Canterbury is renowned for its stunning cathedral, medieval streets, cultural events, and, in winter, the Canterbury Christmas Market.
Read below for the confirmed 2024 dates, opening times, locations and local specialties.
Canterbury Christmas Market 2024
Dates and Location – Confirmed
Canterbury Christmas Market dates: 15th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: Whitefriars Canterbury, Gravel Walk.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm.
Saturday: 9am to 6pm.
Sunday: 10am to 5pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 15th November (unconfirmed).
Santa: Yes. Santa’s Grotto bookings open 14th September (unconfirmed). Book online.
Ice skating: Yes, at Dane John Gardens.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Artisan crafts, local Kentish ales and gins, amidst historic cathedral backdrop; distinct Canterbury allure.
Recommended tour: Guided walking tour of Canterbury.
Specialities: Kentish ales, local gins, artisan cheeses, handcrafted chocolates, traditional puddings, fruit mince pies.
Where to stay: Number 8 is a highly-rated hotel, 3-minutes from the event.
Convenient Hotels
The ideal place to stay in Canterbury would be anywhere near the King’s Mile and Canterbury Cathedral. This vibrant area provides immediate access to the festivities and is close to major city attractions and museums.
I strongly recommend Number 8, a popular, eco-friendly hotel near the heart of the market action.
Read my UK Christmas Markets List, where you can discover other places to visit this winter.
Event Location
Christmas in Canterbury
Christmas in Canterbury is when festive decorations and seasonal events accentuate the city’s historic charm.
The renowned Canterbury Cathedral hosts special services and concerts, creating a spiritual and celebratory atmosphere.
The experience includes over 70 traditional wooden chalets selling festive gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats.
Among the highlights is Santa’s Grotto, a magical place for children to meet Santa Claus and receive a small gift.
A highlight for adults is the locally produced Kentish ales and gins, which draw appreciative crowds.
Food Specialties
Kentish Ales and Gins: Brewed locally, Kent is known for its ales and gins, which make for a warming festive treat. You’ll find a variety of flavours and strengths to suit all tastes at the Christmas market.
Roasted Chestnuts: A Christmas market staple, roasted chestnuts are cooked over an open fire, and their sweet, nutty aroma wafts through the air. A bag of these warm, peeled chestnuts is a perfect hand-held snack while you explore the market.
Hot Chocolate: There’s nothing quite like a cup of rich, warm hot chocolate to combat the winter chill. Many stalls serve this beloved drink, often with whipped cream and marshmallows on top.
Gingerbread: You’ll find stalls with beautifully decorated gingerbread at the Christmas markets in Canterbury. These spicy, sweet biscuits are often crafted into festive shapes and can be enjoyed as a treat or used as a quirky decoration.
Hog Roast Rolls: A traditional British street food, hog roast rolls are filled with tender, slow-roasted pork, crispy crackling, stuffing, and apple sauce. It’s a hearty snack that’s ideal for a cold winter day.
German Bratwurst: An international Christmas market favourite, German bratwurst sausages are often served in a bun with mustard or ketchup. They provide a savoury and satisfying bite while you meander through the market stalls.
Toffee Apples: These are apples coated in a hard shell of glossy toffee, often sold on a stick for easy eating. This classic sweet treat is a delightful mix of tart, fresh apple and sweet, crunchy caramel.
What to Buy
Local Crafts: Canterbury Christmas Market houses numerous stalls selling handmade crafts from local artisans. These unique gifts can range from wooden toys and decorations to hand-knit scarves and hats; all imbued with a touch of Canterbury.
Kentish Ales and Gins: Bottles of locally brewed ales and gins make perfect presents for the alcohol connoisseur in your life. They represent a taste of Canterbury and the wider Kent region.
Canterbury Cathedral Gifts: The market is full of items related to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. There are art prints, postcards, and other souvenirs that pay homage to this historic landmark.
Local Art: Art stalls showcase work by talented artists from the Canterbury area. Paintings, prints, and photographs depicting local scenes offer a lasting memory of your visit.
Traditional Christmas Decorations: Various stalls carry an array of Christmas decorations. Handcrafted ornaments, unique baubles, and festive wreaths provide a festive touch to any home decor.
Gourmet Food Products: You’ll find stalls selling local cheeses, artisan chocolates, and jars of homemade chutneys, jams, and honey. These gourmet items make for delightful gifts, especially for food enthusiasts.
Jewellery: There are stalls selling unique and handcrafted jewellery. From silver earrings to beaded bracelets and necklaces, these pieces of jewellery are one-of-a-kind gifts.
Handmade Candles: A variety of handmade candles are available at the Canterbury Christmas Market. These often come in festive scents like cinnamon, spruce, and vanilla, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere at home.
Sustainability Tips
Renewable Energy: I urge you to stay at accommodations that use renewable energy sources. In Canterbury, numerous hotels and guesthouses utilise solar power, providing an eco-friendly stay without compromising on comfort.
Reduce Food Waste: At the Canterbury Christmas Market, try to only buy as much food as you can reasonably eat. Many food stalls source their ingredients locally, and by not wasting food, you support these sustainable practices.
Ethical Consumption: Consider shopping from artisans at the market who use recycled or sustainably sourced materials. By doing so, you help to support a local economy based on ethical and sustainable principles.
Sustainable Diets: Opt for vegetarian or vegan options at the market stalls whenever possible. The Canterbury Christmas Market features an array of plant-based food stalls, reducing the environmental impact of your festive feasting.
Sustainable Transport: Use Canterbury’s excellent public transport system, hire a bike, or explore on foot instead of using a car. With its compact city centre, Canterbury is perfect for walking or cycling, reducing your carbon footprint while you enjoy the historic sights.
If you want to leave a Canterbury Xmas Market review, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Canterbury, United Kingdom. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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