Whitstable is getting ready to sparkle.
WhitSparkle takes place on Saturday 28 November 2026 at Whitstable Harbour and through the town centre. It is free to watch, run with Trip Switch Events and kept going by local sponsors and donations.
The day
- From 1pm: performances at the harbour stage and lantern making at the South Quay Shed (suggested donation of £3), plus mulled wine and market stalls
- 4:30pm: the countdown and switch-on of the Christmas tree lights, alongside the Fisherman's Christmas Tree made from fishing baskets
- Then: the lantern-lit parade travels up the High Street with battery-lit lanterns
Getting there
The organisers say roads through central Whitstable will be closed from 4:15pm to 6pm, so arriving on foot or by train is a good idea. An adults' lantern-making workshop with Rickus Ra is also listed for Thursday 19 November at Horsebridge Arts Centre (£25 including a drink, booking required).
