Canterbury Bid

Canterbury’s 2023 Christmas Light Parade date announced

It’s full steam ahead for a spectacular Christmas in Canterbury as the city announces the date for its festive light parade.

Each year the businesses of Canterbury, through Canterbury BID, organise the Christmas Light Parade to mark the start of the festive season and celebrate the opening of the Christmas Market.  The city is nationally recognised for its beautiful Christmas lights, award-winning shop windows, fun-filled activities and experiences for visitors of all ages.

This year’s Light Parade will take place on Friday 10th November with the theme ‘Aladdin’ and will follow a new route through the city.

It will start at 6pm from the Westgate Towers and, for the first time, the parade will weave its way past the Cathedral, illuminating the medieval streets as it goes by.

The parade will be led by the Lord Mayor and the amazing Bloco Fogo Drumming Band, followed by six huge Aladdin characters, 100+ light up costumes created by local schools, a festive brass band and a whole host of lively Christmas characters to entertain you on the route.

Due to its continued popularity, the parade will end in the Dane John Gardens with a sing-a-long celebration at the bandstand led by Robbie White, and a special visit from the Marlowe Pantomime cast – giving everyone the opportunity to make a ‘Christmas Wish’ together.

The city’s traditional Christmas market also opens at 10am that day, so people can visit the wooden huts and stalls in Whitefriars, Rose Lane and St George’s Street before and after the parade.  This year’s Christmas Light Parade is once again sponsored by Miles & Barr.

Full route available here: www.canterburybid.co.uk/christmas.

An exciting partnership with Hornby for further festive displays in the city will also be announced later this month.

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