Festive Folkestone Harbour – Plan your visit

Folkestone Harbour sets the festive tone from 15th November until Christmas Eve with many events and activities going on.  Whatever the weather, expect snow flurries to add to your outing from the Folkestone Harbour snow machines!  Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit.

late night shopping

On Friday nights, from 15th November, you can enjoy perusing the beautiful, unique, handmade gifts from the Festive Marketplace.  Open every Friday up to Christmas from 4pm to 8pm, bring some friends and enjoy a mulled wine, or hot chocolate whilst you shop.  The Festive Marketplace is also open on weekends from 11am to 6pm, right up to Christmas Eve.

live music and entertainment

When The Goods Yard and Festive Marketplace are open there will be live music, free family films at the weekends, and fun to be had.  Dolly Doowop starts off with the Lights Switch On, rockin’ around the huge Christmas Tree on 15th November 5-7pm.  There is a calendar packed full of live music throughout the run up from local bands.  Also, live community choirs to get you in the Christmas spirit too, and, shh..say it quietly… the Folkestone Living Advent Calendar!

ho ho harbour grotto

The Habour Grotto is back this year, created by artist Sally Hogarth, and the Harbour team.  Enter into a world, by the sea, influenced by the surroundings and fully festively decorated to discover the customs of Christmas around the world, and more.  This is at Customs House and open from 15th November, on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, weekends 11am to 6pm. Booking is advised.

come and play

If you have fidgety people to entertain then there’s plenty of things to play on at Folkestone Harbour.  Adventure golf have glowing golf balls so you can play after dark.  Come and play during the day, but this makes it easier in the evenings by being able to see the balls!

Settled in Harbourside you’ll find the Carousel which will make any horse-loving child happy.  Find it near Minutas, The Meat Shack and BaoBoba.

festive feasts

There are so many treats to taste at Folkestone Harbour that this needs serious planning.  The inside restaurants are a great place to meet friends for brunch (and beyond) before you start your shopping. Sailbox and Brewing Brothers have Sunday roasts that cater for many different tastes.  Cavells, the new venture from the team behind The Big Greek Bus on the Arm have wholesome Mediterranean stews, Mousaka and more – get them before they sell out.

Maybe you can’t decide between Pork & Co’s pulled pork fries or Queso Hombre’s Raclette?  Or perhaps a treat from Little Rock after your Friday night saunter through the Marketplace?