Christmas Lights & Festive Days in Kent 2025 | Switch-On Events & Dates
Discover Kent’s best 2025 Christmas lights switch-ons and festive days out. Full guide to dates, times, venues, parking, tickets, and holiday highlights.
Published 04/11/2025 Image © Visit Canterbury
Kent is gearing up for a sparkling festive season, and the atmosphere is simply enchanting. Across the county, historic towns and vibrant city centres will transform into winter wonderlands, brimming with light displays, live entertainment, craft markets and family-friendly merriment. Whether you’re strolling through twinkling high streets or counting down to that big “lights-on” moment, these Christmas light switch-ons and festive days across Kent in 2025 are the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Expect local choirs, stage shows, Santa visits, and the warm scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine filling the air. With many free-to-attend events, Kent’s festive celebrations are accessible to all. Be sure to check travel and parking information before heading out, as these beloved annual events attract large, joyful crowds ready to share in the Christmas spirit.
Canterbury Christmas Light Switch-On 2025
Date: Friday 14 November 2025
Time: 17:00–20:00
Venue: City centre, from Westgate Hall through Whitefriars, Canterbury, Kent
Tickets: Free entry
Parking / Travel: Town-centre parking available; train access is excellent (fast from London). Arrive early and consider public transport.
Website: Visit Canterbury – Christmas in Canterbury 2025
Canterbury’s 2025 switch-on promises a dazzling start to the season. The city’s medieval streets will glow with around six miles of lights and more than 118,000 LED bulbs. From 17:00, visitors can enjoy live music, local performances, and festive entertainment across themed locations. Expect magical snowfall effects, a giant Christmas tree, and a LEGO® window trail for children. Late-night shopping in Whitefriars and the Christmas Market in the cathedral precincts complete the experience — making Canterbury a top festive destination in Kent this year.
Date: Saturday 15 November 2025
Time: 11:00–18:00 (main stage and switch-on at 17:00)
Venue: New Road and town centre, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1AU
Tickets: Free entry
Parking / Travel: Town-centre parking available; strong bus and train links. Arrive early if driving.
Website: Gravesham Borough Council – Christmas Light Switch-On 2025
Gravesend’s town centre comes alive from 11:00 with bubble displays, LED stilt walkers, jugglers and festive characters roaming the streets. A live music stage runs throughout the afternoon, featuring local bands and performers leading up to the main switch-on at 17:00, conducted by the Mayor and the pantomime cast. After the big moment, enjoy more live music and food at Hatch Market. It’s a lively, family-friendly event in North Kent with plenty to see and do throughout the day.
Maidstone Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025
Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
Time: Entertainment starts at 16:30; lights-on moment between 17:00–19:00
Venue: Jubilee Square, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1SA
Tickets: Free entry
Parking / Travel: Multiple town-centre car parks available. Secure a spot early or use public transport.
Website: One Maidstone – Christmas Lights Switch-On
Maidstone’s annual switch-on is a highlight of the town’s festive calendar. Starting with mascots and photo zones at 16:30, the event builds to a main stage show featuring live performers, singers, and the highly anticipated lights-on moment around 17:00. With late-night shopping, restaurants, and bars nearby, Maidstone’s central location makes it ideal for families and visitors looking for a complete evening out filled with Christmas cheer.
Sandwich Christmas Light Switch-On 2025
Date: Saturday 29 November 2025
Time: Activities from 10:00–12:00; lights parade at 17:00; switch-on at 18:00
Venue: Guildhall Forecourt & Cattle Market, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9AH
Tickets: Free entry
Parking / Travel: Free parking in Dover District Council car parks from 16:00 on switch-on day.
Website: Sandwich Community Events Association
Sandwich combines historic charm with a festive community atmosphere. The day begins with children’s crafts, market stalls, and live music from midday. At 17:00, the lights parade winds through the town, culminating in the main switch-on at 18:00. Once the lights are on, the medieval streets of Sandwich glow with colour and laughter. Cafés and market stalls remain open into the evening, offering mulled drinks, hot snacks and crafts. This relaxed yet festive event is perfect for families seeking a more traditional Christmas outing.
Deal & Walmer Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025
Date: Saturday 22 November 2025
Time: Entertainment from 17:30; lights later in the evening
Venue: High Street, Deal and Walmer, Kent
Tickets: Free entry
Parking / Travel: Free parking in council car parks from 16:00 (4pm) on the event day.
Website: Local community event listings / Stranger in the Window
The coastal towns of Deal and Walmer celebrate Christmas in style with a lively evening packed with music, performances, and festive stalls. From late afternoon, families can enjoy street entertainment, buskers, and local bands as the countdown to the lights begins. Expect a pedestrian-only high street with plenty of festive food, children’s attractions, and appearances from Father Christmas himself. The setting — with lights reflecting off the seafront — adds a touch of seaside magic. Free parking after 4 pm makes this an easy and affordable festive night out.
Faversham Christmas Lights Switch-On & Night Market 2025
Date: Saturday 29 November 2025
Time: Night market 16:00–20:00; lights-on at approximately 17:00
Venue: Market Place and Preston Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 7AG
Tickets: Free entry
Parking / Travel: Town-centre parking available; arrive early due to evening traffic.
Website: Faversham Market – What’s On
The historic market town of Faversham hosts one of Kent’s most picturesque Christmas lights switch-ons. The evening begins with a bustling night market at 16:00 featuring local traders, craft stalls and street food. Carol singers and Father Christmas lead the build-up to the official switch-on at 17:00, when the Market Place and surrounding streets are illuminated in festive splendour. With stalls and entertainment continuing into the evening, this event is ideal for visitors looking to enjoy Kent’s small-town festive charm in a beautifully preserved setting.
Other Festive Activities & Family Events in Kent 2025
If you’re planning to extend your Christmas calendar, Kent offers plenty more ways to celebrate:
Hever Castle Christmas Trail: An illuminated garden walk with storytelling and festive displays.
Leeds Castle Christmas Lights: A spectacular light trail in a castle setting.
Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink: Family skating fun from mid-November to early January.
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival: Step back in time with costumed parades and Victorian charm.
These events make ideal companions to the county’s light switch-ons — offering something magical for every weekend throughout the season.
Plan Your Visit – Travel & Parking Tips
Arrive early: Most town centres become busy by late afternoon, especially on switch-on days.
Check local council parking offers: Dover District Council (DDC) provides free festive parking after 4pm at several events.
Use public transport where possible: Trains to Canterbury, Maidstone, and Gravesend are frequent and well-connected.
Wrap up warm and bring cash: Some markets and stalls may not take cards, and many events continue outdoors into the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Christmas lights go on in Kent in 2025?
Most events begin mid-November, with Canterbury on 14 November, Gravesend on 15 November, and Sandwich and Faversham on 29 November 2025.
Are Kent Christmas light switch-ons free to attend?
Yes — the majority of switch-ons, including Maidstone, Gravesend, Deal, Sandwich, and Canterbury, are free entry events open to all.
Where can I meet Santa in Kent in 2025?
Santa’s Grotto at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs runs from 28 November to Christmas Eve, offering a magical and family-friendly visit.
Which events are best for families?
Canterbury, Sandwich, and Deal all have family-friendly activities, parades, and safe pedestrian zones perfect for children.
With its blend of historic towns, seaside magic and community celebrations, Kent shines bright every Christmas. Whether you’re watching Canterbury’s medieval streets light up or browsing the artisan stalls at Faversham’s night market, each switch-on brings a little extra sparkle to the season. Use this guide to plan your festive days out — and enjoy a truly unforgettable Christmas in Kent 2025.
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