Christmas Lights Switch On!
🗓️ Sunday 29 November 2026 🕚 11am–5pm📍Ramsgate Town Centre
Ramsgate Winter Festival Begins with the Christmas Lights Switch On!
Christmas is almost upon us and Ramsgate is ready to start celebrating! Join us on Sunday 29 November as the town centre comes alive with festive fun, entertainment and a little Christmas magic for the Ramsgate Christmas Lights Switch On, marking the start of this year’s Ramsgate Winter Festival.
With Christmas market stalls, children’s rides, live entertainment, mischievous elves, creative workshops and a visit from Father Christmas himself, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day. And, of course, the big moment comes at 4.30pm(ish!), when Ramsgate’s town centre Christmas lights are switched on!
Festive Fun for Everyone
The fun begins with Christmas market stalls from 10am to 4pm, offering a chance to browse, shop and soak up the festive atmosphere.
From midday, the town centre will be buzzing with live entertainment and children’s rides, with some special appearances from the Granville Theatre’s pantomime stars to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Keep an eye out for our Naughty Elves, follow the Elf Trail, try your hand at sand art and join Looping the Loop’s Mistress Mistletoe’s Elves Workshop for some festive creativity.
There’ll also be opportunities to get involved in making lanterns for Ramsgate’s New Year’s Eve Lantern Parade, with workshops at Arts in Ramsgate, along with face painting for our younger visitors.
A Visit to Santa’s Grotto
No Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas!
Head to Silvers between midday and 4pm, where Santa will be waiting in his grotto. There’ll also be a Christmas workshop and face painting to add to the festive fun.
The Big Switch On – 4.30pm(ish!)
As the afternoon draws to a close, gather in the town centre for the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the Christmas Lights Switch On at approximately 4.30pm!
It’s a lovely way to round off the day and welcome the start of Ramsgate’s winter celebrations.
So wrap up warm, bring your friends and family, support our local businesses and join us on Sunday 29 November as we kick off the festive season in Ramsgate.
Come along and help us light up the town!
Ramsgate Elf Trail
This Trail is for a SPECIAL CHILDRENS EVENT on 29th November 2026.
WHAT TO DO :-
- Find the Elves in the shop windows on the Elf Trail (the Elves are holding letters).
- Write down the letters on the Elf Trail flyer* to find out why Santa gets so frustrated with his elves.
- Hand the completed flyer to Santa’s helper in Santa’s Grotto (at Silvers Bar, 29-31 Harbour St) to receive your free gift!
*Flyers available from Ramsgate Visitors Information Centre, participating shops, salons, galleries, restaurants & cafes and in school bags.
Santa’s Grotto is for children aged 0-11.
Use the Ramsgate Elf Trail Map below for locations.
Ramsgate Elf Trail Flyer
Ramsgate Elf Trail Map
Click here for more Christmas Maps & Trails.
