For those wishing to make the most of the Christmas Light Parade event, the Westgate hall is hosting a special Twilight Christmas Market from 5pm-8pm this evening, Friday 10 November.   Come along and discover dozens of stalls and hundreds of locally-made products, all under one roof with talented Kent makers, artists, crafts people and producers. 

One of the biggest events in Canterbury, the Christmas Light Parade marks the launch of Christmas in Canterbury and the opening of the Christmas Market   CHRISTMAS PARADE DETAILS   Start 6pm: The Christmas Light Parade will set off from the Westgate Towers, led by the Lord Mayor, a drumming band, 100+ children, giant Aladdin puppets, Christmas themed characters and a brass band.   Route: St Peter's Street - Guildhall Street - Sun Street - Buttermarket - Burgate - Longmarket - Rose Square (with snow machine!) - Watling Street - Dane John Gardens (via main entrance by Boots). The Christmas lights will illuminate as the parade passes by.   Finish 6.45pm: The parade will finish in the Dane John Gardens for the big  countdown to Christmas with the Marlowe’s panto cast and Christmas sing-along with Robbie White. Then it’ll time to head back to the high street to enjoy Canterbury's hospitality!   For all the details click HERE for our Christmas Switch On Parade Facebook page

DIWALI - FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Celebrate Diwali at Kent College on Saturday 18 November, 6.30-10pm.  "Bollywood Blast presents: Diwali - The Festival of Lights Extravaganza", hosted by Paul Babra of Karara Food includes Indian dance workshop with Bollywood Blast, Indian music and authentic Indian food.   Alternatively head to the Cook's Tale for a special Diwali 12-course Tasting Menu running until 12 November.

To help avoid the huge environmental impact of materials sourced, manufactured, packaged, transported and then thrown away, the Repair Cafe in Canterbury is here for you to bring along any clothes, furniture, toys, gardening tools, bicycles and household appliances  in need of repair. There is also a clothes swap and energy advice desk. Repairs and advice are free but donations are welcome!   Also... if you have a repair problem, or solutions, ideas and skills for how to repair things ... do share them here! If you would like to help us with your skills at a future event please contact us at canterburyrepaircafe@gmail.com   The Repair Cafe is hosted at Hub Cafe, Baptist Church, St George’s Place, Canterbury CT1 1XB (just beside the mini roundabout by the entrance to Whitefriars Multi Storey Car Park)

This event is for Canterbury BID members only. As Christmas gets nearer, you are invited to join us at Socialite Rooftop Bar & Restaurant for an evening in glamorous surroundings and a breath-taking night time view of Canterbury. Feel free to get your sparkle on and dress to impress! Complimentary drinks and nibbles will also be on offer and of course you'll have plenty of time to network and catch up with each other For more information about our networking events please click here Not a Canterbury BID Member? Find out more about Voluntary BID Membership Due to the popularity of these events, tickets are restricted to 2 people per business. Hosted by Canterbury BID and partnered by Girlings Solicitors

The Hornby Train Trail will be running from 18 November – 22 December 2023   This Christmas climb aboard our festive rail adventure and embark on a whistlestop tour of Canterbury’s medieval streets.   Around Canterbury city centre there will be 38 festive Hornby Train displays hidden in Christmas windows of local businesses. Each time you spot a Hornby train, pop inside and the ‘station master’ will stamp your ticket!   Collect 5 stamps and head to your final destination, Fenwick Toy Department in St George’s Street, to collect your prize. While there, you can also enter the BIG prize draw to win your very own special Hornby Train set and Christmas bundle!   Hop on board by clicking HERE  

Come and enjoy a wonderful festive Christmas Market at the Kent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre up at Merton Farm near the Kent Cricket Ground.   Craft & Gift Stalls Santa's Grotto Refreshments Charity Tombola Pop Up Charity Shop   SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2023 | 10AM-2PM Bradbury House, Merton Ln N, Canterbury CT4 7DZ

Join us for our spectacular magical pantomime! Don’t miss our fun-filled family pantomime Aladdin, starring TV and West End star Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing, Singin’ In The Rain, Rock Of Ages), children’s favourite TV presenter, Phil Gallagher (CBeebies’ Mister Maker), and Marlowe Legend Ben Roddy. They will be joined by West End stars, Alistair So (Matilda, The King And I), Lauren Chia (Disney’s Aladdin, The Sound Of Music), Shannon Farrell (Betty Blue Eyes) and Zain Abrahams (Demon Dentist) and WhatsOnStage Award winner for ‘Best Performer in a Musical’, Courtney Bowman (SIX The Musical).    

Every year Canterbury boasts some of the most stunning Christmas window displays in the South East with the press, social media influencers and bloggers regularly visiting the city to comment.   The businesses of Canterbury have been busy making sure their windows look beautifully festive. Today sees the judges tour the city to admire them all - and decide whose window is the most creative and award-winning!   To see all the previous entries please click here

THEIR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!   Come wine, dine and dance the night away this Christmas at this wonderful event held at the University of Kent in aid of Kent's Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre   Includes a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal. Entertainment from The Compilation and our fantastic MC Dave Fulton. Q and A with Beefeater Andy Merry Dress Code: Black Tie   SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2023 | 6PM-12AM Darwin Conference Suite University of Kent