With Christmas just around the corner, Canterbury is the place to be for festive fun. With the city set to transform into a winter wonderland, the historic cobbled streets are easily reachable from all of our new homes for sale in Kent, meaning new residents have easy access to all of Canterbury’s enticing festivities. If you're thinking of relocating to Kent to make this charming county your new home, the festive season is the perfect time to experience all it has to offer.
Carols and Nativities
Canterbury Cathedral is set to host a range of festive services and events this season. From traditional carol services led by the world-famous Cathedral Choir, to the new Teatime Carol Service, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include the return of the Festival of Carols with a living nativity (donkey included), and a free life-size nativity scene that is open every weekday from 25th November to 20th December.
Christmas Market
Visiting a Christmas market is a tradition for many families during the festive season, and Canterbury is home to one of the most famous in the South East. The renowned Canterbury Christmas Market dates back to 1343 and returns to the stunning Cathedral Precincts for 2024. Running from 15th November until Christmas Eve, Canterbury’s market offers a traditional festive experience in the heart of the city. German-style wooden chalets decked with twinkling lights bring the Cathedral grounds to life, filled with over 150 local businesses selling handmade ornaments, local produce, artisan gifts and festive treats.
For a smaller market, Littlebourne Barn is hosting its annual Christmas Fayre on Sunday 24th November. Here you will find a small selection of arts and crafts stalls, refreshments, a raffle and Santa’s Grotto.
Grotto
For families, Canterbury’s Santa’s Grotto is a must-visit. An enchanting experience for all ages, children are greeted by Santa’s elves and his magical talking letterbox before meeting Santa and sharing their Christmas wishes. Our selection of new family homes in Kent at Summerfield Nurseries, Staple, provide easy access to Canterbury’s enchanting festive experiences, just a 20 minute drive away.
Panto Time
Pantomimes are another beloved Christmas tradition for many. At Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre, this year families can enjoy a spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast, starring Eastenders star Maisie Smith and Marlowe Theatre Legend, Ben Roddy. They will be joined by children’s TV stars Richard David-Caine (Horrible Histories), Phil Gallager (Mister Maker) and Tyler Collins (Swashbuckle). This fairytale extravaganza promises to be full of comedy, fantastic music, beautiful costumes, and mayhem.
Festive Workshops
Canterbury is also home to various creative workshops that mark the beginning of the festive season. Just a 10 minute drive from our new homes in Staple, on Sunday 24th November in Ickham village, guests can enjoy a hands-on experience creating a beautiful, fragrant wreath at the Festive Wreath Workshop . For the younger members of the family, on Saturday 7th December UCA Canterbury will be hosting a series of festive workshops for children ages between 9 and 14, including calligraphy, festive marbling, pom pom decorations and neon wrapping paper printing. Wingham Wildlife Park also offers festive experiences every year. This year’s programme of activities is yet to be confirmed, but in 2023 visitors were treated to gingerbread making and letters to Santa workshops. And if you’re stuck for gift ideas, why not treat your loved one to an animal feeding experience at the park?!
Local Food & Drink
Living just outside of Canterbury provides the perfect balance: the peace of the countryside with easy access to Canterbury’s Christmas offering. If you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a mulled wine or take the stress out of Christmas Day with dinner for the family in a country pub, a number of traditional pubs surround the city. The Black Pig, located a five-minute walk away from our homes at Summerfield Nurseries, is an absolute must for those seeking the perfect spot to warm up after exploring Canterbury’s festive sights. With its crackling fireplaces, this pub captures the charm of a traditional Christmas. Enjoy mulled wine, local ales, and the welcoming ambiance that makes it an ideal gathering place for a festive meal.
And in nearby Wingham, why not stop by the locally-renowned Gibsons Farm Shop to pick up your Christmas dinner essentials. With a deli, butchers, bakery and grocers as well as a dry section selling locally produced beers, wines, chutneys and confectionery, you can enjoy a truly Kentish Christmas with produce sourced in the county.
If you’re dreaming of a cosy Christmas in Kent, there’s no better place to start than at Summerfield Nurseries. This splendid collection of 17 homes, of which 11 are four-bedroom detached homes for private sale, is situated in the beautiful Kent countryside and offers brilliant connectivity. For more information about our new homes for sale, click here.