Festive Folkestone Harbour – Plan your visit

Folkestone Harbour sets the festive tone from 14th November until Christmas Eve with many events and activities going on. Plan your visit, for whatever the weather, expect snow flurries to add to your outing from the Folkestone Harbour snow machines!  Here’s a guide to help you.

festive shopping

The Festive Marketplace opens on Friday 14th November at 4pm with the Christmas Lights Switch On. Then, it’s open every Friday and Saturday from 11am until 7pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 6pm.  On Christmas week, it’s open 11am to 6pm up to and including Christmas Eve.

live music and entertainment

When The Festive Marketplace is open there will be live music, free family films and fun to be had.  Dolly Doowop starts off with the Lights Switch On, rockin’ around the huge Christmas Tree on 14th November 5-8pm.  There is a calendar packed full of live music throughout the run up from local bands.  Also, live community choirs to get you in the Christmas spirit too, and, shh..say it quietly… the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar makes a special appearance on 7th December. Another event not to be missed is the Folkestone Christmas Tractor Run on 20th December where you will see a train of decorated tractors file down into the Harbour.  It’s a sight to behold!

ho ho harbour grotto

The Harbour Grotto is back this year, created by artist Sally Hogarth, and the Harbour team.  Enter into a world, by the sea, influenced by the surroundings and fully festively decorated to discover the customs of Christmas around the world, and more.  This is at Customs House and open from 15th November, on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, weekends 11am to 6pm. Booking is advised.

come and play

If you have fidgety people to entertain then there’s plenty of things to play on at Folkestone Harbour.  Adventure golf have glowing golf balls so you can play after dark.  Come and play during the day, but this makes it easier in the evenings by being able to see the balls!

festive feasts

Food needs to be part of the plan too.  And there are so many treats to taste at Folkestone Harbour that this needs serious attention.  The indoor restaurants are a great place to meet friends for brunch (and beyond) before you start your shopping. Sailbox, Brewing Brothers, Knowing Meat Knowing You, The Lighthouse Tasting Rooms all have Sunday roasts that cater for many different tastes.  Cavells, the next venture from the team behind The Big Greek Bus on the Arm have wholesome Mediterranean stews, Mousaka and more – get them before they sell out.

Maybe you can’t decide between some freshly made momos from Mompling House or a pizza from Barney’s?  Or perhaps a treat from Little Rock after your Friday night saunter through the Marketplace?