Where to see the Christmas lights in Kent and East Sussex

It’s the time of year where we wrap up warm, sip on gingerbread lattes, eat mince pies and take a trip to see Santa. But Christmas only officially kicks off when you countdown from 5 and the streets are illuminated by fairy lights and a tree the height of a double decker bus stands before you!

Make the most of the festivities wherever you are in the South East! Have a mulled wine or two and let us be your designated driver this Christmas! We’ve found the best spots to watch the big Christmas light switch on, so read on and hop on board for an unforgettable start to the festive period.

Canterbury

The big switch on in the cathedral city will see the streets of Canterbury lit from Westgate Gardens all the way to Rose Square to kick off the festive season. Adjacent to the bus station is Whitefriars, where you’ll be in prime position to watch the Christmas lights come on. Prepare to be greeted by dazzling lights, a range of festive stalls and a special appearance from Marlowe Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty cast!

Canterbury Bus Station serves several towns across Kent reaching Whitstable, Thanet, Dover, Ashford, Sittingbourne and Maidstone!

When: Saturday 12 November from Westgate Towers to Rose Square, Whitefriars in Canterbury. Switch on begins at 6pm.

Westwood Cross

A switch on featuring Santa Claus, a festive procession and a 90s boyband performing festive classics… What more could you want? 

Westwood Cross has the ultimate bash to kick off the Christmas period whilst also picking up your prezzies early too! Returning with their iconic switch on, hop on the Loop from Ramsgate, Broadstairs or Margate to be dropped off right in the shopping centre and where boyband East17 are performing.

When: Friday 18 November, Westwood Cross, Margate Road, Broadstairs. Begins at 3:30pm

Folkestone

It’s trendy, it’s hip and it’s in the Creative Quarter! Folkestone will bring the streets to life with their big switch on this Christmas!

With a choir filling the streets with song and joy, stunning window displays, and shops open into the evening, make a day of it when you hop off the #71 or #16 at Folkestone Bus Station for a joyful night.

When: Friday 18 November, The Old High St, Folkestone, CT20 1JT. Begins at 5:30pm.

Eastbourne 

With late night shopping, live music and a vegan arts & crafts market, Eastbourne has pulled out all the stops this year for their interactive Christmas light switch on.

The market will run all day from 10 a.m. giving you plenty of time to explore the town.

With festivities taking place in the town centre, purchase an East Sussex DayRider and hop on the #99 bus from Hastings straight to Eastbourne’s day of festive fun!

When: November, ^th Thursday 24Terminus Road, Eastbourne. Begins from 10 a.m.