When is Canterbury Christmas Market 2019? Dates, opening times and all you need to know

This year will see Canterbury Christmas Market grow to be bigger and better than ever.

Whether browsing for stocking fillers or out to enjoy the magical seasonal atmosphere, visiting a Christmas market is at the top of everyone's to do list in December.

With starry lights and a huge, selfie-ready Christmas tree and sleigh, Canterbury Christmas market is all set up to be bigger and better than ever in 2019.

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There are more market stalls, weekly entertainment events, and Santa and his elves will be also coming to town.

It is the second year the market has been revamped under event organiser Rockhopper Events.

Christmas shopping at Canterbury will be local, unique, with lots of seasonal treats and warming winter drinks to brighten the day.

Here's what is in store:

When is Canterbury Christmas Market?

This year, the market will run every day from November 22 until Christmas Eve, which falls on a Tuesday this year. 

The market will stay open every day and a late shopping night is planned for when Father Christmas is coming to town. The date for this has not yet been confirmed.

Opening times

• 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday
• 9am to 6pm Saturday
• 10am to 5pm Sunday

Your last chance to visit Canterbury Christmas market will be on Christmas Eve, when it closes at 4pm.

Where is it?

Last year the market has expanded and it is thought to be just as large in 2019.

Visitors will find some 70 stalls in Whitefriars Square, St George's Street, Gravel Walk and the Marlowe Arcade. 

What can I expect?

Stalls

Some 70 stalls will line the streets of Canterbury in it's biggest edition yet.

A great place to find a last minute present and a unique card or ornament, there will also be food and drink stalls.

This year Canterbury Christmas market will have two huge wooden cabins to host 60 Canterbury makers.

These highly skilled artists and artisans are part of organisers' commitment to expand local influence on the event.

Mr Barr said they are happy to host some incredible homegrown talent at the market. He said: "There is always a lot of interest for people to get that unique gift made by someone local, Canterbury makers has always had a great appeal".

Santa's Grotto

Families will adore Santa’s Grotto, located in Whitefriars Square there is no way they can miss it.

With more than 2,000 children going to talk to Father Christmas last year, organisers strongly advise parents to book ahead so they don't miss out.

Last year every child had a 15-20 minute session in the grotto - and it is thought to be the same this year.

They go into Father Christmas' sitting room with parents in groups of four, where they will take part in craft activities with the elves and get to chance to meet Santa.

Each little visitor will leave with a gift.

More details, including dates for the grotto, will be revealed closer to the event.

How much will it cost?

The Christmas market is free to attend and the live music concerts are also free of charge.

Last year it cost £4 per child for Santa's Grotto and bookings can be made online here .

Although all other events are free of charge, booking is nearly essential.

How do I get to Canterbury Christmas Market?

By train

If you are travelling to Canterbury by train you can reach two main stations.

Canterbury East serves passengers mainly headed to and from North and East Kent, while visitors from West Kent can generally arrive at Canterbury West.

Both stations have trains heading into London terminals, although the HS1 departs from Canterbury West.

Car parks

If you are going to Canterbury by car, the Park and Ride loop offers a hop on and off the bus for drivers just £3.50 per day.

It departs from car parks on New Dover Road, Sturry Road and Wincheap that cost £3.50 for the day.

At Christmas, buses run from 9am to 6pm between Sunday November 25 and Sunday December 23.