Kent Christmas Lights Switch On Guide
Christmas in Kent Series
That’s a wrap for now 🎄 Thanks for joining us — we’ll be back later this year with our festive guides for 2026.
Light Up Your Christmas in Kent!
Your quick guide to the most magical lights switch-ons across the county.
Looking for a sparkling Christmas Lights Switch-On in Kent? After last year’s weather disruptions, towns across the county are back, brighter and more festive than ever! From dazzling light displays and fireworks to pantomime stars, Father Christmas, funfairs, and live street entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Our guide will help you find the perfect event to kick-start the countdown to Christmas!
All events are free, though some attractions and activities may carry a small charge.
Last updated 22nd November 2025
Kent Christmas Lights Switch On
2025 Guide
⭐
Faversham Christmas Lights Switch On
& Festive Night Market
🎄
Market Places and Preston Street, Faversham
29th November 2025
At the Faversham Christmas Lights Switch On 2025, watch the town’s picturesque streets glow with colourful Christmas illuminations. Gather in the Market Place for carol singing and festive music, and keep an eye out for a special visit from Father Christmas.
Head over to Preston Street to explore the Festive Night Market, offering seasonal street food, tasty treats, and craft stalls perfect for Christmas gift shopping
Times
Festive Night Market: 4pm to 8pm.
Christmas Lights: 5pm.
For additional local information, see our listing for the Faversham Christmas Lights Switch On here
⭐
Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch On & Parade
🎄
29th November 2025
If you’re looking for festive fun in Kent, make sure you visit the Christmas craft stalls in St Peter’s Church, and while you’re there, capture the perfect family photo inside the church’s magical light tunnel. Throughout the day, enjoy live music, festive entertainment, and funfair rides at the Smith’s Family Funfair.
Watch the beautiful lantern parade, followed by the festive finale — the ceremonial switch on. It’s a full day of seasonal activities, all helping to support Martha Trust’s fundraising efforts.
Times
Event Start: 12Noon
Parade: 5pm
Light Switch On: 6pm
Additional local information, see our listing for the Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch On & Parade here
⭐
Dover Winter Light Up
🎄
Pencester Gardens, Dover
6th December 2025
One of Kent’s popular festive events, the Dover Winter Light Up returns to Pencester Gardens for another bright and family-friendly celebration. At the heart of the event is the iconic light procession, a highlight that brings the community together. Organised by Future Foundry in partnership with Dover Town Council, the Dover Winter Light Up offers live entertainment, seasonal activities, festive markets to explore, and the chance to see the Dover Town Christmas Tree alongside the glowing light trail decorations across the Gardens.
Times
3pm to 9pm
Procession: 5pm
For further details with additional local information, see our listing for the Dover Winter Light Up here
⭐
Christmas in Margate
🎄
High Street, Margate
29th November 2025
Get ready for some serious festive cheer, Thanet! Christmas in Margate is back for another spectacular year, promising a massive dose of holiday magic for the whole family right in the heart of our vibrant seaside town. This unmissable event is your one-stop shop for everything festive, featuring a free Santa’s Grotto for the little ones, and the Snow Sisters will be on hand for exciting meet-and-greets. There will be a Christmas Market packed with local gifts and treats, and a Teen Market. The air will be filled with holiday spirit thanks to live music, captivating performances, the stunning Christmas Lights Switch-On ceremony, and festive carol singing to truly kick off the holiday countdown.
Times
11am to 4pm
11am-4pm
Teen Market: 11am-4pm
Christmas Market: 11am-4pm
Santa’s Grotto: 12Noon-3pm – children will receive a gift
Meet & Greets: Elsa & Anna at 12Noon
For further details with additional local information, see our listing for Christmas in Margate here
⭐
Whitstable’s Christmas Lantern Lit Parade WhitSparkle
& Lights Switch On
🎄
Whitstable Harbour
29th November 2025
Whitstable’s festive season lights up with a programme of family-friendly celebrations, including the popular Whitstable Christmas Lantern Lit Parade.
Enjoy Whitspar*le at the Harbour, featuring live performances, lantern-making sessions, a vibrant parade, the Christmas tree lights switch-on, and plenty more activities for all ages.
Times
Performances: 1pm
Lantern Workshop – South Quay Shed: 1pm-3pm
Christmas Tree Lights Switch On and Parade: 4.30pm
For more details on additional local information, see our listing for Whitstable’s Christmas Lantern Lit Parade WhitSparkle here
⭐
Sevenoaks Christmas Lights Switch-On
🎄
High Street, Sevenoaks
29th November 2025
The Sevenoaks Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025 promises a full day of festive fun for the whole family, with live entertainment, fairground rides, a Father Christmas Grotto, stalls, food and drink, and street performances..
Times
3pm to 5.30pm
Lights Switch On: 4.30pm.
For more details on additional local information, see our listing for the Sevenoaks Christmas Lights Switch-On here
⭐
Queenborough Christmas Lights Parade 2025
🎄
Queensborough, Isle of Sheppey
7th December 2025
Queenborough Town Council’s Christmas Lights Parade & Christmas Event 2025 offers a festive day by the harbour, including the Queenborough Harbour Market, a free Santa-hat craft session, and the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer. Enjoy the Christmas Lights Parade, followed by a firework display over the harbour after the lights switch-on.
Price
FREE event – some activities may incur charges
Times
From 9.30am to 7.30pm.
Christmas Events: 9.30am to 7.30pm
Crafts at Castle Connections: 9.30am-11.30am
Queenborough Christmas Lights Parade: 4.30pm-7.30pm.
For more details on additional local information, see our listing for the Queenborough Christmas Lights Parade 2025 here
⭐
Westgate Christmas Light Switch On
🎄
30th November 2025
For those planning their festive outings, mark your calendar for this popular community event, with a fantastic, free day of seasonal entertainment. The programme includes a variety of performers, dancers, and local musicians, plus a Christmas Parade to enjoy. Guests can also browse the craft, food, and drink stalls for gifts and treats, and children can visit Santa’s Grotto. The event culminates in the spectacular lights switch-on ceremony.
Time
11am-5pm
For more details on additional local information, see our listing for the Westgate Christmas Light Switch On here
⭐
Ramsgate Christmas Lights Switch On
🎄
30th November 2025
Town Centre, St George’s Church & Harbour
A day of events with workshops, a free Santa Grotto, with an Elf Trail, children’s rides, a Christmas Market, plus a sprinkling of live entertainment and panto fun.
Time
11am-6pm
Lights Switch-On: 4.30pm.
For more details on additional local information, see our listing here.
Festive Features
Check out our Christmas Markets in Kent 2025 guide for more festive adventures. For more seasonal fun, explore our Seasonal What’s On section for more Noel magic in Kent. Don’t miss our guides to the best Pantomimes in Kent, Adult Pantomime Shows in Kent and for more dazzling displays, our guide to the top Illuminations & Light Displays 2025 in Kent.
See Kent, Know Kent
This Christmas!
Picture Credit: © Horst Heuck at unsplash.com
