For coach drivers

Coaches can drop passengers off at the drop-off point located in St George’s Lane, in front of Whitefriars Shopping Centre, where a section of the Christmas Market is located and approximately 400 metres from Canterbury Cathedral.

Canterbury Coach Park is approximately a 10 minute pleasant riverside walk from the city centre. There is no coach parking available within the city walls. The coach park is easily accessible from the main routes into the city with parking machines accepting credit cards and cash. Toilets including disabled, baby changing facilities and water point are available.

Times and charges – open 24 hours per day everyday. £15 for 12 hours.

Download the full information pack and guide in PDF format.

General info

  • A small collection of Christmas themed huts.
  • A fantastic selection of Christmas gifts.
  • Live music performances on Saturdays.
  • Santa’s Grotto from November 28th to December 24th. 

Market Opening hours

Friday November 6th to December 24th 2020

  • Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
  • Saturday 9am to 6pm
  • Sunday 10am to 5pm
  • Christmas Eve closes 3pm

Visiting Santa

Please see Covid-19 Special Arrangements

You can book to visit Santa in his grotto along with his Elves online here.

Whitefriars’ very own fairy welcomes children to the magical grotto (located in the Festive Pop-Up at unit 26/27 Whitefriars St ) with a sprinkle of fairy dust, a twirl and a nose wiggle which makes sure everyone will be able to see Father Christmas (sometimes he’s invisible). The elves invite the children to meet Father Christmas in his sleigh and they can let him know how good they’ve been. Parents are welcome to take appropriately distanced photos of their own children with Father Christmas. Each child will receive a gift and a sticker badge.