White Cliffs Christmas event in Dover returns to Western Docks for 2019

Dover's White Cliffs Christmas spectacular is returning for its fourth year and promises to be bigger than ever before.
The ice rink will at its largest yet, Santa will be there and there will be around 30 market stalls.

The fun stars on Sunday, December 1, and continues until New Year's Day.

The Port of Dover event, supported by DFDS, will be at Cruise Terminal One at the Western Docks.

Barbara Buczek, chief commercial officer at the Port of Dover said: “White Cliffs Christmas is a wonderful festive extravaganza for locals and those further afield - we can’t wait to spread some Christmas magic around Dover.

"Now in its fourth year and with more festivities than ever before, White Cliffs Christmas is the perfect winter celebration.”

Father Christmas and his elves will be there and the rink will cover a massive 440 sq m, allowing room for more skaters. The market stalls will offer festive treats, crafts and unique gift ideas.

Entry and car parking are free and most events are wheelchair friendly say organisers.

The dates and times for skating, sponsored by ferry operators DFDS, are as follows and last sessions are an hour before closing:

• Thursdays: 5pm to 8pm. Fridays: 5pm to 9pm. Saturdays: 10am to 9pm. Sundays: 10am until 7pm.
• Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21: until 9pm.
• Sunday, December 22 and Monday, December 23: until 8am.
• Christmas Eve: 10am to 7pm.
• Friday, December 27 to Wednesday, January 1: 11am to 6pm.

Ticket prices are £8 for children, £10 for adults and £30 for a family of four.

Father Christmas' grotto, sponsored by Walker Construction, is running from 11am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays and at the same times from Thursday, December 19 to Sunday, December 23.

It is from 10am to 1pm on Christmas Eve and entry is £10.

Finally the Christmas Market will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm, and every day from December 19 to Christmas Eve.

Booking in advance for both ice skating and a grotto visit is recommended via whitecliffschristmas.co.uk

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids in the run up to Christmas please click here.