and will be used for the Mission and Ministry of St Peter’s.

York Street Gallery Ramsgate

Now until December 11

Ramsgate based cartoonist Des Buckley for the final solo show of the year.

Monday – Closed

Tuesday – Saturday – 10.30am – 4.00pm

Sunday – 11am – 4pm

First Friday presents: Christmas Crafts

December, 6pm-9pm, Marine Studios, Albert Terrace Margate

Join Marine Studios and friends for an evening of fun activity with Christmas Crafts

Try your hand at a variety of crafts with our local crafters and makers.

Bring your own drinks and snacks… and curiosity!

Accessibility: Please note this event can only be accessed via stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

Tarmac, Grungers, Cool Hot Rockers

6th December, doors open 7pm, Where Else? The Centre, Margate

A punk rock benefit gig to raise funds to help Arts Education Exchange to save their space in Margate

This is an all ages event

Presented by Night Harvest

Tickets £6.44 Book now

Ramsgate Living Advent Calendar

Fundraising event for charity through December. Each year, 24 residents become ‘hosts’ for their advent door, window, porch or front garden. Each evening in December, you can visit a ‘door’ which will be decorated for you to enjoy.

This year the event raises funds for Ramsgate Salvation Army and is supporting the Ramsgate Lumiere festival.

December 6 – Vincent’s Café, Spencer Square Ramsgate, 6.30pm-8pm. Bring your own cups for drinks

December 7- Owls and Ales, 3 Lyndhurst Road. 6.30pm to 8pm

December 8- Carols by Candlelight

Salvation Army, High Street, Ramsgate

4pm-6pm

Find dates for through the week at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075828586852

The Total Stone Roses

7th December, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall

The Total Stone Roses will be performing live at Ramsgate Music Hall!

Entry Requirements: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

From £20 Book now

A Christmas Carol

7th December 2024, 3pm, Salvation Army Hall, High Street, Ramsgate

The Dickens Fellowship Broadstairs Branch presents a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. To be performed by the Dickens Declaimers.

Also taking place on Sunday 8th December at The Pavilion in Broadstairs – Click here for information

Tickets are £5pp and are available from EventBrite, [email protected], The Salvation Army Hall in Ramsgate (CT11 9TT) or Willows Fabrics in Broadstairs (CT10 1LH)

All proceeds will be donated to the NSPCC and Salvation Army charities

Tickets £5 Book now

Brighter Days Market

7th December – 8th December, 10am to 4pm both days, Turner Contemporary

This special market at Turner Contemporary is a great opportunity to meet and buy from small, local, independent artists and makers

You’ll find brilliant shopping from amazing makers, designers and artists. Discover and buy hand-crafted jewellery, homewares, clothing, prints, cards, ceramics and more.

Free admission.

Powell-Cotton Garden Open Days

7th December – 8th December, 11am – 3pm, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Birchington

Opening of Quex Gardens for selected dates over the winter season.

Grab a delicious hot drink from Felicity’s cafe to enjoy as you wander along the woodland walk, spotting nature as you go.

Enjoy the walled gardens with the friendly hens and succulent glasshouse.

Adults £4
Concession £3.50
Child £3
Infant (0-3 yrs) Free
Sure Start Cards accepted, £1 entry, Under 5s free

Book now

Thanet Festival Choir: Winter Concert

7th December, 7.30pm, Holy Trinity Church in Margate

Performing Haydn’s Nelson Mass, perhaps the most well-known and most celebrated of the six masses, written near the end of his life, and works by Mozart – including his sublime Ave Verum and Veni Sancte Spiritus, composed in Vienna when Mozart was aged only twelve.

This concert will be accompanied by the Thanet Festival Orchestra, conducted by Clifford Lister; and Soloists Helen Bailey, Leonora Dawson Bowling, Sean Whittle-Darrock and Jim Clements.

Tickets £15.50 adult, £5.50 child / student Book now

Wicked PG

Carlton Cinema Westgate

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event

Now until December 12. Details here

Christmas Craft Fair

December 7, 11am to 4pm, Queens Road Baptist Church in Broadstairs

Indoor market of local crafts and delights in aid of Global Challenge UK.

Global Challenge is run by volunteer trustees in the UK who work closely with charity coordinators and volunteers in Uganda, running practical projects that help the community.

All funds raised will be used to support projects, including funding school staff and meals, introducing live stock schemes, delivering teacher training, providing sanitary products and underwear and working with highly qualified professionals to deliver medical clinics in the Soroti region of Uganda.

The venue has a café (open from 10am – 2pm) and accessible toilet facilities.

Christmas Concert

7th December, 2.30pm, St Philips Church, Cliftonville

Very popular annual Christmas Carol Concert featuring the Harmony Ladies Choir

Musical Director – Patrick Dunn

Light refreshments included

Tickets £8 in advance by calling 01843 602224 or on the door

Margate WI Christmas Fayre

7th December, 11am to 4pm, Dreamland Margate

Margate WI Christmas Fayre is returning to Dreamland once again.

The indoor event, set against the retro Roller Rink, provides the perfect opportunity for people to pick up Christmas gifts for loved ones, and also maybe treat themselves.

A brilliant selection of stalls are booked, featuring some of the most talented makers, designers and independent businesses in Thanet. They will have greeting cards, jewellery, coastal inspired gifts, bright and beautiful homewares, hand-crafted ceramics, fabric and sewn goods, plants and much more.

St John’s, Margate,  coffee morning

Saturday 7th December 10.30am to 12.30pm.

This Saturday St John’s, Margate, invite the community to enjoy the special Christmas Window Sill Decorations made by local groups and pupils from Holy Trinity and St John’s Primary School.

Join a coffee morning in the church from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Festive cakes and hot drinks will be available.  There will also be a chance to buy Christmas cards and decorations, gifts and handcrafted items.

Take time for a moment of reflection in the Lady Chapel and light a candle for those we remember.

Come along and find out about the special services this Christmas (including  Candlelit Carol Service at 6pm on Sunday 22nd  December.)

St John’s, Margate, Victoria Road, CT9 1LN

Northdown Road Christmas Block Party

7th December – 8th December

Celebrate the start of Christmas on Northdown Road, Clitonville, for a festive day of fun!

Ghost Papa: 7th&8th Dec – One off pre-Xmas discount on all stock. A lucky dip, Ghost Nana’s homemade Xmas wreaths for sale

ClueIt Webb Interiors: 7th Dec – 15% off on everything in the shop + mulled cider

Streets: 7th Dec – Wine tasting, bottle sales special, mulled wine. 8th Dec – Meet the winemaker from Puglia, Italy

The Potting Shop: Bundle plant & pot deals + 10% discount on all plants

Orchid Room: 7th Dec – Xmas tea tasting, free mince pies & gingerbread + tarot readings 2pm-4:30pm

Sete:  Special Xmas wine tasting 3pm-4pm £20pp; includes tasting of 5 wines. Aperol hour 4pm-6pm then wines are all £5

Cliftonville Junktion: Blasting the carols + fancy dress shenanigans

Tap Room: 7th Dec – Open from 2pm-11pm DJs throughout the evening

Grain Grocers: Live Music, xmas raffle, GG mulled spice drink & hot chocolate, winter stew bowl & write a letter to Santa

The Oasis: Boutique charity shop 20% off everything, Xmas tunes and mince pies

Mori Mori: 7th Dec – 15% off your bill if you follow them and NDRS on Instagram, 12pm-3pm. 8th Dec – Kiki’s Kimchi making workshop 2pm-4pm

House De Ville: 7th&8th Dec – Pop up shop at Mezzanine Level + Special discounts in store + complementary bubbly

Hide Tide Social: 7th Dec – All day Xmas disco + free glass of mulled cider/wine & mince pie. Kids bauble competition + Xmas movies

Picnic: Serving Chaude & Raclette all weekend + free ticket to Xmas prize draw

Salon Gallery: Xmas superstore with gifts on sale from over 40 local artists + DJ’s and food all weekend.

Casa Pizzeria: 7th Dec – Marinara & Margherita pizzas for £5 each between 12pm-3pm

Festive Weekends at Dickens House Museum

7th December – 8th December 2024

Dickens House Museum Broadstairs Dickensian Christmas

1pm – 4.30pm with last entry 4pm

Final weekend to see Dickens House Museum dressed for a traditional Victorian Christmas.

Join a whistle stop tour of one of the greatest Christmas stories ever written. The Dickens House Readers will be performing dramatic readings of A Christmas Carol. As in Dickens’ time, the story will unfold in three instalments throughout the afternoon… 1.30 pm / 2.30 pm / 3.30 pm

You are welcome to come back to the museum to catch the next gripping instalment and to find out if Scrooge has his reprieve, just keep your entrance ticket.

Enjoy festive activities for all ages, from children’s Christmas crafts to enchanting tours led by costumed characters.

Stroll through the museum, soak in the Christmas spirit and find unique gifts for loved ones in our Christmas shop.

Tickets for the tour are £4.50 for adults and £2 for children

Free entry for shopping!

Aladdin

The Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs will stage its traditional pantomime, now in its 13th year, with Aladdin.

John Goodrum returns as the Dame playing alongside Ian Crosher and Jon Carr to name but three.

The full professional company with live music and members of the Masque Theatre School will open public performances on Saturday 7th December and will continue until New Year’s Eve. Special charity nights and school shows have again been sold out in advance.

Tickets from £18 (plus £1 booking Fee) are available from Ticketsource on 0333 666 4466 or go to https://www.sarahthornetheatre.co.uk/book for full times, prices and to book

Once Upon a Time

Minster Village Hall, Saturday 7th December

Embark on an exciting journey through Pantoland with Lottie and friends after a mischievous witch whisks her away on her wedding day! Brace yourself for a whirlwind of fairy-tale escapades, laughter, and memorable songs as we strive to bring Lottie back to her Prince. Don’t pass up the chance to join in the festive cheer at our Christmas Pantomime!

Tickets adults £12, under 12s £6 at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/minsterplayhouse

Shottendane Nursing Home

The two ugly sisters, Drizella and Grizella , invite you to join them on Saturday, December 7 from 2.30pm for some panto fun.

Singalong to ‘the wacky’ 12 days of Christmas, talented pianist plus Perry White

Refreshments available – all welcome

Meet & Greet with Santa

7th December – 22nd December, The Old Kent Market Margate

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December… 11am – 4pm

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December… 11am – 4pm

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd December… 11am – 4pm

For £5 a child you can pop along, meet the man himself and help a good cause as all profits are going to be donated to charity!

Book your slot now! All profits from this event will be donated to mama to mama, Thanet’s only baby bank charity

All children must be accompanied by any adult.

Doors Open at 10am Book now

Jarretts Yard Christmas Open Studio

7th December – 8th December, the yard is off Thanet Road, Margate

From 11am – 4pm

Lots of Christmas presents from the likes of David Shillinglaw, Abigail Ozora Simpson, Lily Mixe, Lily and Jonathan Hughes, Minnie-Mae, Cope Studio and Murrays Hampers.

Vertical Rhythm

7th December, 7pm, Penelope, Harbour Street, Ramsgate

Danell Anthony and Bragga Circuit will be spinning vinyl from 7pm, starting with Street Soul and diving deep into U.S. House, 90s House, and Garage.

Expect rare B-sides and dub versions of tracks you love.

Petticoat Lane Emporium Christmas Market

Petticoat Lane Emporium Ramsgate

Saturday 7th & 14th December 10am – 5pm / Sunday 8th & 15th December 10am – 4pm

Bratwurst street food from the brilliant @dirteefeast, tarot readings, the kids can meet Santa from 1.30pm to 4pm and not forgetting live music from the talented @clumsycolinband!

Handmade at Eclectic

December 7, 11am to 4pm, Eclectic Gallery in Broad Street, Margate

Handmade at Eclectic in Margate Old Town for beautiful and unique gifts galore, celebrating  Small Business Saturday.

Millmead Family Hub Santa’s Grotto

December 7, noon to 3pm, Millmead hub in Dane Valley Road, Margate

Entrance into the Christmas Fair is free of charge for all. Entrance to see Santa in the grotto is by ticket only (via Ticketsource). The Grotto is designed to cater for children under 8 years old.

Entrance is first come, first serve – You will be given a number on arrival by Santa’s head elf (qualified in gift making, reindeer care and Christmas magic) who will call you when your time is ready. Be prepared for a little wait, a lot of children need to see Santa due to his internationally known stardom – trust us, its worth the wait!

Each child visiting Santa (and receiving a gift) will require a ticket (regardless of age).
Entrance to the Christmas Fair is FREE to all and no ticket/booking is required – just come along.
Any carrots brought to the event will be confiscated by the reindeer
Elves only accept tips in the form of chocolate

Tickets at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/kent/millmead-childrens-centre/santas-grotto/e-dmpqyr

Craft Fair

December 7, am to 4pm, Dog Acre Birchington

Clever Crafters selling their amazing makes amongst twinkling Christmas lights; Christmas Music with plenty to eat, places to sit and lots of festive fun.

Santa at the Tower

December 7, 1pm to 4pm, Crampton Tower Broadstairs

Festive event at the tower with Santa himself, filled with Christmas cheer and magical moments for the whole family!

Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/santa-at-the-tower-2024-tickets-942043676997

The Chapel of Discontent

Saturday 7th December, midday-5pm, Bon Volks Studios, 12 Park Lane, Margate

Invite to the Chapel of Discontent, a cheap ‘n’ cheerful studio sale of glimmering sacraments and grotesqueries by artists Claire Orme and Billie M Vigne.
Claire- Medieval inspired stained glass relics to hang in your home or gift to loved ones. Made using traditional techniques; the fragments, characters, beasts and flourishes weave something new, borne of the past but existing in the present.
www.studioorme.com

Billie- One-off run of embossed metal votive offerings to grant your wishes, cure your hysterias and bring your dead back to life. All lovingly cobbled out of beer cans, aluminium and pewter. On Saturday, taking 20 minute bespoke votive offering slots in which you will consult with The Symptomancer, summoning your fate via your own symptoms.
www.billiemvigne.co.uk

Friday 6th Dec 5pm-8pm
Opening evening + holy biscuits from Hetty Bax
Upstairs there is a festive workshop with Rebecca Strickson Illustration that can be booked here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-decoration-workshop-with-rebecca-strickson-all-ages-tickets-1096442802939

Angels 4 Dogs Christmas Fair

Saturday 7th December, 10am to 3pm, Birchington Village Centre

Annual Christmas Fair in aid of the animal charity

Port Regis Montessori Christmas Fair

December 8, 10am to 1pm, Port Regis Montessori Nursery, Convent Road, Broadstairs

Festive stalls, meet Santa, treats. Most stalls will be cash only

Christmas Carols

Cancelled due to weather

December 8, Thanet Disabled Riding Centre Broadstairs

Coastal Crafty Crew Handmade Craft Fair

8th December, 10am to 3pm, Quex Small Barn, Quex Park, Birchington

The Coastal Crafty Crew hold a Handmade Craft Fair every month.

As well as being able to look through a beautiful selection of crafts made with love and care, there is also the opportunity to chat to other crafters, to exchange ideas, to get advice and maybe to learn something new.

Any profits from the tombola are donated to the Birchington Veterans Association

Free parking. Free entry.

Daylight Music

8th December, 2.30pm-5pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space

Expect an ocean of ideas with Ireland’s Choice Music Prize winner Adrian Crowley. Rachel Kitchlew’s music draws from the past and present to create its own future sound, while you can dig deep into the cultural roots and rhythms of Indian Classical music with tabla player Dhanraj Persaud Pandey.

Various prices Book now

Thanet Male Voice Charity Christmas Concert

8th December, 2.30pm, Holy Trinity, Broadstairs

Thanet Male Voice Choir present their Christmas Charity Concert in aid of The UK Sepsis Trust

Supported by Upton Junior School and Proteus Brass Ensemble

Tickets available from Andy Brown 07866 395150 or Terence Painter Estate Agents (High Street Broadstairs)

Tickets £12 (unreserved seating)

Festive baby and children’s pre-loved market

December 8, 11am to 3pm,Sugar Rush, High Street, Ramsgate

Browse nearly new clothing, toys, games, presents from just 10p.

A great way to get nearly new and turn pre-loved into re-loved

Christmas Magic at Ramsgate Garden Centre

Christmas Grotto

Embark on a festive journey with Santa’s elves as they welcome you into their enchanting workshop for a groupgrotto experience. From there, you'll be whisked away to meet Father Christmas himself in his magical Grotto.

Baby & Toddler Grotto

Specially designed Group Grotto for babies and toddlers up to 2 years old

Skating rink

Hit the ice at Ramsgate Garden Centres' synthetic skating rink and enjoy a fun-filled family outing. With affordable pricing, skate hire included, and penguin skate aids available, it's the perfect activity for all ages. Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early to check in and get ready to glide!

Festive virtual reality ride

Strap yourself in and prepare for an unforgettable Christmas adventure as you take the reins of Santa’s sleigh in thisfully immersive virtual reality experience.

Tickets: https://www.britishgardencentres.com/events/?location=ramsgate-garden-centre