Christmas light switch ons and more things to see and do in Thanet, November 28-30

Ramsgate lights event Photo Vicki Couchman

Songbird Medicine Show Presents Jack & Hattie

28th November, 8pm (doors open 7.30pm), Tom Thumb Theatre Cliftonville

Songbird Medicine Show are building a new kind of tour. One that brings singer-songwriters and audiences together in an intimate, collaborative setting. Inspired by the spirit of a late-night gathering around the kitchen table, each event invites listeners into a warm, welcoming space where stories are shared, songs are stripped back, and connection is everything.

The debut Songbird Medicine Show tour features two of the UK’s most compelling contemporary voices: Hattie Whitehead and Jack Francis. Acclaimed for their honesty and craft, both artists will perform a handpicked selection of their finest songs — accompanied by a shared ensemble of their favourite musicians.

The evening will culminate in a special collaborative set, where the featured performers come together to reimagine songs, swap verses, and celebrate the spirit of musical kinship that defines Songbird Medicine Show.

Tickets £13 plus booking fee Book now

Colour Abstractions

26th November – 1st December, 10am to 3pm, Joseph Wales Studios Margate

A new solo exhibition by local artist Alice Walton. The show marks Alice’s fifth exhibition in Kent and follows the success of last year’s collaborative show Goddesses in Bloom at Margo in Margate’s Ramsgate studio.

Born in Faversham and now based in Margate, Alice creates expressive, colourful abstract paintings inspired by the sea, sky, and the changing light of natural landscapes. Her background in print design for textiles influences her eye for pattern and composition, producing paintings full of movement and energy.

Since beginning to exhibit in 2020, Alice has built a reputation for creating joyful paintings that feel approachable and immersive. Her relaxed approach makes her exhibitions welcoming to anyone who enjoys colour and creativity.

The exhibition features a new collection of original canvases, with the majority priced under £300 – an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to start or grow an art collection.

All artworks in Colour Abstractions will be available to buy directly from the exhibition or from Alice’s website: www.alicewaltonpaintings.com

Margate Film Festival

26th November – 30th November, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space

Margate Film Festival is a project born out of the turbulence of changing cultural landscapes and a love for the chaos of creativity. A journey through the wilderness of the cinema… of art, politics, identity, feminism, music, performance and more.

Once again, this year’s festival showcases a range of local and international films, enriched by live performance, Q&As, exhibitions and public installations, building communities and culture through film screenings and events.

Full programme of events can be found here

The Wasteland Project

27th November – 30th November, Pop up skate space, exhibition and sale at the Old Primark Building in Margate.

Opening times: Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm

Skateable space, with coaching available from Scorcha Skate School.

Drone photography exhibition by The Skate Guru Magazine

Sticker making workshop with Jon Horner (11am Saturday & Sunday)

Screen printing workshop with Dark Arts Skate (2pm Sunday)

Skate Pharm will be having a pop up sale.

They will also be serving hot/cold drinks and showing skate videos.

Free, donations welcome.

Gaz Brookfield

28th November, 7.30pm,Ramsgate Music Hall

Since winning Acoustic Magazine‘s singer/songwriter of the year back in 2010 Gaz has spent his time on the road, building a strong and loyal following all over the UK and beyond. His 2023 album reached No.1 in the folk charts, so there is serious anticipation for this follow-up…

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

Tickets £15.50 (inc fees & charges) Book now

Justin Robert­son & Trevor Fung

28th November, 9.30pm, Faith In Strangers

Evil Plans and the mighty Balearic Burg­er have joined forces to bring togeth­er the absolute leg­ends of acid house music… Justin Robert­son and Trevor Fung at Faith In Strangers in Margate

Bar/Restaurant open for food & drinks from 6pm

Book in before the par­ty to grab some din­ner too.

This is an 18+ event

Tickets £11.50 Book now

Sounds of Slackness

28th November, 7pm, Margate Arts Club

London-based DJs Brian Not Brian and Piers Harrison (aka Sounds of Slackness) touch down at the Margate Arts Club.

18+

Tickets £7 / £10 in advance plus booking fee Book now

Kent Whisky Explorers’ Night at Little Swift

28th November, 7pm, Little Swift Margate

Join Little Swift for this season’s whisky-tasting session, which doubles-up as a fundraiser for Movember!

Host Paul Vig will be guiding tasters through the range of whiskies from Scotland’s Isle of Islay – home to numerous distillaries producing the island’s characteristically peaty single malts.

As it’s a fundraiser, moustaches are encouraged, and there will be a charity raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses.

Contact [email protected] to book your place.

Curator-led tour of Bridget Riley: Learning to See

28th November, 6pm, Turner Contemporary

Join Melissa Blanchflower for a special curator-led tour of Bridget Riley: Learning to See at the Turner

Explore how the exhibition came together, discover the ideas behind Riley’s work, and hear more about the artist’s process, materials, and inspirations.

Melissa Blanchflower is Senior Curator at Turner. Since taking up the role, she has worked with Beatriz Milhazes, Mark Leckey, Anya Gallaccio, and curated the first Sunley Window Commission with Cassi Namoda.

Note: a limited number of audio and induction loop tour systems will be available.

Tickets £10 Book now

Eli’s Soul Supper: 25th Birthday Party!

28th November, 7.30pm, Olby’s Soul Café Margate

A special soul supper with music celebrating 25 years of Olby’s

Expect good food, great music, and the signature laid-back atmosphere that makes these nights so loved.

Gather your friends, share a meal, and enjoy an evening of soulful sounds and celebration in true Olby’s style.

Entry is free, but tables fill up quickly – booking is strongly advised to secure your spot.

18+

Book now

Funny Cuts

28th November, 7pm, Margate Beach Club

A night of stand-up comedy at the Margate Beach Club

Hosted by Sham Shakil

Bar open from 6pm… Comedy club 7pm – 10pm, then DJ playing pop and house classics until late

Tickets £5 Book now

Kevin Iverson

28th November,7pm, Violets, St Lawrence, Ramsgate

Kevin Iverson sings Live a mixture of Brit Pop and Mod classics.

Silvers Does Musicals

28th November, from 7pm, Silvers Showbar Ramsgate

Bottomless Brunch 8pm – 9.30pm

Featuring iconic hits from: Grease, Moulin Rouge, We Will Rock You, Chicago… and so much more!

Two fabulous options for your night out: Bottomless Brunch Prosecco or Bottomless Brunch cocktails/spirits… 90 Minutes of Bottomless Fun!

£10 deposit per person

Tickets £40 Bottomless Prosecco / £45 Bottomless Cocktails/Spirits Or just £5 entry (enjoy the night without the drinks) Book now

Wilson’s Comedy Club

29th November, 7.30pm, The Queen’s Head Ramsgate

Three top comedians from the UK comedy circuit grace the stage in Ramsgate!

A fully professional comedy club with proper comedians that are actually funny!

Hosted by Wilson Milton, as seen on lad bible, heard on BBC Radio 4’s Unsafe Spaces and British Comedian of The Year Finalist.

Tickets £13 Book now

Christmas in Margate

29th November, 11am to 4pm

A festive day full of fun and holiday cheer on and around Margate’s High Street!

Christmas fun with entertainers on the community stage near Mill Lane, businesses in the High Street and local independent stalls.

This is the 5th year this event has been staged and once again there will be a free Christmas Grotto.

There will be entertainment on the main Christmas in Margate community stage.

There will also be entertainment in the Centre at the Festive Teenage Market between 11am and 4pm at The Centre, in front of Peacocks).

The Teenage Market is a platform for young people to show their creative skills, connect with the community and develop business experience. As many as 50 young entrepreneurs from across Thanet, selected to ensure variety, will sell their creations at the market. Throughout the day, talented young performers will take to the stage to add to the festive spirit.

The Mayor of Margate, Cllr Katie Pope, and the Charter Trustees of Margate will also switch on the lights for this year’s Christmas Tree in The Piazza.

Festivities will begin at 4:30pm with Christmas carols led by the Social Singing Choir, with members of the public warmly encouraged to join in.

The Mayor will switch on the Christmas Tree lights at 5pm, closing the rest of day’s celebrations and welcoming Margate’s festive season.

The Christmas Tree has been kindly provided by the Mayor & Charter Trustees of Margate.

Residents and visitors are invited to bring family, friends, and their festive spirit for an evening of community cheer.

Birchington Christmas

29th November, 10am to 6pm

Enjoy a traditional Christmas in Birchington with lots of activities and offers

*Light switch on: 5.30pm*

This year’s event covers all of Birchington, from Your World Financial Services and the Square, to Dog Acre and The Centre Birchington.

With a Christmas Fayre on Dog Acre and in The Centre, it is a day of fun for all. The event is free to enter; however, seeing Santa and taking part in the other children’s activities requires the purchase of a ticket (please note the ticket covers all activities).

Birchington Express tickets (children only) include:
– Free Goody Bag from Your World Financial Services
– Free Slide Ride (weather dependent)
– Make a Christmas Card (provided by Birchington Baptist Church)
– Hobby Horse Ride (Lil’ Jockeys – funded by Birchington Parish Council)
– Hot Chocolate & Cookie at the Chocolate Train on Dog Acre
– Two Christmas Crafts at Birchington Baptist Church
– Meet Santa; get an age-appropriate gift and a little something extra…!

Other Activities include:

Food and Craft Fair

Christmas Crafts (9.30am – 4pm)

Entertainment

Santa’s Grotto (10am – 5pm)

Mulled Wine and Deluxe Hot Chocolate

Light Switch On (5.30pm)

Organised by Birchington Traders Together and Birchington Parish Council

Free entry / Birchington Express tickets £3.50 Book now

Broadstairs Christmas Market

29th November, 11am to 5pm, Pierremont Hall

Meet & Greet with Mr & Mrs Claus

Music from 11am – 4pm

Music performed by winner of the Under 18’s Battle of the Bands this year ‘Black House Hill’ plus bands and soloists from Sunshine Ocean Records. A local school choir will be performing some Christmas hits. There will be dancing from Masque Theatre School and Wantsum Women.

At 4:30pm it will be Christmas carolling led by Inspiration Creative.

Indoors there’s a licenced bar, an Under 18’s Christmas bauble decorating activity and also talented Rebecca Blair Photography

Returning in the music room is the free meet and greet with Mr and Mrs Claus.

Organised and funded by Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council

Acol Christmas Fair

November 29, 11am to 4pm, Acol Village Hall

Arts and crafts for sale, tombola, children’s Christmas crafting table.

Festive bites and banter from 1pm. Free entry

Slade

29th November, 7pm, Dreamland Margate

Glam rock legends Slade are hitting the road for The Final UK Tour, and are coming to Dreamland Margate!

7pm-11pm (last entry 9.30pm)

With special guests Sons of the Seventies

Slade dominated the UK Charts in the early 1970’s out performing chart rivals, including Wizzard, Sweet, T Rex, Suzi Quatro, Mud, Smokie, Roxy Music and David Bowie. Today they are still one of the most exciting bands on the road, and their stage performance is a dynamic, powerful and exhilarating roller-coaster ride of pure unadulterated rock’n’roll. You don’t want to miss it!

This event is classified as 14+ welcome. This means that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

From £37.40 Book now

Christmas Market

29th November, 11am to 4pm, The George & Heart Margate

A day of shopping, music and merriment.

All proceeds from stall holder fees will be donated to Oasis Domestic Abuse Services.

Christmas Wreath Making and Afternoon Tea

29th November, 1pm, Albion House in Ramsgate

Join Ultra Marine Flowers for a captivating Wreath-making Masterclass at Albion House where you’ll discover the art of crafting a breath taking Christmas wreath to display in your own home.

Followed by indulgent Festive Afternoon Tea.

Tickets £95 Book now

Ramsgate Northern Soul

29th November, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Small Boat Owners Association

Talented DJs will spin their iconic favourites and a few unknowns on vinyl.

BRING CASH for the Cash Only bar!

Tickets £9 plus booking fee Book now

Dickens House Museum Festive Weekend

29th November – 30th November, from 1pm-4.30pm (last entry 4pm), Dickens House Museum Broadstairs

Experience the magic of a Dickensian Christmas at the Broadstairs Dickens House!

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 Dickens Fellowship Declaimers will be bringing Dickens’ words to life with captivating readings of excerpts from his work.

Enjoy festive activities for all ages, from children’s Christmas crafts to enchanting tours led by costumed characters. With Christmas Carols being sung in the garden.

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

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

Free entry for shopping

Margate Ceramics Market

29th November – 30th November, 10am to 4pm, Turner Contemporary

40 new and established makers, Christmas edition!

Winter Open Days

29th November – 30th November, 11am to 3pm, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Birchington

Warm up with a delicious hot drink from Felicity’s Café, then wander through the beautifully decorated Powell-Cotton Museum, take a guided tour of Quex House, and enjoy a peaceful stroll around the gardens and glasshouses.

There’ll also be a chance to browse the gift shop for a few last-minute stocking fillers and locally inspired treats.

They will also be offering 10% off everything in the shop over open days and to celebrate Museum Shop Day on Sunday 30th November.

Members get an extra 10% (bringing your discount to 20%) and 10% off books.

Adults £7.50, Concession £7, Child £6.50, Infant (0-3 yrs) Free, Members free  Book now

World Aids Day Charity Event

29th November, from 8pm, Margate Beach Club

Margate Beach Club and SOUNDAR LIVE present ReptileB UK Tour/World Aids Day charity event

Live performance by ReptileB… DJ TBX and Abbie Neill all night long

Host and supporting acts

Raising money for local sexual health services and National AIDS Trust.

Bar open from 7pm

From £15 Book now

Scalextric at Lowlife

29th November, 10am to 5pm,  Lowlife Cliftonville

@officialscalextric takes over the Cliftonville shop with a full slot car racing track for a day of fun for the whole family

There will even be prizes for the fastest lap!

Lowlife will also be launching an in-store exclusive limited edition clothing collaboration

Christmas Craft Market

29th November, 3pm-6pm, Violets St Lawrence Ramsgate

Shop for some Christmas goodies from local makers.

Margate Zine Fair

29th November – 30th November, 11am to 3pm, Marine Studios Margate

Zines exploring folk history, magic, creativity, access, books and much more at Marine Studios

A dozen Kentish writers, artists, and makers come together for the first Margate Zine Fair at Marine Studios, a collaboration between them, Dark Entries and Dan Thompson Studios – all inspired by a chance meeting in The Margate Bookshop.

Zines are DIY publications, usually on a theme or exploring an idea, which have been around since the first printing presses but really took off as part of the 1960s counterculture.

Watch out for more zine events – and to explore their history, search for the Dan Thompson collection in the University of Kent’s Special Collections.

Red Ribbon Calendar Launch

29th November, 8pm, La! Margate

A celebration of The Red Ribbon 2026 Calendar – a bold new chapter in HIV awareness and fundraising at La! in Margate

To commemorate World AIDS Day and to raise funds for HIV awareness, Jordan Chan brings his Brit Crew of boys to Margate to launch a new fundraising calendar for the Terrence Higgins Trust.

With support from Isla Sheppey, Katherine Preston and more.

Ramsgate Christmas Lights Switch-On

30th November, 11am to 5pm, across Ramsgate town

*Lights switch on at 4.30pm Ramsgate Town Centre*

Santa’s Grotto, the Elf Trail for ages 0-11, live entertainment, children’s rides and workshops, Christmas market and lots more!

Discovery Planet – Santa Science Sleuthing 11am-4pm

Secrets, sleighs, and scientific surprises. Join the team of young scientists, follow the clues and see what you discover.

Ramsgate Space, 17 Albert Court, CT11 9DN

Let There Be Light

4.45pm – ‘Samba Ya Wantsum’ will parade from the High Street to St George’s Church.

5pm – Vibrant illuminations, live music, hot chocolate and mince pies.

St George’s Church,
Church Hill, CT11 8RA.

Westgate Christmas Light Switch-On

30th November, 11am to 5pm, Station Road

Station Road plays host to a fantastic day for all the family – great shopping, live music, and delicious food!

There will be two stages with live performances all day, Ozzie & the Uglies will be playing from 3.30pm-4.30pm on stage 2 and MOS panto cast of Robin Hood will be turning on the lights on at 4.30pm from Stage 1.

There will also be a street market, fun fair, Santa’s parade, and a Santa’s Grotto at Westgate Train Station office from 12.45pm until 4.20pm.

Quex Adventure Farm Park

Quex Adventure Farm Park is set to launch its Christmas on the Farm season with a spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On event on Sunday, 30 November, 4:30pm–7pm.

The switch-on will mark the park’s first ever grand tree lighting and festive evening celebration. The free ticketed event will include a mix of live entertainment, Christmas magic and community spirit to kick off the holiday season in style.

Guests can look forward to a live figure skating display by Glistening Glides at 5pm, followed by carol singing and the official lighting of Quex Adventure Farm Park’s first-grand Christmas tree at 6pm.

Visitors will also have the chance to meet the Elves, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and warm up in the park’s Tipi café and bar, where the celebrations continue with festive drinks, music, and Christmas cheer.

The Adventure Farm Park will be open during the day from 9:30am to 4pm, with all daytime visitors invited to stay for the evening’s festivities. Alternatively, guests can arrive later in time for the lights, entertainment, and seasonal magic.

The venue also hosts Elf Express, Ice Skating, Reindeer Encounters, and Highland Cows Christmas Afternoon Teas, this Christmas

This is a free ticketed event, but tickets are limited due to high demand. Guests are encouraged to reserve their place early to avoid disappointment.

Check ticket availability at: www.theelfexpress.com

Cliftonville Farmers Market

30th November, 10am to 1pm, Walpole Green

Award-winning Farmers Market where producers will be selling bread, cheese, honey, fruit, vegetables, wild game, fruit juices, fresh meat and much more

Cliftonville Farmers’ Market was established in 2001 by the Cliftonville Residents Association and is run entirely by volunteers.

There are now over 50 stalls, with the most fantastic selection of food providers that include a fruit farmer and a vegetable farmer. All meat is free range, as are the eggs, honey is raw, and the mushrooms are grown by the producer.

There are also 5 vegan stalls and another (gluten-free) bakery stall.

They even have ice cream for dogs!

There is plenty of free parking all along Palm Bay Avenue.

Sunday Silent: Song 12A

November 30, Palace Cinema Broadstairs

Sunday Silents with the wonderful pianist Lillian Henley bring a very rare treat to the Palace – long presumed lost and never released before in the UK! Anna May Wong flees a hard life to join the circus! Details here

Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Christmas Fair

30th November, 11am-5pm, Ramsgate town

Ramsgate’s makers & vintage market as part of Christmas Lights switch-on.

Ramsgate’s regular maker’s market with locally-produced and made goodies galore (Christmas addition!)

Expect loads of stalls in Queen Street. Music and entertainment all day near the Red Lion. Things to do, children’s activities, Santa’s Grotto and the Elves, all around Ramsgate town centre.

It’s a great chance to get your gifts, have fun, support local makers and sellers, and have a nice glass of mulled wine to get into the festive spirit!

Children’s Christmas Bauble Painting Workshop

30th November, 11am – 12.30pm or 1pm – 2.30pm, Wagtails Cafe in Minnis Bay

Children have the choice of decorating either 3 x 3D ceramic baubles or up to 5 x flat acrylic baubles (or mix and match)… to paint with their own designs or using the guidance and examples provided.

Handmade perfect gifts for grandparents, friends or teacher gifts!

Using acrylic paint and pens – so old clothes are always advised!

Age 7+

Parents & Carers welcome to assist or take the opportunity to relax in the venue which will be serving drinks and snacks.

Spaces are limited – book (cash) directly with Lorrain at Wagtails, or email for an online payment option [email protected]

Tickets £20 per child

Margarita Mic-Off: Christmas Edition

30th November, 7pm, Little Swift Margate

From the brains behind Power, Points, and Prizes comes the Margarita Mic-Off, the Margate monthly Karaoke event upstairs at Little Swift!

To usher in the festive season come and belt out Wham and Mariah Carey at Little Swift!

Charlie brings his love of Karaoke to Marine Drive to kick off with a free-for all on any song you’d like, no need to be shy in the upstairs room where you can give an intimate but powerful rendition of your favourite songs…Book now

Westwood Cross Grotto and festive shopping

Christmas has officially arrived at Westwood Cross, as the shopping centre welcomes back its much-loved Santa’s Grotto and Christmas Market — along with confirmed festive opening hours for the season.

Guests of all ages can meet Santa and his cheerful elves, share their Christmas wishes, capture festive photos, and receive a special gift to remember the occasion. The Grotto is open daily in the Sundial area from Friday 28th November until Christmas Eve, and families are encouraged to book tickets in advance to guarantee their visit.*  Tickets can be booked online via the following link: https://joeytheclown.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Festive shoppers can also explore the Christmas Market in the main mall area, featuring a handpicked selection of local and independent businesses. Set against a backdrop of traditional German-inspired huts and sparkling lights, the market offers unique gifts and treats, from handmade crafts and personalised items to toys, seasonal produce, and festive food.
Stallholders this year include Fudgey Fancies, Bun & Rise, Eye4Image, Kidz Closet, Nomad Jewellery, and 4 Keeps Jewellery.