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Don’t Miss Christmas markets, workshops and festive nights in Margate
Margate’s iconic gallery is getting festive and has a full programme to see in Christmas in 2026.
Turner has ten Christmas and winter events from 1 November to 20 December 2026, all at the gallery on Margate seafront.
There are three free makers' markets for Christmas shopping, a festive party night with dinner and a DJ, a history of Christmas supperclub, wreath making, a live show of anonymous Christmas letters and a winter solstice day.
Here's everything that's on, when it is and how to book.
What’s on this Christmas at The Turner Gallery
🛍️ Brighter Days Market
Sat 7 and Sun 8 Nov, 11am - 4pm
Get ahead on your Christmas list with one of a kind gifts from independent makers, artists and craftspeople. Jewellery, ceramics, homewares and prints and more. I do so much of my annual shopping at these markets.
🎟️ Free / More info
💍 Silver + Form
Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov, 11am - 5pm
A curated showcase of UK jewellers, silversmiths and metalworkers, for gifts with a little more artistry. Meet the makers and find a piece that’s properly special.
🎟️ Free / More info
🎄 Turner: Festive After Hours
Fri 27 Nov, 6pm til late
Our pick for a Christmas party with a difference. Don’t have a big enough team for a Xmas party? Join the Turner’s! A welcome drink, the galleries after hours, a two-course seasonal dinner from Minno Kitchen, coffee and truffles, then a DJ and dancing until midnight overlooking the sea. Round up your friends or your work team.
🎟️ £65 per person / Book here
Every home needs a wreath at Christmas - learn how to make yours
🌿 Festive Wreath Making with What a Lovely Bunch
Sat 28 Nov, 2.30pm - 4.30pm or Sun 13 Dec, 11am - 1pm
Make a wreath that’s anything but ordinary, using seasonal foliage, locally grown materials and dried flowers. A lovely way to kick off the festive season, and no experience needed.
🎟️ £60 / Book here
🍽️ Yule! A Feast Through the History of Christmas
Thu 3 and Fri 4 Dec, 7pm - 10pm
Chef, artist and food historian Louisa Mokadem serves up forgotten Christmas traditions through historical dishes, storytelling and shared plates. Christmas dinner, with a few centuries of history on the menu.
🎟️ £80 inc welcome drink / Book here
Pick up something special from a Margate based jeweller
✨ Margate Jewellers’ Collective: Winter Pop-up
Sat 12 Dec, 11am - 4pm
Eight local makers with fine and demi-fine jewellery, from sculptural precious metals to playful statement pieces. The one to go to for a gift with a real Margate connection.
🎟️ Free / More info
💌 Christmas Letters You’ll Never Send
Thu 17 Dec, 7pm - 9pm
Love, loss, family dramas and old flames, performed live from real anonymous letters sent in by the public. Funny, moving and a bit outrageous, and you can send in your own.
🎟️ £20 / Book here
🌑 Winter Solstice: A Day to Honour the Darkness
Sun 20 Dec, 11am - 5pm
Mark the longest night with movement, breathwork, drumming and immersive sound. A chance to slow down before the Christmas chaos, and no experience needed.
🎟️ £65 full day or £25 per session / Book here
Honour the winter solstice with this new all day event at the Turner
🏺 Margate Ceramics Market
Date TBC
Handmade ceramics for the home, the table or someone you love. Our tip for gifts that will be used and loved for years.
🎟️ Free
🎁 Christmas shopping at the Turner shop
Limited edition prints from Turner Editions, art books and design-led gifts, all in one stop on the seafront.
🎟️ Free
👉 Plan your visit to Turner and make a day of it (check out some of our favourite bars to watch the sunset).
👉 The gallery’s winter programme runs right through December, bringing creativity, community and a little extra sparkle to Margate’s coast.
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