We’re bringing back late night shopping to margate. Here’s how to get involved…
On Thursday 3 December 2026, from 5pm to 8pm, 20+ of Margate's independent shops, galleries and bars are staying open late for the Don't Miss Late Night Shopping Trail. It's free, there's nothing to book, and you can start anywhere on the route.
If you're looking for Christmas events in Margate this year, or something a bit different from a Christmas market, this is it.
Grab a trail map, wander the town after dark and get your Christmas shopping done in proper independent shops, with mulled wine, mince pies and a few exclusive offers along the way.
The Christmas Shopping trail at a glance
What: Don't Miss Late Night Shopping Trail
When: Thursday 3 December 2026, 5pm to 8pm
Where: Shops, galleries and bars across Margate, from the Old Town and High Street to Northdown Road
Cost: Free, no booking needed, just head out
Map: Pick one up from any shop on the trail, or subscribe to Don't Miss Margate and we'll email it to you
Who's on the Margate Late Night Shopping Trail?
Here's who's staying open late, and what they've got on for you.
Anna Loucah Hand-crafted, ethically sourced fine jewellery, so if you're after something special for someone special, start here. Browse with a glass of mulled wine in hand.
Asobi Stationery, magazines, books, homeware and gifts, some of them made in house. Look out for their huge Christmas tree in the window, covered in handmade felt decorations from Nepal.
August Every year August and Mercedes Lucy team up to create Good Tidings, a festive store in Margate Old Town. Expect esoteric gifts, yuletide goods, candlelit events and plenty of merriment.
Boondocks Head to the Harbour Arm for vintage picks and pieces.
Chalk The full CHALK UK Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, including Mini CHALK and CHALK man, plus a carefully picked edit of other brands. Bubbles and mince pies on the night.
Cover Curated vintage clothing and accessories, tarot readings and VIP shopping and styling. Prosecco is always on tap, which makes it less of a shop and more of an experience.
Duplikat Press The Risograph print studio and shop at 136 High Street is teaming up with Brighton's Yuk Fun so you can screen print your own Christmas jumper. Bring a cotton sweatshirt, tee or tote and print their exclusive Christmas design for £15. There's a special A3 Riso print by Yuk Fun too. Just drop in, no booking.
Asobi, Chalk and Opal are on the Don’t Miss Margate Late Night Shopping Trail
Futurelove Pre-loved and heritage brands are perfect for a one off under the tree gift this Christmas.
Harbour & Tide Joyful, functional and sustainable gifts from your neighbourhood beach store, now in the Old Town on Market Street and open seven days a week.
Howiya The modern vintage shop on King Street, with handpicked vintage, workwear, denim and streetwear. For Christmas they're adding stocking fillers, from lip balms and vintage pennants to cards and their own exclusive Lido keyrings.
Job Muscroft Gallery Joyful, affordable art, perfect for those who have everything!
Little Swift Incredible wine and essential deli bits for Christmas. Plus order your festive cheese!
The Margate Bookshop Who doesn’t love a book for Christmas? Or a gift card to choose their own, even better?
Nature's Nook Health food shop and cafe with healthy snacks, natural skincare, wholesome lunches and great coffee. For the trail, there'll be Christmassy treats, festive gifts and warming mulled wine while you browse.
Opal Margate for beautiful Margate made jewellery, embroidered clothes, artwork and locally made skincare
Seabird Need a pit stop? Seabird is open all day and into the night with great coffee, homemade seasonal cakes, sociable dining, good wine and fab cocktails.
The Store Collective Gifts, jewellery, homewares and clothing from independent designers and kitchen table makers across the UK and Europe, plus cards and decorations from local makers. On the night there are complimentary drinks and treats, and 10% off all in-store purchases (excluding sale items).
WEDGE @ drops drops, the booze shop on Northdown Road, is teaming up with WEDGE, Margate's cheesiest stall in the Old Town market, for a festive cheese pop up through December. Expect artisan cheese, Christmas cheeseboards, gift boxes and money off drinks.
Zoe Murphy Studio Screen printed gifts, homewares, textiles and furniture from one of Margate's best loved designers.
More shops are joining all the time, so check back before the night.
How to get involved: your questions answered
When is the Margate Late Night Shopping Trail 2026?
Thursday 3 December 2026, from 5pm to 8pm.
Do I need to book or buy a ticket?
No. The trail is free and there's no booking. Just turn up on the night.
Where can I get a trail map?
You can pick up a free printed map from any of the shops on the trail listed above, from 1 December.
Or subscribe to Don't Miss Margate and we'll email the map straight to you before the night, so it's on your phone.
Where does the trail start?
Wherever you like. Start at the shop closest to you and follow the map. Look out for the Don't Miss poster in the window so you know who's taking part.
Are there Christmas markets in Margate in 2026?
The Late Night Shopping Trail is a different take on a Christmas market.
Instead of stalls in one place, you get 20 of Margate's independent shops open late on one night, each with their own festive offers.
There are seasonal pop ups too, including Good Tidings in the Old Town and WEDGE @ drops on Northdown Road.
For every Christmas market, fair and pop up in Margate this year, subscribe to Don't Miss Margate, our free weekly guide.
What other Christmas events are on in Margate?
Loads. We round up the best Christmas events in Margate every week in Don't Miss Margate, from markets and makers' fairs to festive gigs and late openings. Sign up here and it'll land in your inbox every week.
Is there anything special on the night?
Yes. Expect mulled wine, bubbles and mince pies, 10% off at The Store Collective, gift wrapping giveaways at Zoe Muphy, screen print your own Christmas jumper at Duplikat Press, and a festive cheese pop up at WEDGE @ drops and lots more.
Who organises the trail?
Don't Miss Margate, the local newsletter for what's on in Margate. 10% of our profits go to free community events in Margate through our micro-grants.
I run a shop in Margate. Can I join?
Yes, there may still be a few spots left. Email us.
Why shop local this Christmas?
When you spend money in an independent shop, more of it stays in Margate, paying local people and keeping our high streets busy all year round. And this year, every map you pick up helps fund free community events in town too.
So put Thursday 3 December in the diary, bring a friend (and a big bag) and come and say hi. We'll see you on the trail.
And if you want to know more about what’s happening in Margate, subscribe to our free weekly what’s on newsletter.
