Canterbury Cathedral Revives Historic Christmas Market After 200 Years

After a 200-year hiatus, the holiday spirit returns to Canterbury Cathedral as the historic Christmas market reopens. The market originally opened in 1383, and gained popularity each year until it shut down in 1813 due to concerns of “indecency and tumultuous conduct”. 

Until Christmas Eve, the market reopened and featured many food and drink stalls, a vintage-style carousel, and live music performances. The cathedral planned many Christmas events, inspired by this year’s theme, ‘Journeys’, like the life-sized nativity scene. The market opened with a Christmas Light Parade, which included a parade through the streets of Canterbury and into the grounds of the cathedral. 

While we don’t know if the market will return in the following years, its enthusiastic reception this year suggests it could become a cherished annual tradition in Canterbury once again.