Canterbury market stall adorned with festive lights in a warm winter ambiance

Mariya Muschard|Pexels License·Credits ↓

Christmas Markets in Canterbury

4 MarketsUnited Kingdom

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Weather

Climate averages and forecast for Canterbury

9-Day Forecast

Updated daily from MET Norway

Sun

May 3

65°F

52°F

0.2 in

Mon

May 4

61°F

49°F

0 in

Tue

May 5

55°F

48°F

Wed

May 6

55°F

48°F

0 in

Thu

May 7

55°F

45°F

Fri

May 8

60°F

42°F

Sat

May 9

62°F

50°F

0.2 in

Sun

May 10

56°F

49°F

0.5 in

Mon

May 11

59°F

53°F

0.4 in

Weather forecast from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)

Experience Canterbury

Watch videos showcasing the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere

Canterbury At Christmas Is Absolutely STUNNING ❄️

Canterbury is a beautiful city to explore at any time of year but it really comes in to its own at Christmas and for the first time in 200 years, the cathedral is also hosting the Christmas Market! Canterbury isn't the only UK city that's incredible at Christmas https://youtu.be/DjElaWg_yNg?si=a8KvoNpwWSZTCZdO ⚠️ Dont forget to subscribe to our channel for new travel videos every sunday! ⭐️ VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS ⭐️ Canterbury Christmas Market Canterbury City Centre Ca

Discover Canterbury

Explore the magical atmosphere of Canterbury's Christmas markets

Mariya Muschard|Pexels License

Canterbury neon market stall illuminated in warm lights during Christmas

Macit Abdullah|Pexels License

Canterbury couple exploring festive ornaments at Christmas market during winter evening

- landsmann -|Pexels License

Plan Your Visit to Canterbury

Getting There

Canterbury is well connected by rail from London, with fast services reaching Canterbury West in under an hour, and additional services arriving at Canterbury East. By road, the city is accessible via the M2 motorway from London. Both Gatwick and Heathrow airports offer onward connections by rail and coach.

Where to Stay

Accommodation within or near the city walls places visitors within easy walking distance of the cathedral quarter and main shopping areas. Options range from boutique guesthouses to established hotel brands in the city centre, with additional choices along the approach roads.

Other Attractions

Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England's oldest Christian structures, dominates the city centre. The medieval city walls, ruins of St Augustine's Abbey, and the Canterbury Roman Museum offer layers of history within walking distance. The cobbled streets of the Butter Market and the Old Weaver's House along the River Stour provide atmospheric exploration. The Marlowe Theatre, named after Canterbury's most famous son, stages regular productions throughout the year.

History & Culture

Canterbury's history spans more than two thousand years, beginning as a significant Roman settlement known as Durovernum Cantiacorum. Following Saint Augustine's arrival in 597 AD, the city became the cradle of English Christianity, and Canterbury Cathedral grew into one of medieval Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations. The murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 drew pilgrims from across the continent for centuries, immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. This deep tradition of pilgrimage has given the city an enduring culture of gathering and welcome. The compact medieval street plan, with timber-framed buildings and ancient gateways, creates an authentically historic atmosphere that remains distinctive today.

4 markets • Sorted by popularity

Canterbury Christmas Market

Canterbury City Centre

Free Entry

Santa VisitsLive MusicCraft WorkshopsFamily FriendlyHandmade Ornaments

Canterbury Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in South East England and the largest in Kent, spanning three sections across the historic city centre. With a total of 120 huts and 172 stallholders over 137 pitches, the market features festive food and drink, handcrafted gifts, live music, and special attractions including Santa's Grotto, VR experiences, and Breakfast with Santa. Entry to the market is free, with paid bookable activities available.

Canterbury Christmas Market - Cathedral Precincts

Cathedral Precincts

Free Entry

Santa VisitsLive MusicFamily FriendlyLocal VendorsHandmade Ornaments

A newer extended section set within the stunning grounds of Canterbury Cathedral Precincts, a few minutes' walk from the other two sections via The Parade and Mercery Lane

Canterbury Christmas Market - St George's Street

St George's Street

Free Entry

Santa VisitsLive MusicCraft WorkshopsFamily FriendlyHandmade Ornaments

The High Street section of the market, also referred to as St George's Street, just a minute's walk from the Whitefriars section

Canterbury Christmas Market - Whitefriars Shopping Centre and The Marlowe Arcade

Whitefriars Shopping Centre and The Marlowe Arcade

Free Entry

Santa VisitsLive MusicCraft WorkshopsFamily FriendlyHandmade Ornaments

One of the three market sections, located at the Whitefriars Shopping Centre and The Marlowe Arcade, near the coach drop-off point on St George's Lane