Christmas in Ramsgate 2025
Ramsgate Winter Festival Begins!
Ramsgate is set to shine brighter than ever this festive season as the Ramsgate Winter Festival lights up the town and harbour with a spectacular celebration of light, art, and community spirit. Here’s everything you need to know!
Sunday 30th November (11am–6pm) is Switch-On Day!
The festivities kick off with the traditional Christmas Lights Switch-On, a full day of festive fun for the whole family!
- Elf Trail & Santa’s Sleuthing Scientists: Complete the Elf Trail and meet Santa’s Sleuthing Scientists at Ramsgate Space in Albert Court, led by Discovery Planet, experts in learning through play!
- Family Fun: Enjoy children’s rides, creative workshops, live performances from local dance schools, Michael Appleton and pantomime favourites from The Granville Theatre.
- Christmas Market: Browse a bustling market filled with seasonal treats, gifts, and festive cheer.
Santa’s New Home: This year, Santa welcomes children aged 11 and under to his brand-new gingerbread house at Silvers on Harbour Street. Bring your completed Elf Trail to receive a special gift! While you wait, enjoy free workshops and face painting by Pietro!
Lantern Making: Want to join the New Year’s Eve Parade with a handmade lantern? Drop into Arts in Ramsgate for workshops, joined by Cheeky Chops facepainter. There are some extra dates in December – check the poster below for all workshops and instructions on the day for paraders!
Lights Switch-On at 4.30pm: Watch Ramsgate glow as dazzling new lights illuminate even more of the town, including York and Queen Street.
Let There Be Light: After the switch-on, follow the vibrant Samba Ya Wantsum parade to St George’s Church for a stunning display of illuminations, live music, hot chocolate, and mince pies.
The Festival Continues All December (and even January)!
Ramsgate’s Winter Festival keeps the magic alive throughout December with events across the town and harbour:
- From 1st December: Ramsgate Harbour Illuminations begins, with boats and arches lighting up for your delight, shining their brightest from the second week of December. Look out for our new colour-changing lights along Military Road Arches and the Obelisk! Advent Living Doors: Visit a different house or business each evening until Christmas Eve. Don’t miss Ramsgate’s Silliest Christmas Carols at the Rubber Chicken House on 24th December at 6pm!
- 11th December: Late Night Shopping with magical projections, pop-up parades, a festive market, and a £50 prize draw. Explore Addington Street’s festive evening too!
- 11th–13th December: The Weekend of Wonder (WOW!) launches the six-week Light Up Ramsgate Trail with breathtaking light installations from the harbour through the town.
- 12th–21st December: Visit the Ramsgate Christmas Tree Festival at St George’s Church and vote for your favourite tree. Don’t miss concerts by the Baroque Collective on the 18th and the soulful, Sabina Desir with Jessica Lauren on the 19th.
- 12th December: Santa visits Ramsgate RNLI and tours the harbour. Enjoy festive treats from Ship Shape and Coco Latino along Military Road.
- Free Lantern Workshops: Ramsgate Winter Parade lantern workshop sessions are open to all and will run every Wednesday (Nov and Dec) from 5-7pm at St George’s Church Hall plus there’s a special Switch on workshop in Arts in Ramsgate, 12-4pm.
- 21st December: Carols in the Park at Ellington Park — a heartwarming evening of choirs, mince pies, and hot chocolate.
- 31st December (4.45–5.30pm): New Year’s Eve Lantern Parade — starting at St George’s Church and ending at Ramsgate Tunnels. This year’s theme: Peace, Love and Joy to the World. Let’s welcome 2026 with Ramsgate’s signature warmth and community spirit!
With so much happening this festive season, Ramsgate is the place to be! For full listings and updates, visit our What’s On Ramsgate page where the December calendar will be uploaded in the last week of November.
Come for the lights, stay for the magic and make this Christmas one to remember in Ramsgate!
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a fantastic 2026!
Rebekah Smith
Town Centre and Tourism Manager
On behalf of Ramsgate Town Council
Special thanks to Ramsgate Town Council, the main funders of many events listed in this blog
