Family-friendly Christmas events: Pantomimes, illuminations, Santa's grotto
Kids and family events in Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs this Christmas
In all likelihood, your children have been asking about Christmas since some time around mid-July. Well, finally you can direct that energy at something as we actually head into the festive season.
Thanet always delivers when it comes to putting on events for children, whether it's meeting Santa himself, pantomimes of Christmas light shows. There's so much to do, and these events will get you in the mood as much as them.
We'll be updating this list over the coming weeks, so make sure to check back for even more things to do.
Christmas at the Caves
Santa Claus will be holed up at Margate Caves in the run up to Christmas. This year’s grotto has a Peter Pan theme, with the caves dressed up with classic scenes from the story. Follow the trail to find Santa and receive your early Christmas gift.
Saturday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 23. Margate Caves, 1 Northdown Road, Margate CT9 1FG. Tickets £15.95 per child.
Ramsgate Winter Festival
Running from November 30 through to the end of January, Ramsgate Winter Festival features illuminations, a light art trail, workshops, music, family events and much more. There’s a huge schedule of events to brighten up the darker months of winter.
Sunday, November 30 to Monday, January 26. Various venues in Ramsgate. See the full programme.
Aladdin
The Granville in Ramsgate is putting on Aladdin as its pantomime this year. Get on board the magic carpet as Aladdin attempts to win Princess Jasmine’s heart with the aid of his genie friend. Saturday, December 13 to Wednesday, December 24. The Granville Theatre, Victoria Parade, Ramsgate, CT11 8DG. Tickets from £26.95.
Dick Whittington
Over in Broadstairs at the Sarah Thorne Theatre, this year’s pantomime is Dick Whittington. Will Dick and his cat make it to London? Only if you go and let him know when there’s someone behind him.
Saturday, December 13 to Saturday, January 10. Sarah Thorne Theatre, Fordoun Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2BN. Tickets from £23.
ELZ & Dame Jame Do… Panto 4 Kidz
Continuing their run of two person musicals, ELZ and Dame Jame turn their attention to pantomime with two performances at CAMP. Mashing up bits of all the classics, from Cinderella to Dick Whittington, with the audience deciding plot twists and making special guest appearances as the story unfolds. There will be an adults-only evening performance.
Saturday, December 20. CAMP, 125 Northdown Road, Margate CT9 2QY. Tickets £7.
It’s a Wonderful Life
What would the festive season be without this perennial classic? Continuing the Palace cinema's traditional December screenings of the film, this year they'll be showing a beautifully restored copy.
Saturday, December 20; Sunday, December 21; and Tuesday, December 23. Palace Cinema, Harbour Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1ET. Tickets from £4.
Jingle Bell Rocks!
Brigitte Aphrodite, QuietBoy and Liv Morris will be performing punked up versions of classic Christmas songs in this family-friendly show at ARK.
Saturday, December 20 to Tuesday, December 23. ARK, Albion Road, Margate, CT9 2HP. Tickets £7.50.
Elf, Home Alone and The Grinch
The Carlton cinema in Westgate will be showing family-friendly Christmas movies all day on Christmas Eve. Take your pick of Elf, Home Alone and The Grinch, or settle in for a festive movie marathon.
Wednesday, December 24. Carlton Cinema, 29 St Mildreds Road, Westgate-On-Sea, CT8 8RE. Tickets £3.50.
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