THE BIG ARRIVAL
Santa’s Christmas parade
Santa arrives in style by horse-drawn carriage, joined by elves, stilt walkers, a 20-piece samba band and festive performers.
See where to watchSATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2026
Christmas starts
in Chatham.
A big arrival. A little elf magic.
A whole town ready to celebrate.
Bring the family for Santa’s horse-drawn parade, festive characters and Christmas markets across the High Street and Pentagon.
Free family fun · Parade starts at 11am
WHENSaturday 28 November2026 · Make a day of it
WHEREChatham town centreHigh Street & Pentagon
DON’T MISSSanta’s parade · 11amStarting outside the White Lion
COME ALONGFree family funFestive entertainment until 4pm
A DAY FULL OF FESTIVE FINDS
Something magical
around every corner.
Wave hello to Santa, meet some wonderfully festive characters and find a little something for your Christmas list.
Elf Yourself
A festive family activity in Pentagon Court and participating stores. Bring your Christmas spirit!
Ticketed to manage capacity. Booking details to be announced.Food & Craft Market
Take a browse, find a festive treat and get your Christmas shopping started at the Pentagon.
Mini Festive Market
Make Nucleus Arts part of your day and explore its mini festive market.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED
Christmas characters.
Chance encounters. Big smiles.
After the parade, look out for festive performers around town throughout the afternoon.
Candy Cane ElvesAurora stilt walkersHodman & SallyLairy Fairy & the Christmas PudsDickensian Ding Dong music cart
Individual appearance times and locations will be announced.YOUR FESTIVE SATURDAY
A little planning.
A lot of Christmas.
Start with the markets, catch Santa’s arrival, then stay for an afternoon of family fun.
Add the day to your calendarMain event: 10am–4pm.
Pentagon Food & Craft Market continues until 5pm.
Let the festive browsing begin
The Pentagon Food & Craft Market and Nucleus Arts mini festive market open.
- THE ONE TO CATCH
Santa’s parade sets off
From outside the White Lion, along the High Street and Military Road towards the Pentagon.
Time to Elf Yourself
Family activities begin at the Pentagon. Look out for street performers through the afternoon.
A festive finish
Entertainment, Elf Yourself and the Nucleus Arts market finish.
One last festive find
The Pentagon Food & Craft Market closes for the day.
FOLLOW THE FESTIVE CHEER
Here comes Santa.
The parade leaves the White Lion at 11am and makes its way along Chatham High Street and Military Road. Santa then continues on foot into the Pentagon for a welcome at the grotto.
Choose a spot along the route before the parade begins. Please follow stewards’ directions and keep entrances and the carriage route clear.
Find Chatham town centreTHE PARADE ROUTE 11AM START
- 1
The White Lion
Wave Santa off · Parade starts here
- 2
Chatham High Street
Festive music, characters and cheer
- 3
Military Road
Santa steps down from the carriage
- ★
Pentagon grotto
A Christmas welcome for Santa
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
Plan your visit.
Wrap up warm, bring your festive spirit and enjoy a day in the heart of Chatham.
Find us in town
Join the celebrations on Chatham High Street, Military Road and at Pentagon Shopping Centre. Nucleus Arts hosts the mini festive market.
Get directions to the High Street ↗A day for everyone
The planned parade route is step-free. The Pentagon has accessible entrances and toilets. Speak to a steward if you need help on the day.
The parade includes live drumming and music. Contact the organiser ahead of your visit to discuss access needs.
The little essentials
Public toilets and baby-changing facilities are available inside the Pentagon. If you need first aid or help finding a member of your group, speak to a steward or centre staff.
A few helpful answers
Is the event free?
The Christmas Launch is promoted as free family fun, including the Santa Parade and street entertainment. Food and shopping purchases are separate. Elf Yourself is ticketed for capacity control; booking details will be announced.
Do I need to book for Elf Yourself?
Elf Yourself is a ticketed activity to manage capacity. The booking process has not yet been announced. Please check back for details before your visit.
Can we visit Santa’s grotto?
Santa’s parade finishes with a welcome at the Pentagon grotto. Separate grotto visiting times, prices and booking arrangements are not yet listed here.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Some activities are outdoors. The programme may change, pause or be cancelled in severe weather. Check for event updates before travelling and follow staff guidance on the day.
Where can I ask about accessibility?
For advance access enquiries, contact the event organiser at Jack@frankface.co.uk. On the day, stewards and Pentagon staff can help direct you.
SAVE THE DATE
See you for a little
Christmas magic.
Saturday 28 November 2026 · Chatham High Street & Pentagon
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