Six Weeks of Christmas Magic at Folkestone Harbour Arm

13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Folkestone Harbour Arm is getting ready to celebrate Christmas in style, with six weeks of festive events, food, shopping and entertainment planned for the 2026 season.

The celebrations begin on Friday 13 November with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On and the opening of the popular Festive Marketplace. From there, the Harbour Arm will become a festive destination throughout November and December, with independent shopping, seasonal food and drink, family entertainment and community events taking place against the backdrop of Folkestone’s seafront.

There will be plenty to discover, from festive films on the Harbour Screen and Christmas Grotto visits to carols in the station and seasonal food and drink. With street food traders, bars, independent businesses and indoor dining all nearby, it’s easy to turn a visit into a full day or evening by the coast.

Christmas Lights Switch-On

The festive season officially gets underway on Friday 13 November, when Folkestone Harbour Arm opens from 4pm to 8pm for its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Visitors can enjoy the first evening of the Festive Marketplace before the Harbour’s Christmas lights are illuminated at 7pm, creating a suitably sparkling start to the Christmas season.

Festive Marketplace

13 November – 24 December 2026

A highlight of Folkestone’s festive calendar, the Festive Marketplace returns for its sixth year, transforming the Harbour Arm’s distinctive fisherman-style huts into a collection of seasonal shops.

Previously recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s loveliest boutique Christmas markets, the marketplace brings together independent makers, creators and artisans. It’s a great place to browse for locally made gifts, handmade crafts and seasonal treats while soaking up the atmosphere of Christmas by the sea.

The marketplace is open:

Fridays & Saturdays: 11am–7pm
Sundays: 11am–6pm
21–24 December: 11am–6pm

And with plenty of food and drink available around the Harbour Arm, you can easily combine a spot of Christmas shopping with lunch, dinner or a festive treat.

Folkestone Christmas Tractor Run

Saturday 19 December 2026

One of Folkestone’s most eye-catching festive traditions returns on 19 December, when a procession of Christmas-decorated tractors makes its way through Densole, Hawkinge, Capel and Folkestone before finishing at the Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour.

Now in its third year, the Christmas Tractor Run promises plenty of festive spectacle, with tractors covered in Christmas lights and decorations making their way towards the Harbour. It’s a wonderfully local celebration and a memorable addition to the run-up to Christmas.

Crimbo Limbo by the Sea

26 December 2026 – 3 January 2027

Christmas may be over, but the festive fun doesn’t stop there. The Harbour Arm’s Crimbo Limbo returns between Boxing Day and the New Year, offering the perfect excuse to escape the house after Christmas.

Head to the Goods Yard for a relaxed post-Christmas day out, with street food available from 11am–4pm and family-friendly films showing on the Harbour Screen.

Whether you’re looking to get some fresh sea air, meet friends, enjoy some food or simply escape the leftovers at home, Crimbo Limbo offers an easy-going way to spend some time by the coast during the festive break.

Make a Festive Day of It

With Christmas shopping, independent food and drink, entertainment and seasonal events all in one location, Folkestone Harbour Arm is set to be a lively destination throughout the festive season.

The 2026 programme comes during another successful year for the Harbour Arm, which was named Food Destination of the Year 2026 at the Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards.

And, being just under an hour from London by train, Folkestone makes an easy festive day trip. Combine a wander around the marketplace with lunch overlooking the sea, explore the town, catch a film or simply enjoy the Christmas atmosphere before heading home.

Admission to the festive events at Folkestone Harbour Arm is free.

Further details of the festive cinema programme, Christmas Grotto, carols, entertainment and seasonal food and drink will be announced closer to Christmas.

Christmas at Folkestone Harbour Arm – Key Dates

Christmas Lights Switch-On & Marketplace Opening
Friday 13 November 2026, 4pm–8pm
Lights switched on at 7pm

Festive Marketplace
13 November–24 December 2026

Christmas Tractor Run
Saturday 19 December 2026

Crimbo Limbo
26 December 2026–3 January 2027
Street food: 11am–4pm