Christmas in Folkestone
Harbour Arm Christmas Market
A highlight of Folkestone’s festive calendar is the Christmas Market at the Harbour Arm, a seasonal celebration with the sea as its backdrop. The market winds along the waterfront, lined with wooden chalets and stalls brimming with handmade gifts, artisanal crafts, and delicious festive fare. The smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the crisp winter air, mingling with the salty tang of the Channel.
Live musicians and performers bring a joyful soundtrack to your visit, while families gather to watch the entertainment, children clutching bags of sweets and candy canes. It’s more than just a place to shop — it’s a lively hub where laughter, music, and the sparkle of the sea combine to create a truly unique Christmas experience. Whether you’re searching for that perfect gift, indulging in festive flavours, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Harbour Arm is the beating heart of Folkestone’s Christmas celebrations.
Shopping on the Old High Street
For those last-minute Christmas gifts — or for anyone who loves shopping somewhere with a difference — the Old High Street is the place to be. This historic cobbled street winds through the Creative Quarter, alive with independent shops, quirky galleries, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Every doorway invites you in to discover something special, from handcrafted jewellery and contemporary art to vintage treasures, artisan homeware, and fashion with flair.
It’s shopping with soul, where every item feels personal and every purchase supports local makers and creatives. At Christmas, the Old High Street takes on a magical glow. Fairy lights are strung above its winding path, colourful shopfronts are decorated for the season, and the air buzzes with the chatter of shoppers enjoying the festive cheer. It’s the perfect spot for browsing, discovering, and finding presents that carry a story — far removed from the rush of the high street elsewhere.
A Coastal Christmas Escape
What makes Christmas in Folkestone so special is the way it brings together seaside charm, community spirit, and festive tradition. Just an hour from London, the town feels like a true escape: somewhere you can breathe in the sea air, slow down, and enjoy the season at your own pace. Stroll along the Leas, where fairy lights and sea views combine in spectacular style, before heading indoors for a festive show or panto at the Leas Cliff Hall or Quarterhouse.
Families can make memories at creative workshops or seasonal film screenings, while couples might linger over a glass of wine in one of the town’s many welcoming restaurants or cosy pubs. Add in the sparkle of the light switch-on, the buzz of the Harbour Arm market, and the unique finds of the Old High Street, and you’ve got a Christmas celebration that’s as warm and memorable as it is magical. Folkestone’s coastal setting makes it unlike anywhere else at this time of year — a town where festive tradition meets creative energy, and where every moment feels touched with seaside sparkle.
