Santa at Ramsgate harbour
Father Christmas will be taking to Ramsgate harbour to try out some kayaking with the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts on Friday, December 20.
Visitors are invited to toast some marshmallows with the elves at the harbour from 5pm before Santa sets out on the water at 6pm.
Christmas light up part 2 at Cliffsend
December 21, from 4.15pm, switch on 4.45pm Cliffsend Village Hall
The Christmas Goblin
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 performance 21 December at 7pm; matinee 21 December at 2pm.
Tickets https://billetto.co.uk/e/the-christmas-goblin-tickets-1101347
Christmas arts and crafts pop up
The Front Room, Bellevue Road, Ramsgate
December 20-22, 11am to 4pm
Paintings, prints, sculptures, jewellery, cards and gifts by Sharon Page, Helen Evans, Simon Weatherley, Nilu and Phil Page
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
Ramsgate Living Advent Calendar
December 20th– Ramsgate market, 9am to 3.30pm – To celebrate the return of Ramsgate Market, there is a very special door/market stall. Charity tombola with prizes donated from your favourite traders and businesses. They hope to feel you with the sounds and spirit of Christmas and raise money at the same time….
And then on to The Recovery Well Turner Street (just off High Street Road opp Poundland) from 7pm
Festive refreshments and a return of Jupiter Rising who this time promise a steampunk and rock music dance extravaganza.
Shop discounts also available on this night
December 21– SEK kitchen community shop in St George’s church hall. The Christmas festivities and refreshments will be between 11am and noon. Music will be provided by Gaddsukes
This event is open to all and free to attend.
Then, from 6.30pm to 8pm a new door at 22 Lyndhurst Road, Ramsgate opens
December 22– 28 Westcliff Road, Ramsgate – an insightful talk entitled ‘How artists destroyed Christmas’ the talk starts at 7pm for approx. 30 minutes and the host is happy for you to arrive from 6.30pm. the residence is cosy and cannot host too many,
Advent Doors is a community volunteer fundraising event for the Salvation Army Thanet Homeless Support. Donate directly at https://gofund.me/4ac5a225
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.
Rapunzel – A Tangled Family Pantomime
The Centre Birchington, Birchington, December 18-21
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
A Christmas Carol on 18th – 21st December, 7:30pm (& Saturday matinee – 3:30pm)
Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs. Suitable for ages 8-ish and up.
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.”
Tickets: Available now at, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-christmas-carol-tickets-1029791011637
St George’s Christmas Tree Festival and Ramsgate lights
Now until 23 December, St George’s Church, Ramsgate
Open every afternoon from 2pm-5pm, with trees decorated by residents and community groups.
Plus takes a walk through the town and harbour to see installations for Light Up Ramsgate and the harbour boat and business Chrstmas displays.
Paddington in Peru PG
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
A welcome return to the Palace for everyone’s favourite marmalade sandwich loving bear! A visit to his Aunt Lucy in Peru becomes a thrilling quest to unravel a mystery which only he and the Browns can solve.
Friday 20 December to Thursday 2 January. Details here
Skatepharm Christmas Party
20th December, from 6pm, Faith In Strangers Cliftonville
In partnership with Skatepharm & Margate Skateboard Club at Faith In Strangers (quiz starts 7pm)
Dan Cates hosts a skateboard quiz night, so get studying and get this date in the diary. Drinks, merriment and a celebration.
There’ll also be a free product raffle with everyone that attends getting a ticket. Reserve your free ticket on Dice.
Additional tickets will be sold on the night with proceeds going to Margate Skateboard Club.
(Please note under 18’s will need to vacate the venue by 9pm)
Free (but booking advised) Book now
Festive foraged fibres & weaving with Helen
20th December, 10am to noon, Windmill Community Gardens Margate
Join Helen to learn about which plants we can gather to use for weaving and sculpting festive creations at Windmill Community Gardens in Margate
Helen is Windmill Gardens’ resident permaculturist, storyteller, basket weaver and nature craft extraordinaire.
From willow and dogwood to ivy and hazel, learn how to play with different plant materials to make gifts and decorations.
This is a 2 hour workshop with refreshments provided, tools and materials will be provided but please feel free to bring any materials of your own that you might like to incorporate.
This workshop is for adults only.
Tickets £7 – £14 plus booking fee (limited supply of supported tickets for people on low income, in or out of work… contact for details) Book now
Tim Edey – extra night
21st December, 7.30pm, Rosslyn Court, Sweyn Road, Cliftonville
Tim’s live solo shows are a stunning mix of world music inspired instrumental virtuosity and passion with a strong Celtic theme… at Rosslyn Court
Tim Edey a double BBC Musician of the year BBC ALBA/Scotland Best Traditional musician 2020, BBC Radio Two Musician of the year 2012 (BBC R2 FOLK AWARDS)
Originally from Broadstairs and of Irish descent. Tim honed his style learning from his father Richard a fine guitarist and listening to Ed Boyd, Steve Cooney and Django Reinhardt.
All ages (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Tickets £6 – £12 plus booking fee 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 24 plus January 3-5. Details here
CRABS presents: CRABSmas
21st December, 7pm, Tom Thumb Theatre Cliftonville
This year’s special CRABSMAS guests are Medway Garage Punk national treasures ARMITAGE SHANKS!
Also returning are the Bard of Broadstairs – Harmony Bo, with another storming set of punk-folk anthems, and DJs Aitch and Chullo will be playing records in the bar upstairs before and after the show.
From £10 Book now
The Where Else Pub Quiz and Karaoke: Xmas Edition
21st December, 7pm, Where Else? The Centre, Margate
A quiz, quite fittingly, about Life and Death with Mr.Ned
Maximum of 6 people per team… Cash and bar tab prizes to be won!
This is an all ages event
Presented by Night Harvest.
Free Book now
Happy Reading Bookshop Christmas Fun
Free Christmas Event: Literary Paper Bauble Crafting with Inky Willis (For ages 3 plus)
Saturday 21st December, 10am – 12noon, Upstairs at Staple, 30a Reading Street, Broadstairs
FREE – drop-in, no need to book
Children’s author and illustrator, Inky Willis , is leading some festive Christmas fun at Happy Reading.
Make a literary style paper bauble for your Christmas tree or to gift someone special in a bookish and relaxed bookshop atmosphere. Feel free to bring your STAPLE coffees and hot chocolates up to the event room too.
If your little ones have recently been entertained by colouring in the new free STAPLE:Happy Reading colouring sheet, then you should know that it was illustrated by none other than the wonderful Inky AKA Kate Willis-Crowley.
Inky Willis is the creator of the brilliantly engaging younger reader illustrated chapter book ‘Scribble Witch’ series published by Hachette.
Copies of Scribble Witch will be available to purchase for signing on the day.
Email [email protected]
St John’s, Margate – Christmas Pop-up Charity Shop
From 10am to 12 noon on Saturday the 21st December. (St John’s Community Centre CT9 1LN)
Join the monthly pop-up shop for last minute bargain gifts, games, toys, cards and decorations plus plenty of Christmas fun to get your celebrations off to a good start.
Are you dreaming of a “green” Christmas? The December “shop” in the St John’s Community Centre has all the usual stalls with pre-loved bargains, clothes, toys, games, books, jewellery, handcrafted gifts, Christmas Decorations, craft materials, household items or vintage collectibles.
Support the regular “Community Centre” fundraiser and enjoy some Christmas fun with friends and family.
Make the most of festive refreshments in the cafe space or take some cake stall treats home.
St John’s, Margate, Carols by Candlelight
6pm on Sunday 22nd December
Bring your friends and family to the traditional Carols by Candlelight Service – always a great start to a community Christmas celebrations.
Listen to the choirs (including pupils from Holy Trinity and St John’s Primary School) and gifted organist, David Lammler. Join in with your favourite Christmas Carols.
Stay for festive refreshments after the service.
There is a warm welcome for all.
Cliftonville Farmers Market
22nd December, 10am-1pm, Walpole Lawns, Cliftonville
Award-winning Farmers Market, with around 48 stalls selling bread, cheese, honey, fruit, vegetables, fruit juices, fresh meat, wild game and much more.
Cliftonville Farmers’ Market was established in 2001 by the Cliftonville Residents Association and is run entirely by volunteers.
Christmas in Paris ‘Voyage À Paris’
22nd December,1pm-4pm, Olby’s Soul Café Margate
An afternoon with Julia Cobby (piano) and Shelley Cox (mezzo) at the iconic Olby’s in Margate
Step into the magic of “Christmas À Paris”, an enchanting afternoon of classical French song and dining inspired by the romance and elegance of the City of Lights and love.
Immerse yourself in the warm glow of Parisian charm this festive season as you savour a delicious three-course fusion of our French-inspired menu, crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients.
Set against the backdrop of live cabaret featuring timeless pieces from French composers and festive favourites, this unforgettable experience will transport you to the heart of Paris. From the velvety notes of, (add menu) every bite is a celebration of our French fusion culinary artistry.
Event Menu Available BOOK A TABLE Book now
Dogs In Jorts POP UP Christmas Market
22nd December, 10am to 3pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space
20 plus stall holders at ARK, Cliftonville’s Cultural Space
Including: Always Done Up / Aqua 26 / Beatrice Larkin / Carson Parkin Fairley / CatNeil / Disaster / Tired T Shirts / Dogs In Jorts / Don’t Blink / Henri Ate A Violet / Hidden Gems / Laurel Amber Crochet / IJW Antiques / Megan O’Reilly Art / MoTo Vintage / Natalie Stokes Crochet / Peony Vintage / Restoration London / Some Creatures / ST8MNT / The Potting Shop / Tiggy / Top Of The Shops Boutique
Doughnuts @bombodoughnuts & Drinks @its_flatlemonade
Clothes (pre-loved/vintage), records, ceramics, art, prints, crochet, accessories & many more
Free entry
Canterbury Young Farmers charity Christmas market followed by tractor display
Sunday December 22, 1pm-6pm at Manston Airport
Meet Santa at Bugsy’s Christmas disco
December 22, 4pm-6pm Bugsy’s Bowling, Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville
Meet Santa!
One hour of bowling
Meal & Drink Included
Festive Disco Party
Party Bag & a Special Visit from Santa
£15.50 per child (ages 4–12)
Minimum of 4 children required per lane.
Spaces are limited and subject to availability!
A £5 deposit per child is required to secure your booking.
Pre-book now by calling 01843 228632
Meet & Greet with Santa
The Old Kent Market Margate
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
Tickets £5 – £20 plus booking fee Book now
Christmas at the Caves
Margate Caves
19th – 23rd December 10am – 5pm
Pull back the curtain and venture deep underground into the enchanting depths of the Margate Caves and explore the sparkling subterranean wonderland, this year complete with scenes from your pantomime favourites.
Collect your Panto Passport and follow the trail, with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating your way, past the Gingerbread Cottage and the Giant’s castle, to collect a magic coin for Snow White’s Wishing Well.
Take a photo with the towering Panto Christmas Tree – it’s behind you! – then hark! a bell rings! The Chief Elf will call your name when it’s time to meet Father Christmas in his cosy cave and enjoy a private visit, with a special gift for the children exclusive to 2024.
Journey back above ground where you can warm up with one of our luxury hot chocolates and other seasonal treats in the café, and find a treasure trove of perfect gifts in our Christmas shop.
There’s still more to enjoy -visit the Beauty and the Beast photo point, where you can gather the family for a special festive photo.
Then head to the Christmas Craft Workshop, bedecked in paper chains, for a creative craft session. Make a snow globe, a snowman or design your own festive cards to take home.
And don’t forget to post your letter to Father Christmas, making sure to tell him all your Christmas wishes!
Tickets £13.50 per child (under 16) – Up to 2 adults per booking are free / Extra Adult £4.00
Christmas World
Dreamland Margate, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd December.
Featuring a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and more, Christmas World will have something to appeal to all ages.
Expect specially selected rides, a magical grotto, indoor snowball fights (ideal for those aged 3 – 10yrs old), delicious warming treats and drinks on offer and winter market stalls packed with seasonal gifting ideas.
Free entry
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 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
Ice rink at Ramsgate Garden Centre
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
Christmas at Quex
Reindeer experience, where visitors get the opportunity to meet and feed reindeers in their enclosure. Afterwards visitors can enjoy a hot-chocolate from the coffee shop. Adding a Baileys is optional!
Alternatively book a Christmas Goat Walking experience, where people get to walk the mischievous Anglo-Nubian Goats around Quex Park, watching them eat the vegetation and learn about these intelligent animals.
“Skate into Quex” returns for 2024 with a larger ice-rink, improved boot-room facilities and themed evenings including 80’s club classics and ABBA nights for those who want to dance on ice under the lights.
Running alongside the Elf Express, are fantastic Christmas light shows with an opportunity to walk through the woods and admire the sparkling lights, lasers and festive cheer.
Dynamic ticket options offering customers greater value for money or increased flexibility around their booking, with an option for a child to receive a personalised invitation from Santa inviting them to visit his treetop house and workshop.
Tickets for Elf Express 2024 are on sale: https://www.theelfexpress.com/visit Prices from £21.95
Elf Express runs until 24th December.
Skating sessions last 45 minutes and are available from 9am to 8pm. Skate hire included in ticket price. Tickets from £10pp off peak to £12pp peak times. Book your tickets here
Reindeer Experience tickets here – £39.95 for two people
Christmas Goat Walking tickets here – £24.95 for two people
Santa Paws tickets here – £19.95 for one dog and two adults
Quex Illuminations tickets here £5 per person, under 3’s go free
Quex Adventure Farm Park is at Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington.
Enquiries: [email protected]
Canterbury Young Farmers charity Christmas market followed by tractor display at manston airport on Sunday looks like a good afternoon, I must go!