Things to see and do in Thanet, December 13-15

The Big Sing – Joy to the World – Christmas Carol Concert

13th December, Queens Road Baptist Church in Broadstairs. Start time: 7:30pm

Britain’s Got Talent stars The Big Sing Choir are performing ‘Joy to the World’ – Carols at Christmas.

The BIG Sing Choir bring a groundbreaking, modern twist to Christmas Carols that we all know and love.

Featuring show-stopping arrangements to well-known carols such as ‘Oh Holy Night’, ‘The First Noel’, ‘Mary did you Know’ and ‘Joy to the World’, they even promise to get you singing along with them!

See their performance on Britain’s Got Talent here

Purchase tickets at Queens Road Baptist Church, between 9-5pm Mon-Friday, or online

Adult : £12.50 Child: £7.50 (ages 5-7 years) Family Ticket: £35.50 ( 2 Adults, 2 children) Children aged 4 years and under : FREE Book now

Charity football match

December 13, Margate FC ground. Open from 7pm, 8:15pm kick off time

A&E at QEQM Hospital vs SECAmb

Raising funds for the Air Ambulance Charity. Find the fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/anthony-sheehan-1730907772376

The Christmas Goblin

Now to 21st December, ARK, Albion Road, Cliftonville

A Christmas glitterball of irresistible songs and festive fun by Brigitte Aphrodite & Quiet Boy.

Goblins are mean, nasty, brussel sprout-smelling, untrustworthy things…or are they?

11 year old Daphne is about to find out!

When her magical Yia-yia (Grandma) tells her the ancient Greek myth of Kallikantzaroi (the Christmas Goblin), Daphne accidentally unleashes these fabulously mischievous, grotesque creatures on the streets of a snow-covered Margate…..

A musical adventure for all the family, The Christmas Goblin is an explosion of irresistible songs, Christmas glitterball of fun and joyous festive cheer by acclaimed gig theatre-makers Brigitte Aphrodite & Quiet Boy.

Recommended 5yrs+

Evening performances on 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 December at 7pm; matinees on 14 December (sold out) and 21 December at 2pm.

Tickets https://billetto.co.uk/e/the-christmas-goblin-tickets-1101347

Neptunes Choir

Neptunes Choir will perform a Christmas Concert on Friday, 13th December at Holy Trinity Church, Nelson Place, Broadstairs.

The event will be raising money for Rising Sun domestic abuse charity.

Doors open 6.30pm, concert starts at 7pm

The choir is 60+ strong, and there are four solo artists joining the event.

Tickets are still available via Eventbrite :https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1041252673777

Art Margate – Winter Edition

13th December – 15th December, The Margate School, noon to 4pm daily

Discover the depth and diversity of Margate’s creative community, hosted by students and studio holders at The Margate School

The gallery at the Margate School becomes a space for inspiration… a platform to showcase bold, original works and share ideas through talks and workshops.

Christmas arts and crafts pop up

The Front Room, Bellvue Road, Ramsgate

December 13-15 and 20-22, 11am to 4pm

Paintings, prints, sculptures, jewellery, cards and gifts by Sharon Page, Helen Evans, Simon Weatherley, Nilu and Phil Page

Huey Mor­gan’s Xmas Bloc Party

14th December, Faith In Strangers Cliftonville, 9pm – 1.30am

Fun Lovin’ Crim­i­nals’ Huey Mor­gan with a very spe­cial Xmas Bloc Par­ty DJ set.

Sup­port comes from the excel­lent selec­tor Mr Shiver.

Tickets £20.20 Book now

Winter Group Exhibition

Now until January 8, York Street Gallery Ramsgate

With over 130 exhibits by talented artists and creators including paintings, photography, prints, sculpture, collages, and pottery, complimented by fabulous cards and gift tags!

Open Tuesday – Saturday – 10.30am – 4pm and Sunday – 11am – 4pm

Christmas Airfix Bauble Making

14th December – 15th December at The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies. 10am – 3pm

Join the team for a special bauble-making workshop where you can paint your own Airfix soldier to place inside a Christmas bauble.

Tickets £5

Thanet Chamber Choir Christmas Concert

14th December, Holy Trinity Church Broadstairs. Concert 3.30pm

Thanet Chamber Choir present ‘I Saw Three Ships’ music to celebrate Christmas with the choir of Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Ramsgate (Director Sean Whittle-Darrock)

Director of Music – Greg Tassell

Tickets £10 (under 18’s Free) available on the door (contactless payments preferred and from Vinyl Head Record Shop, Ramsgate

Winter Fair

14th December, 11am – 2pm, Windmill Community Gardens Margate

Visit the annual event at the Windmill Community Gardens

With an emphasis on eco friendly, handmade, ethical and nature based goods

Margate Sea and Royal Marine Cadets

Margate Sea and Royal Marine Cadets are holding a Christmas Fair Event on Saturday, 14th December between 11am and 2pm at the Unit HQ in Hartsdown Park, Margate.

Santa’s Grotto, Food and Drink, Various Stalls and Crafts, Music and Singing, and Games. Its free entry!
Website: http://www.margatescc.com

Aladdin

The Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs stages 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 stage the panto from now 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

Peter Pan at the Granville

The magic of Neverland is coming to the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate with a pantomime production of Peter Pan.

From 14th December to 24th December, join Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys as they battle the villainous Captain Hook and embark on a swashbuckling adventure full of laughter, magic, and heart.

Starring Louis Gladman as the boy who never grew up, Charlie Allen as the dastardly Captain Hook, Matthew Peter Carter as the hilarious Dame Sally, and Lee Backhouse as the lovable Smee, this production promises a fun-filled, family-friendly extravaganza.

Tickets start at £25. Local heroes (NHS workers, teachers, armed forces, etc.) can enjoy special discounts on off-peak performances, and group discounts are available for larger bookings. Call 02072 061174.

Book your tickets at www.thegranvilletheatre.com or call 01843 594 510 – Wednesday-Friday.

Steve Gifford

14th December, The Falstaff Restaurant Ramsgate. Doors 7.30pm, starts 8.15pm

The launch of new album ‘Boy on a beach’

Indulge in the exclusive Live Music Night Menu crafted just for these special evenings.

Tickets £10 (album sales are discounted by entrance fee.)

Ceramics Market

December 14, 10am-4pm, Clayspace, unit 1, rear of, 60 Ethelbert Rd, Cliftonville.

Works by Clayspace makers for sale, mulled wine, mince pies, raffle with grand prize of @andymosspotter’s the Grinch.

Krampus Christmas

14th December, Sugar Rush Ramsgate High Street, 9pm-1am

Going Under Club x Salon du Miel… An Alternative Festive Tale with classics, rock, pop-punk, metal and more…….

Age restriction: 18+

Early Entry £3 (arrive between 9pm-9.30pm) limited availability
Regular Entry £5 (arrive between 9pm-11pm)
Door Entry £7 (last entry 11pm)

Book now

Winter Show

The Lido Stores, Cliftonville

11 December – 25 January 2025. PV Saturday 14 December, 7-9pm

A group exhibition of 30 artists curated by Kristen Healy. Drinks and festive nibbles to mark the opening of the Winter Show, and to celebrate The Lido Stores’ fourth birthday – all are welcome!

Likeminded Christmas

14th December, Justines Margate. 8.30pm – 3am

Multi-genre party celebrating the community!
Th free event is Justines’ way of giving back after an unforgettable year of events with Likeminded Music at Justine’, with all proceeds supporting Thanet Community Kindness, a charity making a real difference for families in need in Thanet.

A stellar lineup of digital selectors bringing House, Techno, Breakbeat, Jungle, DnB, Psy, and more… Powered by the mighty Likeminded Funktion One Sound System for an unforgettable experience.

All event costs are covered, meaning every donation and gift goes directly to those in need.

Free entry… Support Thanet Community Kindness by: Donating cash or card at the door / Bringing a new gift for a child or adult

Petticoat Lane Emporium Christmas Market

14th December, Petticoat Lane Emporium Ramsgate

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

On Saturday there is Bratwurst street food from  @dirteefeast, tarot readings, the children can meet Santa from 1.30pm to 4pm and live music from the talented @clumsycolinband!
There’s also a fantastic array of new Christmas market stalls over both days.

WOW Ramsgate

Until Sunday {December 12-15} a spectacular temporary light installation, Supernova, by Kinetech Design, joins the Light Up Ramsgate light art trail and can be viewed at the Sailors’ Church at Ramsgate harbour.

St George’s Christmas Tree Festival on Friday 13 December (running until 23 December). Open every afternoon from 2pm-5pm, with trees decorated by residents and community groups.

Anyone who enjoys crafts can attend a special Lantern Making Workshop at Arts In Ramsgate on Friday 13 December, noon-4pm with Carson Parkin-Fairley, who is also running workshops at St George’s Church every Wednesday during the festival – all to make lanterns for the Starry Nights, Northern Lights parade on New Year’s Eve.

Ramsgate Tunnels host a special Advent Door on Friday 13 December from 6pm to 9pm. All are welcome to attend and enjoy some Christmas music, lights, mulled wine, and vintage games.

Advent Doors is a community initiative, which now includes some businesses too, raising money for Salvation Army Homeless Support.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075828586852&sk=about

Storytime for children

Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop, STAPLE, 30A Reading Street, Broadstairs

The Girl and the Robot Heart Storytime + Festive Craft with author, Neal Hoskins (For ages 3+)

Children’s author, Neal Hoskins is coming to Happy Reading – and he’s popping over from Poland to celebrate his beautiful new Christmas story  on Saturday 14th December from 11am – 11.30am.

Tickets £5 per child (includes a copy of the hardback book, usually £14.99)

Glorious artwork combines with lyrical poetry in this Christmas-themed celebration of storytelling.

Set in a sleepy town on Christmas Eve, the story begins with a conversation between a girl and her toy robot, who wants to know what’s inside a human heart. Describing it as a series of rooms filled with storybooks, the girl sets about building the robot a heart of its own by

Storytime for 6+

The Girl and the Robot Heart Storytime + Festive Craft with author, Neal Hoskins (For ages 6+)

Saturday 14th December, 1.30pm – 2pm

Tickets £5 per child (includes a copy of the hardback book, usually £14.99)

Ellington Park Christmas Fayre

15th December, 11am to 4pm, Ellington Park Ramsgate

Market stalls for Christmas shopping – crafts and gifts

Mulled wine and mince pies from the café

Santa’s Grotto

Entertainment by Kirsty Hawkins 11am – 1pm and The Pie Factory Choir

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

A Christmas Carol PG

Saturday 14 December

Dickens’ classic tale unfolds in a rich tapestry of highly absorbing, theatrical mix of drama and dance featuring sumptuous visuals inspired by the techniques of early cinema. With a brilliant cast including Carey Mulligan, Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman, Simon Russell Beale, Daniel Kaluuya, Leslie Caron & Siân Phillips.

Sunday Silent: Buster Keaton’s Comedy Christmas Cracker U

Sunday 15 December

The Palace’s 50th Sunday Silent! Bring friends, bring family or just gift yourself a special treat! Joyously presenting a fantastic show of three wonderful slapstick short films from Palace favourite Buster Keaton with the wonderful Lillian Henley on piano accompaniment.

Details here

Wildernesstowonderland Christmas Celebration

Sunday 15th December, from 9.30am, outside Tesco Westbrook

Book sale, Christmas Hyacinth, tombola with prizes from local businesses

Winter Wonderland

December 15, 10am to 2pm, St Christopher’s Church, Newington

A winter wonderland Christmas fair for last minute sweets and gifts

Create for Palestine

Sunday 15 December at noon.

Taking place at The Centre, Margate, with venues Waste Will Save Us, Modern Provider and WhereElse?

The event will give children, adults and families the chance take part in creative activities to demonstrate the power of creativity as a tool for activists.

Waste Will Save Us will host a protest and resistance wear upcycling session. Paints, stencils fabric swatches will be provided. Participants are asked to bring their own garments.

Other activities will include tile-making, placard making, drumming, singing, community feast and more

The event has been organised by local protest group Thanet4Palestine.

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 19. Details here

Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Market

Westwood Cross

Guests of all ages now have the chance to meet Santa and his cheerful elves, share their Christmas wishes, capture photos, and receive a special gift to remember the occasion. The Grotto is now open daily outside of Hollywood Bowl until Christmas Eve. Families are encouraged to book tickets in advance to guarantee their visits.

Festive shoppers can explore the Christmas Market in the main mall area, showcasing a selection of local and independent businesses. Set against a backdrop of traditional German-inspired huts and sparkling lights, the market features quirky gifts and trinkets, including handmade crafts, personalised items, toys, seasonal produce, and locally made treats. Stallholders include Bootie Boutique, Cookieman, Eye4Image, Kidz Closet, Nomad Jewellery, and 4 Keeps Jewellery.

For the first time, Westwood Cross is also introducing a Calendar Club pop-up .

Those looking to save time this Christmas, can take advantage of a charity gift-wrapping service offered by the friendly volunteers from 1st St Lawerence Scout Group on Saturday 14th December and Saturday 21st December. For a small donation, guests can drop in to the Community Hub and have their gifts beautifully packaged whilst enjoying live performances by local singer Eleanor Golding.

Adding to the Christmas spirit, The Salvation Army band will be performing festive music on the same dates, between 10am and noon.

Fran Donovan, Centre Director at Westwood Cross, said, “We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Christmas to our guests this year with such a wide variety of activities and events that will inspire the community to come together.

Tickets for Santas Grotto can be booked here: https://events.liveit.io/santas-grotto-experience/santas-grotto-experience-at-westwood-cross/

Child: £6.50 per child + £1 booking fee.

Adults: Free with a fully paid child ticket (no gift).

Adults without a child: £6.50 + £1 booking fee (including gift)

Ramsgate Garden Centre

Christmas Grotto

Take a festive journey with Santa’s elves as they welcome you into their workshop for a group grotto experience. From there, you’ll be whisked away to meet Father Christmas in his magical Grotto. Capture the moment with photos (taken by parents or guardians) and receive a personalised gift and message from Santa. Be sure to include your child’s age and a few details when booking to help Santa tailor your day.

Baby & Toddler Grotto

Experience the wonder of Christmas with a specially designed Group Grotto for babies and toddlers up to 2 years old From the moment you arrive, Santa’s elves will welcome you into their world. Inside the Grotto, you’ll have a magical encounter with Father Christmas himself and the opportunity to capture the moment with photos, personalised messages and a special gift.

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 this fully immersive virtual reality experience. Feel the thrill of soaring through the skies, delivering presents to children worldwide, in a festive adventure suitable for all ages.

Plus festive afternoon tea available in the cafe.

Explore all the Christmas events at Ramsgate Garden Centre by visiting https://www.britishgardencentres.com/events/?location=ramsgate-garden-centre

Further afield

Sandwich Christmas Market

At the Guildhall, Saturday 14 December 10am to 3pm

Santa and his reindeers will be there, together with local dancers, live music, Sandwich Junior School Choir and the Snowdown Colliery Band! Plus market stalls and the Grinch

Author Lynn Davies will be bringing copies of her latest book, The Flexible Foodie.

Pantos next week

Rapunzel – A Tangled Family Pantomime

The Centre Birchington, Birchington,

Wednesday 18th December  – Saturday 21st December 2024

Get ready for a hair raising adventure about the lost Princess with the magical golden hair! Will Mother Gothel get her way and keep Rapunzel and her magic locked away forever? Or can Prince Henry and the gang save the day?

Act 1 Productions are set to deliver yet another fantastic pantomime full of local talent, toe-tapping tunes, and jokes to entertain the whole family. Don’t miss one of Thanet’s best-value Christmas pantomimes this year! Come down and join us on a journey full of song, dance and all-round family fun.

Tickets standard £12 {£14 on the door} Concessions/children £10

Book at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/act1productions/rapunzel-a-tangled-family-pantomime/e-bvayjl

A Christmas Carol

Get ready for comic Christmas capers, witty wintry wordplay, and fine festive fun in a remarkable retelling of Charles Dickens’ renowned redemption tale.

Matthewman & Langsdon bring their unique blend of storytelling, spoken word, stand-up and song to their performance of A Christmas Carol, at Pierremont Hall in Broadstairs from 18th to 21st December.

Both theatrical and thoughtful this is an original take on the Christmas Classic. Thanet based Chris Matthewman and Brian Langsdon – both seasoned producers and performers – have recently combined their creative forces to put together their own spin on this timeless tale.

Chris said:  “To some degree we wanted to stay true to both the content and the spirit of Dickens original work, but we definitely think that we have created a fresh and funny take on it.

“There are some great songs, some great gags, but it is also quite poignant at points.”

Brian added: “We are not entirely sure what Mr Dickens himself would make of it, but we think he would approve of what should be a thoroughly entertaining evening.”

A Christmas Carol on 18th – 21st December, 7:30pm (& Saturday matinee – 3:30pm)
Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs. Suitable for ages 8-ish and up.

Tickets: Available now at, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-christmas-carol-tickets-1029791011637