Folkestone Harbour is gearing up for the return of the Folkestone Festive Marketplace, promising to be its biggest and most magical year yet, with the addition of a new Harbour Grotto festive experience.
Set against the backdrop of Folkestone Harbour’s seafront promenade, the 2023 Festive Marketplace will showcase over 50 local, independent businesses, offering a vibrant Fisherman hut-style shopping experience over a six-week period.
The Folkestone Festive Marketplace will run from November 17 to December 24, every Friday from 4pm to 8pm, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 6pm.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wintery wonderland filled with snow blizzards and festive lights across the site and an impressive Christmas tree at its centre.
They can also look forward to a wide range of free events and cinema screenings, diverse outdoor and indoor dining options, the addition of a unique Harbour Grotto experience and a beautiful, illuminated carousel.
One of the standout features is the abundance of indoor dining options. The opening of six new indoor restaurants this year means visitors will be able to shelter from the weather and warm up over a roast at Sailbox, a hearty, seasonal small plate at Brewing Brothers or even a fish curry at Little Rock.
New for 2023 is the introduction of The Harbour Grotto, developed in partnership with local set designer Sally Hogarth, which will provide a unique seaside-themed experience at The Customs House, celebrating the Harbour’s heritage as a bustling port.
James Davies, operations manager at Folkestone Harbour, said: “We’re gearing up for a festive season at Folkestone Harbour quite unlike anything we’ve held before.
“By building on the success of the previous two years and with the substantial developments we’ve made into building more indoor options to help visitors extend their stay, 2023 promises to cement our reputation as a destination whose winter offer is just as strong as its summer period and further our mission of reinventing the English seaside experience.”
