Folkestone Harbour will kick off the Christmas season with six weeks of festive celebrations, beginning with its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On and the opening of the Festive Marketplace on Friday 13 November.

The Goods Yard Christmas Market at Folkestone Harbour Arm

Previously named one of the UK’s loveliest boutique Christmas markets by The Sunday Times, the market has become a firm fixture in Folkestone’s festive calendar. Running throughout the festive season and into the New Year, the jam-packed winter programme will bring together independent shopping, festive food and drink, family entertainment and community events across the Harbour Arm.

Alongside the return of its much-loved Festive Marketplace, visitors can expect festive films on the Harbour Screen, a Christmas Grotto, carols in the station and a programme of seasonal food and drink.

With indoor dining options immediately alongside the market and the Harbour’s street food traders, bars and independent businesses, visitors will be able to make a full day or evening of their trip to the coast.

Further details of this year’s film programme, entertainment, Grotto and festive events will be announced in the run-up to Christmas.

The celebrations begin on Friday 13 November, when the Harbour Arm will be open from 4pm until 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 officially switched on at 7pm.

Festive Marketplace | 13 November – 24 December 2026

Now returning for its sixth year, Folkestone Harbour’s Festive Marketplace will once again transform the Harbour’s distinctive fisherman-style huts into a collection of festive shops showcasing independent makers, creators and artisans.

Running from 13 November until Christmas Eve, visitors can browse locally made gifts, crafts and seasonal treats, with plenty of food and drink available across the Harbour too.

The Festive Marketplace sits at the heart of the wider Harbour Arm, with visitors able to combine Christmas shopping with festive food, films, family activities and entertainment, all on Folkestone’s seafront.

Opening hours:

Fridays and Saturdays: 11am – 7pm

Sundays: 11am – 6pm  until Sunday 20 December.

For those making the most of the final few shopping days before Christmas, the Marketplace will also open from 11am – 6pm on 21, 22, 23 and 24 December.

Folkestone Christmas Tractor Run | 19 December 2026

One of Folkestone’s most eye-catching Christmas traditions also returns this year, with the Folkestone Christmas Tractor Run taking place on Saturday 19 December.

Now in its third year, a procession of festively decorated tractors will travel through Densole, Hawkinge, Capel and Folkestone, before finishing at the Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour.

Expect tractors covered in Christmas lights, plenty of festive cheer and a memorable arrival at the Harbour during the final weekend before Christmas.

Crimbo Limbo | 26 December 2026 – 3 January 2027

©Folkestone Harbour

The celebrations will continue after Christmas Day with the return of Crimbo Limbo at Folkestone Harbour Arm.

For anyone ready for a break from turkey sandwiches, leftover mince pies and days spent indoors, the Harbour Arm’s Goods Yard will provide a reason to head back out between Christmas and New Year.

Street food traders will be open from 11am – 4pm, alongside family favourite films on the Harbour Screen, creating an easy-going post-Christmas escape by the sea.

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

Just under an hour from London by train, the Harbour Arm offers visitors the chance to combine Christmas shopping, food, entertainment and festive activities with a day on the Kent coast.

Event Details

Christmas Lights Switch-On & Festive Marketplace Opening 

Friday 13 November 2026, 4pm – 8pm

Lights switched on at 7pm

Festive Marketplace 

13 November – 24 December 2026

Fridays & Saturdays: 11am – 7pm

Sundays: 11am – 6pm

21–24 December: 11am – 6pm

Folkestone Christmas Tractor Run 

Saturday 19 December 2026

Crimbo Limbo 

26 December 2026 – 3 January 2027

Street food: 11am – 4pm

Where: Folkestone Harbour

Admission: Free

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