From an enchanted winter wonderland at Walmer Castle Gardens to a festive fire garden on Dover’s Roman Lawn to a Medieval Christmas parade in the streets of Sandwich, we've pulled together a list (we've checked it twice!) of all the wonderful Christmas markets, fairs and other exciting happenings in White Cliffs Country this festive season.
Parking will be free of charge in Dover District Council car parks throughout White Cliffs Country on Saturdays in December, so make the most of the opportunity to visit the area, do some Christmas shopping in the fabulous small and independent shops in our towns and attend the wonderful events. Many pubs, cafes and restaurants have festive seasonal menus and are taking bookings for Christmas parties and meals, so do check out what's available if you're planning a special meal out with friends or family.
Saturday 26 November
Deal Christmas Lights Switch On – Deal Town Hall and St George’s Church area of the High Street. The fun starts from 4.30pm with music and entertainment; the lights will be switched on at around 7.25pm.
St Andrew's Christmas Fair 10am-2pm – St Andrews Church, West Street, Deal CT14 6DY. Enjoy a variety of stalls, a bumper raffle with great prizes, bric-a-brac, lucky dip, toys and gifts, hampers, jams and pickles. Father Christmas has promised to make an appearance for the children.
Martha Trust Christmas Fayre 10am-3pm - Guildhall, Cattle Market, Sandwich CT13 9AH. Seasonal treats, gift ideas, arts and crafts and Martha Trust goodies, plus a chance to meet the man himself, Father Christmas. There will be Facepainting too, bottle tombola plus a chance to buy Grand Christmas Raffle tickets! Browse the stalls, enjoy a cup of coffee and some homemade cake and sing along to your favourite Christmas Carols as we get you in the mood for Christmas.
Sunday 27 November
Crabble Corn Mill Christmas Craft Fair 10am-3pm – Lower Road, Dover CT17 0UY. Step inside this lovely old mill and browse more than 40 stalls from local crafters and small businesses. There will also be carols and food.
Throughout December
Enchanted Walmer – timed slots from 4-7pm on Friday 2 to Sunday 4; Thursday 8 to Sunday 11; Thursday 15 to Sunday 18; Tuesday 20 to Friday 23; Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 – Walmer Castle Gardens, Kingsdown Road CT14 7LJ. Banish the dark winter evenings and discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour in the castle grounds and gardens. Warm up afterwards with a glass of mulled wine under the night sky. The shop will be open selling Christmas gifts.
A North Pole Adventure at Betteshanger Park – timed slots on Saturdays and Sundays until 18 December, then weekdays and weekends until Christmas Eve. Embark on a magical adventure starting 26th November at Betteshanger Country Park. Write your letter to Father Christmas, then head off on an adventure to the North Pole, discovering enchanting lands on your way to meet Father Christmas.
© DDC
Friday 2 & Saturday 3 December
Dover’s Winter Light Up – A two-day festival with a Fire Garden on the Roman Lawn from 5-9pm on Friday and 4-9pm on Saturday (book free tickets here); and a magical Lantern Procession through the town starting at 6pm at Maison Dieu Road Car Park on Saturday. There will also be a Christmas Market and entertainment in the Market Square from 12-9pm on Saturday.
Friday 2, Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December
Christmas Craft & Food Market at Betteshanger Park 10am-4pm – Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF. Held in the visitor centre and running alongside the ever-popular Christmas trail and lots of other Xmas activities. 35 traders selling a range of festive favourites. Free entry.
Saturday 3 December
Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch On 11am-8pm – Sandwich town centre. A day of festive entertainment including a children’s funfair, market stalls, a Medieval Lantern Parade, live music and Santa’s grotto. Click on the link for a map and more details. Late night shopping until 8pm.
Christmas at the Castle A unique opportunity to take part in a 5-k run in the magnificent grounds of Dover Castle. Starts at 6pm and runners must wear a headtorch.
White Cliffs Symphonic Winds Christmas Celebration 7.30pm – St Mary's Church, St Clare Road, Walmer CT14 7QA. An entertaining programme of festive cheer and well-loved tunes in aid of The Martha Trust.
Festive Crafting 10am-4pm – Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DL. Create your own Christmas cards and crackers at the magnificent Maison Dieu - free.
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December
Solton Manor Christmas Market 10am-4pm – East Langdon CT15 5JB. Over 25 local artisan stalls showcasing their best gifts, from candles to pottery.
The Snowman & The Snowdog at Betteshanger timed slots from 10am-2pm – Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF
Sunday 4 December
Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Christmas Fair 10am-1.30pm – Guildford Road, Sandwich CT13 9PF. Gifts, food, crafts, children’s activities, plants, books.
Deal Pier at Christmas time © DDC
Friday 9 & Saturday 10 December
Time & Tide presents Tinsel Town Festive Food and Drinks plus Xmas Market 5-10pm on Friday and 10am-10.30pm on Saturday – St Mary's Arts Centre, Sandwich CT13 0HH. Festive food, drinks and gifts. Free entry, all welcome.
Saturday 10 December
Meet the Reindeers! 10am-3pm – Market Square, Dover CT16 1LZ. Two reindeers are visiting ahead of the big day, plus Santa’s Grotto (limited availability), live music and dancing and market stalls. The reindeers are from the Reindeer Centre, are highly sociable, well-looked after and love to meet people.
Festive Crafting 10am-4pm – Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DL. Create your own Christmas cards and crackers at the magnificent Maison Dieu - free.
Sunday 11 December
Sound Waves Choir Christmas Concert 6-8pm – St Paul's RC Church, Dover CT16 1RU. A wonderful blend of traditional and Christmas pieces sung in the atmospheric surroundings of St Pauls.
Breakfast with Santa 9.30am or 10.30am – Crabble Corn Mill, Lower Road, Dover CT17 0UY. Why not try something different this year and have breakfast with Santa?! Tickets are on sale now via the website or in person at the Mill.
Saturday 17 December
‘A Bit of a Do’ Christmas Fair 10am-3pm – The Alma, 126 West Street, Deal CT14 6EB. Antiques, collectibles, books, photos, jewellery, stocking fillers. Collect a Boxing Day Dip wristband.
Dover Artisan Market 10am-3pm – Market Square, Dover CT16 1LZ. The final artisan market of the year; come along to find lovely locally made produce and Christmas gifts.
Carols on the Green starting at 5pm – Walmer Green CT14 7DP. The Christmas Story with carols, music and solo performances. Wrap up warm and bring a torch.
Sunday 18 December
Medieval Baebes at St Mary’s Arts Centre Doors 7pm, starts 7.30pm – St Mary's Arts Centre, Sandwich CT13 0HH. A joyous Christmas show of beguiling choral music, poetry and storytelling in the atmospheric setting of St Mary's.
Breakfast with Santa 9.30am or 10.30am – Crabble Corn Mill, Lower Road, Dover CT17 0UY. Why not try something different this year and have breakfast with Santa?! Tickets are on sale now via the website or in person at the Mill.
Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 December
The Wizard of Oz at The Astor Shows at 2pm & 7pm (except 24th) – The Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal CT14 6AB. Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Lion and Tinman as they adventure in the merry old land of Oz. Will Dorothy get to meet the Wizard and get home? With Puppets, Characters and a sprinkle of magic this is our biggest Pantomime to date and is suitable for all ages.
Tag @visitdover in your posts when you're out and about at events this Christmas. We will like them and share the best ones on our social media channels. Have a great time!