Canterbury Christmas Lights Switch-On: Let It Snow!

Date: Friday 14 November 2025
Time: Activities from 5-8pm | Light Switch-On Moments from 5pm to 6.15pm
Location: Across 12 festive locations throughout Canterbury City Centre
Special Offer: Free Park and Ride from 2pm
Brought to you by: Canterbury Business Improvement District.

Attractions: Christmas Market | Snow Machines | Frozen Characters |LEGO Trail | Live Music and Performances | Santa and His Sleigh | Selfie opportunities and more!

Highlights by Location:

Westgate Hall – Twilight Market (5-8pm, SWITCH ON 6.30pm)
Artisan stalls, delicious food and live music to kick off the evening with a light switch on at 6.30pm.

Marlowe Theatre – Marlowe Stage (5-5.45pm, SWITCH ON 5.30pm)
Live music from No Limits Street Band and a visit from the Snow White Panto Cast who will be switching on the theatre's brand-new light display at 5.30pm.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge – Family Hub (5-8pm) 
Father Christmas has arrived! The elves are busy offering free Christmas decoration making workshops, and for those that have booked – Santa will be waiting to see you (BOOK HERE). You can also enjoy a Frozen inspired trail through the library.

High Street – Frozen Fun (5-8pm, lights on 6.15pm)
5-7pm: Grab a selfie with Elsa, Anna and Olaf, outside The Beaney.
5-8pm: Enjoy live music on Guildhall Street thanks to Lily’s Social Kitchen and No Limit's Street Band.
5pm: Outdoor screening of Frozen Sing-a-long, Three Cities Garden (Best Lane)
6.30pm: Outdoor screening of Elf, Three Cities Garden (Best Lane) 

Nasons Square – Jolly Christmas Huts (5-8pm, lights on 6.15pm)
Keeping the party in full swing, Jolly Christmas Huts have your food and drink needs catered for.

St Margaret’s Street – Let It Snow (5-8pm, lights on 6.15pm)
Ever wondered what it would be like to find yourself in a snow globe? Now is your chance to give it a try – a perfect selfie opportunity!

Cathedral Christmas Market (5-8pm – lights on 6pm)
In the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral Precincts enjoy artisan makers, festive food and drink, a Christmas carousel, selfie opportunities, giant snow globe and live music from Ben Stroud. 

Burgate – A Victorian Christmas (5-8pm, SWITCH-ON 6pm)
Step back in time for a traditional Christmas in our cobbled streets. Watch an abridged version of The Christmas Carol (6pm and 7pm), join Tiny Tim for the light switch-on at 6pm, and savour roasted chestnuts with festive music.

St George’s Street – Christmas Market (5-8pm, lights on 6.15pm)
Toast marshmallows, take a ride on a Virtual Reality sleigh, enjoy a wide range of Christmas huts and music from Olly Smith and Owen The Only Sax!

Fenwick – LEGO Trail Launch
The LEGO Christmas Window trail launches today. Visit 5 participating trail stops, collect your stamps to claim a free LEGO prize in Fenwick’s Toy Department and meet their giant Snowman!

Whitefriars – Christmas Market (5-8pm, lights on 6.15pm)
Meet a wide array of Christmas Characters, enjoy festive food and drink and start your Christmas Shopping. Head to the undercover seating and enjoy live music from Amy Cooper and Dave Rogers.

Primark Balcony – Countdown Stage (5-7pm, SWITCH-ON 6.15pm) SPONSORED BY COSTA COFFEE
The Red Button will be polished and ready for the Lord Mayor of Canterbury and some special guests to switch on the Christmas lights at 6.15pm. Enjoy live music from YMS Steel Band and FNK Haus, hosted by Steve Watts. And don’t forget to take a selfie in Santa’s Sleigh with the East Kent Mind Elves.

 Brought to you by Canterbury Business Improvement District

Sponsored by Costa Cofffee, Lily's Social Kitchen, East Kent Mind and Howden Insurance

With a special festive cheer to everyone involved in making this event possible