Christmas markets in Kent. We always try to buy locally and from small businesses at Christmas and during the festive season. This is why I love visiting Christmas markets near me, they are one of our favourite Christmas events. And Kent has many Christmas markets ranging from ones which run for all of December that are giant with lots of choices. To smaller more local Christmas fairs in Kent which offer a more relaxed Christmas shopping experience in the garden of England.
Christmas Markets in Kent 2024
Please do let me know if you know of any other Kentish Christmas markets, Christmas fairs in Kent or festive events in Kent which are not mentioned below. Then I will get them added to this post.
Canterbury Christmas Market
- When – 15th of November to 24th of December 2024
- Where – Canterbury Centre at various locations.
- Times – Monday to Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-6 pm and Sunday 11 am-4 pm
When it comes to Christmas Markets you can’t beat this amazing one that is being hosted in Canterbury. You will find over 150 stalls dotted across the town centre and in the Whitefriars Shopping Centre. Where you can browse festive stalls, get some festive food and drink to enjoy, buy unique gifts and even treat yourself to some decorations. Showcasing local small businesses there is something for everyone.
The great thing about this market is it runs throughout December shutting at 4 pm on Christmas. It is the perfect festive day out with beautiful Christmas trees. Access is simple for this popular Christmas market as you have all of the usual car parking options within the town itself. An easy option that the whole family can enjoy. There are several bookable events such as VR experiences, mini golf and seeing Santa.
For more information visit the Canterbury Christmas Market website.
Folkestone Harbour Arm Festive Market
- When – Every weekend from 15th of November to 24th of December 2024
- Where – Folkestone Harbour Marketplace
- Times – Saturday and Sunday 11 am-6 pm and Fridays 4 am-8 pm.
It is great to hear that the Christmas market is returning for another festive treat this year. The good news is that they will be introducing more in all areas of the market with more to see and do. You will find more than double the amount of Christmas Classics on the Harbour Screen and lots of live performances and entertainment.
Plenty of festive food and drink options, with a pop-up ‘Food Village’ exclusively for the Festive Market. Nearly double the amount of bespoke built market huts being housed by local businesses and independent traders. They are also bringing back Santa’s Grotto for its second year held in the historic customs house. Tickets are available to book online from £6.
For more information visit the Folkstone Harbour Arm Festive Market website.
Tenterden Christmas Market
- When – Friday 22nd of November to Sunday 24th of November
- Where – Tenterden High Street
- Times – Friday 12 pm-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-7 pm and Sunday 10 am-5 pm
This is a market that is coinciding with the Christmas lights switch on and promises to be a festive event. The Tenterden Christmas Market will be bringing international street cuisine and artisan grocery foods. Together with ethically traded and handmade, arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery & accessories in over 50 stalls. This is the perfect weekend to take care of all of your Tenterden Christmas shopping. Ideal for Christmas gifts, stocking fillers, and hamper items. It is a great place to visit to get you into a festive mood. All local transport and usual car parking are available.
For more information check out the Tenterden Christmas Market website.
Hever Christmas Fair
- When – Thursday 7th November
- Where – Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
- Times – 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
Hever Christmas Fair in Kent for which all proceeds go to Hever Primary School and St. Peter’s Church, Hever. Located in the Guthrie Pavilion and open for just one day, you will find gifts, gadgets, textiles and decorations. Tickets cost £10 for adults and include entrance into the castle grounds. Children cost £7 with under 5s free.
For more information visit the Hever Castle website.
Reuthe’s Secret Garden Sevenoaks
- When – 7th, 14th and 21st of December 2024
- Where – Sevenoaks Road, Sevenoaks, England TN15 0HB
- Times – 10 am to 2 pm
With a wide range of stallholders, this traditional market will also have a bar offering famous mulled wine and the on-site café will have a wide range of hot food and drinks. For the children, there is a Candy Cane Children’s Christmas Trail. Entry and car parking is free. Each market will also have live music and festive entertainment. Find out more on the Reuthe’s Secret Garden website.
Christmas Fayre at The Friars
- When – Saturday 23rd and 24th November 2024 10 am – 4 pm
- Where -The Friars, Aylesford
- Times – 10 am-4 pm
What to expect – The annual Christmas Fayre at The Friars is back again this year with plenty of fun that the whole family will enjoy. Kids can meet an animatronic polar bear, visit Santa Claus in Santa’s grotto, have their face painted or hop aboard a festive land train. The grown-ups can stock up on Christmas gifts and decorations while sipping on delicious mulled wine and browsing this Christmas Fair in Kent.
Food options include a BBQ. This Christmas market has something for everyone, so I know you are going to love it. Parking available
For more information check out The Friars’ website.
Rochester Christmas Market
- When – Weekends between Saturday 29th of November to Sunday 15th of December
- Where – Picturesque Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW
What to expect – This is an annual Christmas market is now in its 15th year. You can expect lots of food and drink stalls full of wonderful treats to enjoy in the Bavarian food village. It is the perfect weekend stop to embrace some festive shopping and stock up on some unique gifts with a view of Rochester Cathedral in the background. The kids will be super happy because there are fairground rides to enjoy as well. Taking place on consecutive weekends there really is a lot to enjoy. Use the park and ride from the University of Greenwich.
NEW for 2023 a children’s Christmas Village. Mrs Claus and her elves have worked hard to bring your children a magical Christmas experience that includes Christmas stories in Mrs Claus’ snug. Crafting their own Christmas decorations in the Elves’ workshop and decorating a festive sweet treat to take home. Tickets for the elf school are just £10 per child (ages 4-11) and need to be booked in advance.
For more information – Visit Medway website.
Christmas at the Castle
- When – Saturday 7th of December to Sunday 8th of December 2024
- Where – Whitstable Castle, Tower Hill, Whitstable CT5 2BW
- Times – 10 am-4 pm
What to expect – This is a traditional Christmas Fair in Kent with lots of stalls to look around both inside and outside of the castle. The market stalls will be selling lots of different things from Holly Wreaths and Christmas decorations to unique gifts and festive food and drink. There are over 60 stalls to look around. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto where the children can see the main man himself. Tickets must be booked in advance.
This is a lovely festive weekend that promises to deliver everything there is to for Christmas. You can check out the website for more details. You can even enjoy a light lunch, milled wine, and mince pies during your visit.
For more information check out the Whitstable Castle website.
Faversham Christmas Market
- When – Dates have not been released for 2024
- Where – Faversham town centre
What to expect – Throughout the weekend, the town centre will be packed with stalls selling fresh produce, gifts, and Christmas decorations. This is the ideal time to get your Christmas shopping in full swing.
On Friday there will the usual Charter Market with additional stalls for Christmas. The Saturday will see a special Christmas Best of Faversham Market in Preston Street selling locally produced artisan items as well as the usual Charter Market in the Market Place. The Sunday promises to be a Christmas Extravaganza where the marketplace will be solely dedicated to Christmas stalls. There will be plenty of chances to enjoy festive food and drinks and enjoy some of the live entertainment on offer during the market on Sunday.
For more information on the Faversham Market website.
Sissinghurst Christmas Market
- When – Dates have not been released for 2024
- Where – Sissinghurst Castle and Garden, Near Cranbrook
- Times – 10 am-3 pm
What to expect – The National Trust really does Christmas well and if you want to enjoy all of the festiveness then head to Sissinghurst. Enjoy a cosy weekend of festive food and crafts at Sissinghurst Castle Garden at their tenth Festive Market. Stalls will include local food, drinks, and crafts, meaning you’re sure to find the perfect Christmas gift and get started with your Christmas shopping.
There’ll be live music throughout the weekend plus the shop and restaurant will be open for any retail therapy and winter warmers that you might need. Not to mention the beautiful festive decorations.
For more information can be found on the National Trust website.
Ightham Mote – Christmas Shopping Weekend
- When – 23rd and 24th of November 2024
- Where – Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks
- Times – 10 am-4 pm
What to expect – This is a wonderful National Trust location where all throughout December they are celebrating a Tudor Christmas. However, on the opening weekend, they are also hosting a festive market within the grounds that promises to be extra special. You will find lots of stalls to explore with plenty of opportunities to buy gifts, and also enjoy some festive food and drink. You may need to book for this, but it is sure to be worth it.
For more information check out the National Trust website.
Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Fair
- When – 26th of November 2023
- Where – Ramsgate Town Centre, CT11 8LP
- Times – 9 am to 5 pm
This Christmas fair in Kent will welcome in the Land Train, switch on the town’s Christmas Lights. There will be mulled wine, Santa, and lots of festive stalls with gifts and decorations
For more information see the Thanet website.
Christmas Artisan Fair at Chiddingstone Castle
- When – 23rd of November 2023
- Where – Chiddingstone Castle, Near Tonbridge, Kent
- Times – 10 am to 4 pm
At this Christmas Fair in Kent you will find a wonderful array of Artisans, Vintage & Creative Small Businesses. Offering a selection of Christmas gifts, decorations and food and drink. From over 50 hand-curated stalls inside the Castle and in the large, heated marquee in the Castle grounds.
Visit Christmas at the Castle to shop locally and sustainably browsing unique products that are not found on the High Street and plenty of one-of-a-kind vintage items. Delicious food will be available from the food vendors along with Barristo coffee and hot drinks. Mulled wine and mince pies will also add to the seasonal cheer.
Pre-booked online ticket prices are discounted to £7.50 for adults and £4 for children. The gate price on the day is £9.50 for adults and £6 for children. Parking is included in the ticket price.
For more information and to book tickets visit the Chiddingstone Castle website.
Royal Tunbridge Wells – The Pantiles
- When – Running each weekend from the 15th November through to the 24th December 2023 over the holiday season
- Where – The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN 2 5TP
- Times – 10 am to 4 pm each day
For a fantastic way to spend a morning and early afternoon, come to The Pantiles to experience the hustle and bustle of the Pantiles Market. Featuring a wide variety of local produce, seasonal treats, designer clothes and artisan crafts. Ideal if you are looking for a Kent festive gift. There are also plenty of independent shops for you to pick up a perfect gift or your Christmas essentials. Why not combine it with a trip on the Spa Valley Railway and the Polar Express?
For more information visit The Pantiles website.
Kent Showground – Festive Gift & Food Show
- When – 15th to the 17th of November 2023
- Where – Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3JF
- Times – 9 am to 4 pm
Tickets need to be booked online in advance which can be done via the website for this new annual Christmas shopping event. You select a time slot when booking. Select dates have already sold out. Ticket prices are dependent on the time of day, they start at £11 or you can get a ticket for all three days for £16. There is an extra cost for children which is £4.50 with the under 5s free. Packed with Christmas spirit. It is the perfect opportunity to pick up Christmas gifts, presents for all the family and delicious festive food & drink, this really is a festive event that everyone can enjoy. Browse hundreds of stalls in the Main Exhibition Halls this is one of the largest Kent Christmas Markets. Parking is free.
For the latest news and to book tickets visit the Festive Gift & Food Show website.
Tunbridge Wells – Calverley Grounds
- When – 29th November 2024 to the 5th of January 2025, closed Christmas day
- Where – Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1RG
- Times – 10 am to 9 pm
Back again with the large main rink and the smaller rink that doubles as a space for parents and toddlers during the day and transforms into a Bavarian Curling rink by night. Alongside the Polar Bar, Fine Grind café, all your favourite food stalls and weekly entertainment including live music and DJs. This year the whole family can enjoy a ride on the big wheel.
Prices vary depending on the dates selected ranging from as low as £14 for adults with booking to £22 on Christmas Eve with no advanced booking. Children’s prices range from £9 to £17. Booking of the big wheel is £4.50 per person.
For more information and to book visit the Assembly Hall Theatre website.
The Alex
- When – Selected dates in November and December 2024 – 23rd, 24th, 30th of November. 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st of December.
- Where – The Alexander Centre, Faversham
- Times – 10 am to 3 pm
This is a late Christmas Market compared to many of the other Kent Christmas Markets. Offering a lovely selection of items from local traders, craftspeople and local artists. This is a brilliant time for any last-minute festive gift shopping or perhaps just picking out a little something for yourself. Their tea room will also be open for anyone wanting to escape the cold and enjoy a cup of luxury hot chocolate or mulled wine. Entry is free.
A Santa’s Grotto is also running on the same day which needs to be booked in advance. It costs £8 per child. There are also some Christmas crafts.
For more information and to book the Santa’s Grotto visit The Alex website.
Tonbridge Christmas Market at the Castle
- When – 24th November to 29th December 2024
- Where – Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge
- Times – Weekdays from 4 pm and weekends from 12 pm to 10 pm
What to expect – This is an annual event that is taking place at Tonbridge Castle full of festive cheer. Each year the castle and grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland. Mistletoe Town is where you will find all of the incredible stalls and a chance to buy some unique Christmas gifts and unusual stocking fillers. With late night shopping experiences at the weekends and the Jingle Bell Bar.
Not only that, but you will find some incredible food stalls and drink stalls serving up so many different options. At the castle, you will also get the chance to experience a grotto and lots of Christmas activities that the whole family can get involved in. This is one not to be missed.
For more information check out the Tonbridge Castle website.
Penshurst Place
- When – Dates have not been released for 2024
- Where – Penshurst Place, Sevenoaks
What to expect – Penshurst Christmas Market is an annual community event and is always an enjoyable festive weekend. The aim is to provide visitors with a unique and magical Christmas Market experience in the heart of the beautiful village of Penshurst.
This Christmas Fair in Kent comes complete with a wide variety of stalls ideal for Christmas shopping, performances from local choirs and other entertainers, mulled wine, sausages, burgers, sweet treats and a raffle raising money for our nominated charities. Free entry and free parking in the car park.
For more information visit the Penhurst Facebook Page
Solton Manor Christmas Market
- When – Saturday 30th November to 1st December 2024
- Where – Solton Manor Wedding Venue Kent, Dover
- Times – 10 am to 4 pm
What to expect – This is a local community event that promises to get you in a festive mood. Offering plenty of stalls that showcase lots of unique gift ideas this is a great time to get some Christmas shopping done. There is jewellery, books, skincare, beauty products, cosmetics, candles, art, and all things in between! Plenty on offer. Plus food and drink to enjoy.
For more information check out this Solton Manor Facebook Page.
Christmas World at Dreamworld
- When – Running from the, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd of December 2024
- Where – Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ
- Times – 11 am-6 pm
Christmas World is coming to Dreamland this winter, bringing whimsical fun and magical moments for the festive season 2023. Featuring a variety of nostalgic fairground rides, attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and more, Christmas World will have something to appeal to all ages. There’ll be specially selected rides, perfect for the younger funsters, family-friendly performances, magical grotto experiences with Santa, snowball fights (ideal for those aged 3 – 10yrs old) sleigh rides in Santa’s snowmobile and even Steins By The Sea nights for grown-ups too. Free to enter although there are several ticketed events.
For more information and to book tickets visit the Dreamworld website.
Christmas Craft Fair
- When – 7th December 2024
- Where – Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LH
- Times – 10 am-3 pm
What to expect – The Christmas craft market, like the Museum, will be free to enter and you are encouraged to come and see the lovely gifts and goodies that will be available made by local makers and then explore the galleries. There is a lot on offer at this local crafts market and this will be the ideal opportunity to purchase some of those unique Christmas gifts. Tickets cost £4 for an adult, child £2 for under 5s being free.
For more information visit the Maidstone Museum website.
Percey’s Christmas Market
- When – Dates have not been released for 2024
- Where – Percival’s Rest, West Street, Harrietsham, Maidstone, ME17 1HX
- Times – 12 pm-5 pm
What to expect – This is the first Christmas market in Kent to take place here and it is taking place on the 4th of December. From beauty to home decor, there is a wide range of stalls to get your Christmas presents from local Small Businesses this Christmas. And take advantage of gifting a more unique gift and supporting the local and small businesses. You can enjoy some lovely food and drink as well while you are there.
For more information check out this Percival’s Rest website.
Festive Fanfare
- When – Dates have not been released for 2024
- Where – Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, Buckland Road, ME16 0SF
- Times – 1.30 pm-6.30 pm
What to expect – This is a lovely Christmas fair in Kent to attend with the whole family. Not only do you have the indoor market but you can also enjoy a festive concert and kids craft table as well to really get you into the festive spirit. This is a ticketed event so you will need to book this online to avoid disappointment.
For more information visit the Maidstone Wind Symphony website.
Cliftonville Christmas Festival
- When – Dates have not been released for 2024 instead will be returning in 2025
- Where – The Oval Bandstand, Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2HL
- Times – 12 pm-5 pm
What to expect – This Christmas you can once again enjoy something very special at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns. Bring your family and friends and join in with a fabulously festive afternoon of great shopping, delicious food, and live music at this Christmas fair in Kent.
You can enjoy festive cocktails, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and lots of lovely foodie options during the afternoon. While you listen to music, open-air carol concert and shop for your Christmas gifts. They will be joined by Father Christmas and tickets will be available to meet him in his grotto. This is a perfect family afternoon out.
For more information see the Visit Thanet website.
Pierremont Hall Christmas Market – Broadstairs
- When – Saturday 30th of November 2024
- Where – Pierremont Hall, Pierremont Park, Broadstairs, CT10 1JX
- Times – 11 pm – 5 pm
What to expect – This Christmas market in Kent will be completely outdoors and will loop around Pierremont Hall with chain lighting. There will be children’s events inside the village hall a mini children’s funfair outside and a visit from Santa. The Christmas lights will be turned on at 5 pm, to bring the Christmas event to an end, however. Live music until 4 pm.
For more information see the Pierremont Hall website.
Related Blog Posts
If all this talk about Christmas markets in Kent is making you feel festive then you may be interested in some of the other blog posts we have written.
- Panto season is almost upon us. We normally go to a panto at our local theatre on Christmas Eve. There is such a wide selection to choose from across the county. If you are looking for something specific then Pantomimes in Sussex, Pantomimes in Surrey and Pantomimes in Kent will help you.
- Looking to visit a Christmas Tree Farm? Then I pulled together Christmas Tree Farms in Sussex, Christmas Tree Farms in Surrey and Christmas Tree Farms in Kent. We really look forward to picking out our tree each year, so I have included some tips in each post that may help you if you do the same.
- Each year we try to visit a Christmas light trail. We are so fortunate to have so many close to us. Read all about Christmas light trails in Sussex, Christmas light trails in Surrey and Christmas light trials in Kent. Living in Kent you may be interested in reading further about the light trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum, Christmas at Hever Castle and new for this year Leeds Castle.
- If you are thinking of visiting a Christmas market in Kent to pick up handmade gifts and try all the festive treats. Then you may also be interested in other local markets both Christmas markets in Sussex and Christmas markets in Surrey. We also visited Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market for the first time this year, which we really enjoyed.
Merry Christmas
I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the best Christmas Markets in Kent to visit. Have you got plans to visit a Christmas market this year? What will you be looking forward to buying? Let me know in the comments below, wishing you a magical time of year.
If you’ve liked this post please follow me on my social media channels:
Mudpie Fridays: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest |LinkedIn
PIN for later – Christmas Markets in Kent & Christmas Fairs in Kent
