14 Sep 2023
Tags: #Margate, #Broadstairs, #Ramsgate, #Christmas, #FestiveFun
If you're looking for something different to do this festive season, why not consider the Isle of Thanet and the towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate?
The Isle is a great place to have fun and make memories at any time of year and the coast at Christmas is a magical place to be. Here are our top reasons for visiting for festive fun.
Enjoy festive fun at a vintage amusement park
Dreamland, Margate's iconic seaside entertainment venue, is hosting a variety of special events for all the family, with free entry for everyone.
From Friday 15 to Friday 22 December, Christmas World at Dreamland will welcome guests of all ages from 11am-6pm. Free to enter, with activities, food and drink at an additional cost, there's a whole host of festive fun to be had!
Browse the food and drink stalls and treat yourself to some delicious festive goodies, book a magical visit to Santa's grotto, take part in an indoor snowball fight in the Snowball Fight Zone, or even book a ride on Santa's Snow Mobile.
There will also be interactive daily performances from Santa's elves and festive film favourites for all ages, plus classic funfair games and specially selected rides. For the grown ups, look out for Steins By The Sea evenings bringing the German bierkeller experience to Dreamland's Hall By The Sea!
Tickets are on sale now for Santa's grotto and will be available soon for other events.
Visit www.dreamland.co.uk/event/christmas-world for further information and to book.
See splendid illuminations and reflections at the only Royal Harbour in the country
Ramsgate boasts the only Royal Harbour in the country. The title was bestowed by King George IV in 1821 for the friendly welcome he received when visiting with the Royal Squadron en route to Hanover.
Throughout December, boat owners light up their boats with a dazzling array of sparkling lights, which create spectacular reflections on the water. This is complemented by the independent businesses in the harbour arches who decorate and light up their facades.
After a stroll around the harbour, enjoy dinner or drinks at one of the waterside eateries or bars and experience a Ramsgate welcome similar to that enjoyed by King George IV.
Visit Father Christmas in grottos with a difference
Elf Express and Magical Elf Forest, Quex Park, Birchington
Hop aboard the Elf Express and immerse yourself in the Magic of the Elf Kingdom and Magical Elf Woods. The elves need your help to prepare for the big day and can't wait to welcome you to their world full of festive fun!
With thousands of Christmas lights, sweet treats and memorable encounters with Santa's elves, the Elf Express is a unique interactive theatrical treat, now in its ninth year. The journey starts with a ride on Santa's very own tractor, taking you on a twisting, turning, magical journey. Next stop are the Magical Elf Woods. It's on foot from here, through the beautifully lit woods, where you meet many elves busily working. Here you will be treated to a dazzling show prepared by the elves. Of course, no Christmas experience would be complete without meeting Santa himself! Santa's woodland tree house cabin is a wonderful sight. Finally it's the treetop toy shop, where you can choose any toy you like, but only if you have been good this year!
The experience lasts between one hour to 90 minutes and runs throughout December on selected dates.
The fun continues with a real ice skating rink (new for 2023), authentic festive German BBQ and licensed bar, Christmas goat walking and tours around Santa's farm, there's something for everyone! Please note that attractions must be booked separately and early booking is strongly advised.
Elf Express and Magical Elf Forest - adult (16+) £12.95-£15.95, child (1+) £21.95-£26.95
Ice Skating - £10-£12
Santa's Farm - toddler and one adult £14.95, additional adult £2.95
Goat Walking - one goat and up to five people £22.50-£26.50
Quex Illuminations - adult (16+) £10, child (2-16) £8.50
Ice Skating - £10-£12
Margate Caves
Margate Caves has been welcoming visitors since 1863. This Christmas, from 2 December, it becomes a sparkling subterranean wonderland, full of fairytale magic.
Children can write a letter to Father Christmas under the towering Nutcracker Christmas tree, collect a North Pole Penny from the elf and visit the wishing well, and discover the Frozen Forest and the Sugar Plum Fairy's Land of Sweets.
The Chief Elf will announce when it is time for your family to visit with Father Christmas. You will enjoy time with him in his cosy Christmas cave and the children will receive a special gift.
Journey back above ground where you can warm up with a luxury hot chocolate and other seasonal treats in the cafe. Afterwards, head to Elf HQ where you can create special Christmas crafts to take home.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 2 December, then daily from 18 to 23 December, 11am to 5pm.
Tickets are £12 per child which includes their adventure in the Christmassy Caves, a visit with Father Christmas, craft activities and a gift to take away. Up to two adults per booking are free and no ticket is needed. £4 each additional adult to be paid on the day.
Pre-booking only on bit.ly/ChristmasCaves
Until the end of September book the first weekend at an early bird price of £10 per child - bit.ly/earlybirdchristmas
Crampton Tower Museum
Crampton Tower Museum is a local history and railway museum celebrating the life and achievements of Broadstairs engineer Thomas Crampton (1816-1888).
'Santa at the Tower' takes place on the first three weekends in December - 2/3, 9/10, 16/17 December from 1pm to 4:30pm.
Journey up the tower, through the elves' workshop, to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Children of all ages can enjoy the model railway layouts and, if the weather allows, they'll love to ride the 5-inch gauge miniature railway.
The price is £12 per child which includes a visit to Santa's Grotto, a carefully chosen gift, entry to the museum and one free train ride per paying child (weather permitting). Entry is free for accompanying parents and guardians (maximum two per group).
There is no pre-booking, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. The ticket office opens at 12:30pm (cash or card). Last admission is 4pm or when maximum numbers have checked in. There may be a wait, but hot drinks and a children's play area are available in a warm waiting room in the main hall.
All proceeds from this event go to Crampton Tower Museum, a non-profit-making, volunteer-run charity. (Registered Charity Number 276034).
For further information and details on other Christmas events in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, including Christmas fairs and markets, pantomimes and light switch-ons, go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/christmas. For Christmas attraction opening times go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/xmasopen.
The Isle of Thanet can be reached in under 75 minutes with Southeastern's high speed railway service from London's St. Pancras station.
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General press enquiries:
Please contact Julie Edwards at Thanet Tourism - julie.edwards@thanet.gov.uk or 01843 577671
Assistance can also be given with digital images, reader competitions and press trips - and bespoke packages can be arranged, including accommodation and sightseeing, for journalists with commissions.
