Back for its 5th year, The Folkestone Festive Marketplace sees The Goods Yard, Marketplace and surrounding areas transform into a Christmassy Oasis of snow blizzards, independent market huts, festive films, live music and special, one -off events.
Featured as one of The Time’s 7 Loveliest Boutique Christmas Markets in last year, 2025’s Marketplace will continue to build on the success of previous years. Expect our free programme of events, animations and the much anticipated return of our Harbour Grotto.
14th November - 24th December
Our Festive Marketplace returns on Friday 14th November from 4pm - 8pm for our annual Christmas Lights Switch on, the switch will be flicked at 7pm.
It will be open every Friday & Saturday, 11am - 7pm and every Sunday , 11am - 6pm until 21st December. In the run up to the big day the Festive Marketplace will be open 11am - 6pm on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th December.
Join us from 26th December - 1st January 2026 for - Crimbo Limbo!
The Goods Yard will be an escape from the endless turkey sandwiches and cold mince pies. All Street Food traders will be open 11am - 4pm , with a family favourite film on The Harbour Screen daily.
Our Festive Film Programme returns on Saturday 15th November at 12pm, there is a FREE festive favourite everyday of the Festive Marketplace to get you in the spirit!
We have handpicked 27 classic Christmas films and family favourites to be shown over the Festive period, including Crimbo Limbo! Expect all your favourite festive classics to return and our traditional screening of A Muppets Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve
A full list of films will be available shortly .
Every year we add a little extra sparkle to the Festive Marketplace with our curated programme of free events and live music. This year is no different, we have an exciting line-up planned for this year . Keep an eye on our events page for more information , but for now here are some key dates for you calendar:
Friday 14th November at 7pm
Our Annual Christmas lights switch-on.
Friday 5th December
The Harbour Grotto opens for 2025 Festive Marketplace.
Live music every Saturday & Sunday of the Festive Marketplace, plus the Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd, from 3pm and on Christmas Eve from 2.30pm.
MORE EXCITING EVENTS TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Interested and want to learn more? All the information you need including dates, hours, trading options, prices and more can be found in the document below.
Details
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Starting on 14th November for our light switch on (4pm - 8pm) right up to Christmas Eve.
The Festive Marketplace will be open Fridays (11 - 7), Saturdays (11 - 7) & Sundays (11 - 6), plus the 22nd - 24th(11 - 6). -
Father Christmas returns on Friday 5th December. Tickets will be announced shortly, please keep an eye on our social media and email newsletter.
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NO! - All our Festive films are free to attend and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.
All we ask is that you support our independent traders during your visit!
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Yes! - Our Festive Marketplace is open air and well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Some of our indoor businesses have their own policy on dogs , check individual outlets for more information
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Give the information booklet above a read; it has all the info you need to understand what we are looking for. If you want to apply now, click here.
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Head to page 6 of the document above for a full, detailed breakdown of the costs and different trading options available.
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Yes!
For the first time ever Festive Marketplace traders will be able to opt in trade during Crimbo Limbo (26th Dec - 1st Jan). More details about this can be found in the document above.