Dover Winter Light Up
Visitors can browse artisan and youth markets, sample street food, and watch live music, dance, and DJ performances. The celebration includes circus workshops along with hands-on craft sessions to build willow and paper star lanterns. A vibrant street parade fills the town with hundreds of illuminated lanterns and giant wildlife puppets accompanied by live drumming.
Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All ages Free.
See more Christmas lights near Dover
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Market Square 10am–3pm; Pencester Gardens 3pm–7:30pm; lantern parade at 5:30pm.
Food & Drink
Street food is available in Pencester Gardens during the afternoon and evening festivities.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Book a place at a free public workshop to make your own paper and willow star lantern and carry it in the parade.
- Start at Market Square for crafts, circus workshops and the artisan market, then move to Pencester Gardens for street food, DJs and the youth market.
- Be at Pencester Gardens for the start of the lantern parade, which sets off from there with drummers including Dover's new Samba band.
- Wrap up warm, because the lantern parade and the Pencester Gardens festivities carry on outdoors into the winter evening.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free public star lantern workshops at the Charlton Centre, Biggin Hall and St James Shopping Centre; booking required, dates to be confirmed
- New this year: Dover's homegrown Samba band drums in the lantern parade
Links & Contact
Run by Destination Dover
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do during the day?
Market Square has live music, crafts, circus workshops and an artisan market. Later the festival moves to Pencester Gardens for street food, DJs, dance and a youth market.
What is the lantern parade?
Local families, school pupils and volunteers carry hundreds of handmade lanterns through Dover. They set off from Pencester Gardens, with drummers including Dover's new homegrown Samba band.
Can I make my own lantern?
Yes. Free public workshops for making paper and willow star lanterns are open to everyone, but you need to book. Workshop dates are still to be confirmed, at the Charlton Centre, Biggin Hall and St James Shopping Centre.
Where is the food?
Street food is in Pencester Gardens during the later part of the day.
Who takes part?
It's a free family festival. Up to 20 schools, colleges and community groups, along with members of the public, are making more than 500 star lanterns for the parade.
Browse Christmas in Dover
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.