Winter in Canterbury: Christmas Markets, Cosy Cafés and Scenic Punting

Wrap up warm and step into a winter in Canterbury that feels straight out of a Dickens novel. As the festive season arrives, this historic city transforms into a charming winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, the aroma of spiced treats, and plenty of inviting hideaways from the cold. Whether you’re browsing the Christmas market in Canterbury for unique gifts, sipping a hot chocolate in one of the city’s cosy cafés, joining a frosty punt down the River Stour, or simply wandering the medieval streets under sparkling decorations, Canterbury offers a warm welcome to every winter traveller.

From lively holiday events to tranquil riverside moments, here are some of the best ways to enjoy Canterbury during the colder months.

Canterbury Christmas Market & Festive Lights

No winter visit is complete without experiencing the Canterbury Christmas Market. Running from mid-November until Christmas, this festive market fills the city centre with rows of wooden chalets brimming with crafts, local produce, and seasonal treats. Sip on mulled wine or nibble a mince pie as you browse stalls for handmade gifts and stocking fillers, all set against the backdrop of Canterbury’s historic streets. It’s the largest Christmas market in Kent, and its cheerful atmosphere is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

The festivities officially kick off with the annual Christmas Light Switch-On in mid-November, when the city’s medieval lanes are illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Live music, street performers, and the excitement of the countdown make it a magical evening for all ages. From that night onward, Canterbury’s centre glows each evening with festive displays – perfect for an after-dark stroll. For dates, event details, and the latest updates, visit the official Canterbury Christmas Market page.

Carols at Canterbury Cathedral

Under the soaring Gothic arches of Canterbury Cathedral, the Christmas season takes on a truly special aura. The Cathedral hosts a range of Advent and Christmas services, from traditional carol evenings led by the world-renowned choir to family-friendly nativity events and the solemn beauty of Midnight Mass. Attending a candlelit carol service here – surrounded by centuries of history and the gentle sound of choral music – is an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Christmas.

All are welcome at these services, which are generally free to attend (some popular events may require pre-booked tickets). If you’re in Canterbury during December, be sure to peek inside the Cathedral’s ancient walls to see the Christmas trees and perhaps a life-size Nativity scene in the cloisters. For a schedule of service times and special events, check the Canterbury Cathedral website.

Winter Punting on the Stour

Think punting is just for the summertime? Think again – punting in winter along the River Stour offers a peaceful and picturesque way to see Canterbury’s sights from the water. The colder months mean quieter waterways – often you’ll have the river almost to yourself, gliding past ivy-clad ruins and under medieval bridges in crisp, calm air. Bundle up in your coat (our friendly guides at the Canterbury Punting Company will provide blankets for extra warmth) and enjoy the unique perspective of the city’s landmarks reflecting on the water.

A boat tour in winter can be especially enchanting in the late afternoon or early evening, when Canterbury’s Christmas lights twinkle along the riverbanks. It’s a bit like stepping into a fairy tale, as you drift under willow trees and hear stories of the city’s history. You can join one of our shared tours for a fun, social experience – a great option for couples, families, or solo travellers alike. Reservations are recommended, so make sure to book a shared tour and experience Canterbury from the comfort of a cosy punt.

Cosy Cafés in Canterbury

Chilly days call for warm cafés, and Canterbury has plenty of inviting spots to take the edge off the cold. Foremost among them is The Mooring Café & Bar, a true hidden gem by the river. By day, The Mooring welcomes you with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and offers hearty brunches, homemade soups, and decadent cakes (don’t miss their local specialty bakes!). It’s the perfect place to thaw out after a morning of sightseeing or a frosty boat ride, with its snug atmosphere and friendly chatter.

By night, The Mooring transforms into a cosy little cocktail bar, glowing with fairy lights and serving up winter warmers. You can relax with a mulled wine, a craft ale, or one of their signature seasonal cocktails while enjoying the view of the gently flowing Stour outside. It’s one of the cosiest spots in town to unwind. Of course, Canterbury’s High Street and King’s Mile area are dotted with other charming cafés and tea rooms – but few can rival the riverside charm of The Mooring on a winter’s evening.

Local Ales at The Foundry Brew Pub

After exploring in the cold, why not warm up from the inside with some local craft beer? The Foundry Brew Pub is a unique pub and micro-brewery housed in an old industrial foundry just off the High Street. Inside this characterful venue, you’ll find roaring fires (in spirit, if not an actual hearth) and an impressive selection of house-made ales, lagers, and even spirits. Their on-site brewery means you’re drinking Canterbury’s freshest brews, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts – perfect for a winter tipple.

The Foundry also offers a popular brewery and distillery tour, where you can learn about their beer-making process and sample a few creations along the way. It’s an educational and delicious way to spend a chilly afternoon indoors. Tours typically include a tasting session of beers (and sometimes their crafted gins or whiskies) and run year-round. To find tour times or book a slot, visit The Foundry’s official website. After the tour, stick around for a hearty meal in the pub – their menu of comfort food is ideal for winter appetites.

Scenic Winter Walks

Not everything in Canterbury’s winter wonderland is about festivity and food – sometimes the simplest joy is a leisurely walk in the crisp air. One of the best places for a scenic winter stroll is Westgate Gardens. Even in the colder months, these riverside gardens are charming: the grass often sparkles with morning frost, bare tree branches create beautiful silhouettes against the sky, and the historic Westgate Tower stands guard at the gate to the old city, just as it has for centuries. It’s a tranquil escape where you can feed the ducks, watch the River Stour flow by, and maybe catch a glimpse of winter wildlife.

Wrap a scarf around your neck and wander the pathways – you’ll find that the quiet beauty of a winter day in Westgate Gardens is its own kind of magic. If you fancy a longer walk, Canterbury’s scenic routes extend beyond the gardens: you might follow the footpath along the Stour towards the countryside, or explore the quaint streets of the King’s Mile. But for a short, peaceful walk within the city, Westgate Gardens is hard to beat on a winter afternoon.

Ready to Enjoy Canterbury’s Winter Magic?

With so much to see and do, winter in Canterbury promises cosy delights and memorable adventures at every turn. Whether you’re shopping for gifts at the Christmas market, singing along to carols in the Cathedral, gliding down the Stour on a punt, or simply savouring a hot drink by the riverside, this city knows how to celebrate the colder months in style. Don’t just take our word for it – come experience it for yourself!

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to book a tour with the Canterbury Punting Company for an unforgettable view of Canterbury from the water. And drop into The Mooring Café & Bar while you’re here to toast the season with a warm drink or sweet treat. We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful city this winter – here’s to making wonderful winter memories in Canterbury!