Thanet Christmas guide: Markets, pantomimes, nights out and more
From wreath making and crafts to nights out and family fun, get into the spirit of the season with any one of these festive events
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, and so is our events calendar, with more and more festive happenings announced daily. A huge amount of stuff will brighten up Thanet in the run up to this year’s big day, so we’ve created this bumper guide to what’s going on in the area, as well as in East Kent and London too.
Want to shop local? Make your own decorations? Keep the kids occupied? See lights switched on? Have a dance? Watch Christmas movies on the big screen? You're sorted; we've got so many festive things to do, you’re going to be exhausted by the time Santa jumps down your chimney.
We’ll keep updating this list as the festive season progresses, so keep checking back. And sign up to our newsletter to make sure you’re always up to date all the best events in and around Thanet all year round.
Crafts and workshops
Old Curiosity Shop’s Christmas craft sessions
Make a festive wreath, a Santa plate or some Christmas baubles at one of Broadstairs’ Old Curiosity Shop various craft workshops in December. Prices vary but all tickets include a hot drink and mince pies. DM the cafe or pop by to reserve your spot, and BYO booze if you fancy.
CAMP Wreath-Making Workshops
CAMP in Cliftonville will be opening up for a wreath-making workshop on December 14. For £35 per person, you'll have all materials provided and some festive treats to keep you going. The bar will also be open for drinks. Book now.
Gingerbread House Workshop at The Rose
Bougie Deal pub The Rose is hosting a workshop to make your own gingerbread house with Kate from Eat & Mess on Wednesday, December 11. Places are £45. Tickets including a cocktail and snacks, and if you fancy, stay for a set menu dinner, which for two courses is £26, or for three it's £30. Full details.
Events
Leeds Castle light trail
Leeds Castle near Maidstone will once again go all out with the Christmas lights this year, covering its grounds and the castle itself with a collection of illuminated art installations. It runs until January 1. There’ll also be a chance to meet Santa and warm yourself at various street food stalls. Details and tickets.
Festive afternoon tea at Buoy & Oyster
Running until December 23, beach-side Buoy & Oyster in Margate are putting on a festive afternoon tea, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There are three sittings each day, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Spots must be booked in advance and are £30pp. Champers and cocktails available for an additional fee.
St George’s Church’s Christmas Tree Festival
This festive festival returns for its 16th year. From December 13-22, a glut of lovingly decorated Christmas trees will brighten up St George’s Church in Ramsgate. Find out more.
Windmill Community Garden Winter Fair
The lovely Windmill Community Gardens in Margate will be holding its Winter Fair on Saturday, December 14 from 11am to 2pm. Try your hand at making a foraged wreath or making natural decorations, buy some locally made gifts, and grab some seasonal food and drink. You can also learn Italian or learn about winter herbalism. Full details.
Pilgrims Hospice Santas On The Run
Join in or cheer on Santas as they bolt for charity at the Herne Bay festive charity run, held on December 15. Also, Pilgrims Hospice are looking for volunteers on the day to serve as marshals, medal giver outerer and other various tasks. Email eila.ilkhan@pilgrimshospices.org for more info.
Quiz nights
Mr Teds presents It's A Wonderful Quiz
The brilliant Mr Teds will be bringing his monthly pub quiz to Thanet with a Christmas twist this December. Find him at the Horse & Groom, Ramsgate on December 10, Margate's Rose In June on December 11, and Neptunes Hall in Broadstairs on December 12. DM to book your table.
Seabird Xmas Pop Quiz
Do you know your Mariah from your Wham Chrissie tunes? Ramsgate restaurant Seabird hosts Xmas Pop Quiz on Wednesday, December 11 which will test your general knowledge and Christmas pop culture, while chucking in a few silly games too. Teams of up to 5 can battle it out for a cash price, which your £2.50 tickets goes directly to. Quiz starts at 7pm, with tables bookable from 5.30, and there will be a menu of picky bits available to get you through the night. Book your table.
Action Community Thanet Christmas Quiz
Pie Factory Music’s social action volunteer group ACT! are putting on a quiz to raise funds for the Ramsgate young person’s music charity, on Saturday 14th December from 7pm. Tickets are £5/£2.50 with a maximum team size of 6. To book call (01843) 596777 or (01843) 596998, or email info@piefactorymusic.com BYO booze, soft drinks and table snacks provided.
Curzon Christmas quiz
Canterbury's Curzon Westgate cinema celebrates quizmas on Wednesday, December 18. Hosted by Miss Shauntavia, it’s doors from 7pm, £2 a pop and tables of up to six people. DM to book or pop by the bar.
Where Else Pub Quiz & Karaoke Night
Where Else in Margate will be getting in on the Christmas pub quiz game on Saturday, December 21. Host Mr Ned will be asking questions on the theme of life and death. So festive. There will be cash and bar tab prizes to be one, before the whole thing depends into karaoke chaos. £2pp entry, max team of six. Turn up and grab your table from 7pm.
Movies
Carlton, Westgate
We love an opportunity to sit in Screen 1 at the Carlto. If you do too and fancy a bit of Christmas cheer while you're at it, then you're in luck. This December, there will be screenings of various festive films, including Elf and Home Alone 2 on Christmas Eve, The Polar Express (December 14) and - if you absolutely must - Love, Actually (December 14 & 19). Full schedule.
The Palace, Broadstairs
The delightful Palace has a small but perfectly former line up of Christmas movies to choose from. Catch the 2020 version of A Christmas Carol on December 14, Buster Keaton's silent movie Comedy Christmas Cracker with piano accompaniment from Lillian Henley on December 15, and the absolutely necessary It's A Wonderful Life on December 22 and 23. Book tickets.
Quex Park drive-in cinema
What's better than watching your favourite Christmas movie? That's right, watching it in your car. On a big screen, we mean, not just on your phone. Don't watch it on your phone. From December 20-23, The Drive-in Company will be setting up at Quex Park to screen a load of Christmas classics (plus a few absolute clangers). Full schedule and tickets.
Ivory Christmas at Curzon
Not exactly sure what any of this has to do with Christmas, but Curzon Cinemas are running a season celebrating the work of the filmmaking duo Ismail Merchant and James Ivory this December. They've called it Ivory Christmas though, so who are we to argue? Grab your eggnog and get over to the Curzon Westgate and Riverside cinemas in Canterbury to watch Call Me By Your Name, Howard's End, The Bostonians, and A Room With A View.
Vue, Westwood Cross
Now, obviously, you should choose a screening at one of your local independent cinemas. But the Vue is big and has Christmas films lined up that other smaller cinemas don't. Yes, we mean the 40th anniversary re-release of Gremlins. And also The Muppets Christmas Carol. Get tickets.
Music and nights out
Christmas On Fire: Memorials and Islet
Legendary indie label Fire Records will be heading to Ramsgate Music Hall for a big Christmas party on Thursday, December 12, as part of the company's ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations. Performing will be two of the bands on its roster, Memorials and Islet. Tickets are £14.
Huey Morgan’s Xmas Block Party
BBC Radio 6 Music’s own Huey Morgan will be pulling up at Faith In Strangers in Margate on Saturday, December 14, from 9pm, for his Xmas Block Party. He’ll be DJing a mix of funk, hip hop, disco, jazz and soul. Support comes from Mr Shiver. Tickets are £22.66.
Krampus Kristmas
If you like your festive events a little darker, Salon Du Miel in Ramsgate will be hosting Krampus Kristmas on Saturday, December 14. Expect a night of metal, rock, emo, pop-punk and some Christmas classics. Tickets £3-7.
The Christmas Assembly
Heading to the Rose in June for the festive edition of the acoustic music night, held December 15, will have carols, performed by Institute Collective, including tunes from their Christmas album First Flurry. After, there will be a Christmas classic sing-a-long, done old school, with a live piano, and a decent dose of festive cheer. Join the waiting list.
Screaming Alley's Got Xmas Factor Knockers
Hosted by Pat Riarchy, this festive edition of the Screaming Alley open mic might will feature special guests Emma Panda, Violet Malice and Elz. Taking place at Radford House in Ramsgate on Wednesday, December 18, tickets are £15.
Solstice Studio's Christmas Cabaret
Pole Dancing studio, Solstice Studio is hosting its Christmas Cabaret at Faith in Strangers on Wednesday, December 18. Drag act Shelly Grotto will host the pole show which features solos and group routines, and there will also be a raffle with prizes like pole dancing and yoga sessions, and bar vouchers. And dancing. There will be post-show dancing. Doors from 7.30, show at 8pm. Tickets £10.
A Night For Weird Folk Christmas special
A festive edition of the weird folk night held at Margate Arts Club on Friday, December 20. Hosted by the Bower Street Morris, this bash puts a spin on Christmassy, with tarot, carols, a ceilidh, hankie waving and high leaping on the bill of fun stuff. Tickets are £8.
Crabs present Crabsmas
Back at the Tom Thumb Theatre on Saturday December 21, Thanet’s cracky Wiggles will once again prove that punk and crustaceans are a great combo. Crabs will chuck a festive spin on their observational tunes, and may even belt out a few new ones. The self-styled “angry sound of middle-aged Margate” has proven popular, as the gig is sold out. Join the waiting list.
Cliftonville Carols
On Sunday, December 22, Ark Cultural Space is will be filled with the glorious sounds of The Social Singing Choir, the Institute Collective (in case you missed out on The Christmas Assembly), and Margate Children’s Choir. All in aid of Arts Education Exchange. Tickets £14.
Kids and family
Bagpuss & Bear - Christmas Window Trail
If you're heading to Canterbury to do your Christmas shopping, this will keep your little ones entertained. Window displays featuring Bagpuss and the Canterbury Bears have popped up all around the city centre. Grab a card from one of the participating venues to get stamped at each stop. There are mini prizes along the way, as well as a chance to win a £100 gift card and a Canterbury Bear of your own. Runs until Sunday, December 22. Full details.
Christmas at the Caves
Margate Caves' always popular Christmas event is back again, with a visit to Santa's underground grotto the highlight. You can also follow a festive trail around the caves, take a photo with Beauty and the Beast, throw a coin into Snow White's wishing well, and head to the Christmas workshop for a craft session. Runs every weekend, with extra dates just before Christmas.
The Elf Express
Quex Park's Elf Express returns for its tenth year, the centrepiece being a ride on Santa's tractor (our second mention of Santa's tractor, who knew he owned so much farm machinery?). There are lots and lots of other activities too, including ice skating, reindeer feeding, festive pet photography, light shows and more. Runs every weekend through December, with a relaxed session on Thursday, December 12 and extra dates during Christmas week. Find out more.
Dreamland’s Christmas World
Dreamland’s Christmas World kicks off on Saturday, December 14. You’ll find rides for kids, indoor snowball fights, Santa’s grotto and more. Entry is free but if you want to meet Santa, you’ll need to book in advance. Full details.
Updown Children's Christmas Party
Luxury hotel Updown near Deal will be putting on a Christmas party for kids on Saturday, December 14. Aimed at children aged 3-8, there will be a range of activities, including biscuit decorating and wreath making, as well as a bouncy castle set up in the farm's barn. Places are £10 per child.
Pantomimes and theatre
Beauty and the Beast
The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury’s panto is the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, brought to life by an award-winning team and CBeebies and Horrible Histories stars Phil Gallagher and Richard David-Caine. Also starring Maisie Smith, of EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly Ballroom: the Musical fame. The show runs until January 12. Tickets from £17.
The Snowsmith
The Gulbenkian Theatre in Canterbury will be staging multiple performances of this festive show for children aged 4+ from December 7-14. Join inventor Eira as she heads out on quest to bring snow back to the town of Thawmor. Tickets are £10.
Aladdin
Panto at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs this year is Aladdin. The cast includes Ian Crosher and Jon Carr, with John Goodrum returning as the Dame. Runs from 7-31 Dec. Tickets start at £18.
Peter Pan
Over in Ramsgate, the Granville Theatre is putting on Peter Pan as its pantomime this year. There will be swashbuckling, there will be laughs, definitely a crocodile, and without doubt the need to inform someone that something is behind them (that crocodile, I reckon). Opens on December 14 to Christmas Eve. Tickets from £25.30.
Jazz for Juniors Christmas Family Show
Jazz singer Trudy Kerr presents a special Christmas edition of her family show on Sunday, December 22. She and her musician friends will take you on a jazzy adventure that promises lots of audience participation (one person is going to get to play drums, just sayin'). Tickets are £15 for adults and £5 for children.
Markets and shopping
Margate Flowers' Christmas trees
Pick up a fresh Christmas tree from Margate Flowers outside Dukes in Margate's Old Town, seven days a week, and at The Potting Shop on Northdown Road, Thursday to Sunday. Potted, cut and on-block trees will be available, alongside wreaths, cut flowers and other festive bits and pieces. Prices from £30. Pre-ordering available - call 07930 310456.
Good Tidings
Margate Old Town homeware shop and artist Mercedes Lucy have teamed up to launch Good Tidings, putting on a range of festive workshops and events, as well as selling trees, decorations and candles. It really does have it all. Wreath and candle-making workshops run throughout November and December. All the details are here.
Hawley Street Quarter late night shopping
Shops on the Hawley Street Quarter in Margie's Old Town will be staying open until 7.30pm every Thursday in the lead up to Christmas. Head down and grab some gifts and support this gaggle of independent businesses.
Made by Margate
The one-stop gift shop stocking goodies and gifts made by Margate makers returns in December. Pop down to 151 Northdown Road between December 11-24 to nab something totally unique and made by hand, locally.
Tom Thumb Makers Market
The Tom Thumb Makers Market is back again on Thursday, December 12, 3.30-9pm. As well as handmade art, jewellery, ceramics and fashion, you'll also be able to grab tacos and have a tarot card reading.
Clayspace Ceramics Market
Clayspace in Cliftonville will be opening up its studio for a festive market on Saturday, December 14. There will be work on sale makers who work out of the studio, bargains to be had on "unloved pots", and a raffle to win a ceramic Grinch made by potter Andy Moss. Head over between 11-4pm.
London
Southbank Centre’s Winter Light
The Southbank Centre’s new outdoor exhibition Winter Light runs until February 2 and is free. A collection of illuminated artworks are dotted around the site, created by artists including Sophia Al Maria, Jacob Kvist, and David Bachelor. Find out more.
Penguin Sculpture Trail
A collection of 12 penguin sculptures, all kitted out in different festive attire, have popped up all around London's Fleet Street Quarter. Created by Wild In Art, they're supporting the WWF. Finding them is always a fun family activity. Download the map.
Skate at Somerset House
One of the loveliest ice-skating rinks around, Skate at Somerset House has returned for some festive frivolity in the iconic central london courtyard. Running to January 12, it’s also probably the most cultural rink, with guest DJs, skating lates and a whole programme of stuff suitable for friends and families. Tickets from £11.
London Transport Museum
Always a good call for the kids, the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden has a Santa’s sleigh that tots can clamber onto and press all the buttons, as part of the museum’s festive take over. There’s also a digital elf trail that will get them running around finding clues as they learn about stuff. It will also be open during that weird bit between Christmas and New Year. Kids go free and an adult annual pass is £24.50.
