Our Guide to Kent’s Christmas Markets 2025: Where to Visit and What’s Happening!
I absolutely love visiting Christmas markets! The twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine, and finding that perfect, unique gift… it’s just the best way to start the festive season. Each year, I make it my mission to check out a new market, and lucky for us, Kent has some incredible spots!
Get ready to feel super festive! The Christmas season is almost here, and that means Kent’s Christmas markets will be popping up all over the county very soon!
From cool craft stalls to classic wooden huts, bright, twinkling lights, and even places to meet Santa, there’s tons to help you get in the holiday spirit. Check out our guide to the best markets in Kent this Christmas!
FESTIVE SEASON IN KENT
- The complete guide to magical Christmas in Kent >>
- Castles & Manor Houses open during winter >>
- The best magical Christmas light trails in Kent >>
Canterbury
Get ready for one of the UK’s biggest Christmas markets! It’s taking over the streets of Canterbury again with classic huts, family fun, and live music. The market has gotten bigger, spreading from Whitefriars to St George’s Street and even into the historic Canterbury Cathedral Precincts!
Look out for artisan stalls, a fun carousel, a giant snow globe, street performers, VR games, and a Santa’s Grotto. The city will also be lit up with dazzling lights, and shop windows will have a special Lego-themed Christmas window trail.
- Details: Wednesday, November 12 to Christmas Eve, running from Whitefriars to Canterbury Cathedral.
- Cost: Free entry, no need to book.
Folkestone
The Festive Marketplace at the Folkestone Harbour Arm is back! It was even called one of the UK’s “loveliest boutique Christmas markets” last year.
Independent businesses will set up shop in cute fishermen’s huts, including places like Wayfarer Wines, Alakazam Magic, Dog Deli, and the award-winning Glinda Bakery. In December, there will also be a Santa’s Grotto and a free outdoor cinema showing Christmas movies.
- Details: Open weekends from Friday, November 14 to Christmas Eve at Folkestone Harbour Arm.
- Cost: Free entry, no need to book.
Dartford (at Bluewater)
Just a quick trip from Dartford, the Winterland fair is setting up at the nearby Bluewater shopping center for another year of fun rides and stalls.
It’s a huge fairground with bumper cars, waltzers, and a massive Observation Wheel. You can also check out market stalls for sweet treats, hot snacks, warm drinks, and soft drinks. You can buy ride tokens on the day or save money by booking in bulk online beforehand.
- Details: Saturday, November 8 to Sunday, January 11 at Bluewater in Greenhithe.
- Booking: You can book online on their website.
Tunbridge Wells
If you visit The Pantiles shopping area in Tunbridge Wells, you’ll be greeted by a lovely festive scene! Expect classic wooden shopping chalets, local choirs singing carols, and sparkling lights. New this year is Rudolph’s Runner, a land train that takes you on a 40-minute ride around the town and nearby parks! You get to help Rudolph find eight missing reindeer along the way.
- Details: Open weekends from Friday, November 14 to Sunday, December 14, and daily from Thursday, December 18 to Christmas Eve at The Pantiles.
- Cost: Free entry, no need to book.
Broadstairs
The cute Christmas cabins are coming back to Westwood Cross in Broadstairs this November! You’ll find them in the Main Mall, running from H. Samuel to Boots and across from Hotel Chocolat.
You can buy all sorts of goodies from local businesses, like homemade fudge, special baked treats, kids’ clothes, Christmas Eve boxes, and jewelry. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto and lots of pretty Christmas lights!
- Details: Saturday, November 15 to Christmas Eve at Westwood Cross.
- Cost: Free entry, no need to book.
Ashford
This year, the Ashford Designer Outlet got permission to make its Christmas market twice as big this year! That means they’ll likely have even more wooden huts and pop-up shops along the walkways. You can expect about 20 stalls selling decorations, yummy food, and festive drinks.
- Location: The huts are expected to return to the Ashford Designer Outlet, between the Starbucks and Ralph Lauren stores.
- Dates: Mid November – Christmas.
Tonbridge Christmas Fest
The Tonbridge Christmas Fest features a huge Christmas Market Village with over 30 unique stalls for gifts and treats. You can explore the dedicated Food Village where the smells of Yorkshire pudding wraps and sweet treats fill the air.
As for the lights? You can stroll through a dazzling light tunnel and check out a spectacular parade of beautifully lit Christmas trees. For extra fun, you can meet the Snow Sisters and Olaf (complete with snowfall!), take the kids to Santa’s Grotto, or even book a special Lunch with The Grinch!
- Location: Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1AN
- Dates: Friday, December 12 – Monday, December 23, 2025
- Cost: Free entry to the festival, market, and light displays! (Separate tickets are required for special events like the Robbie Williams tribute, Drag Bingo, and Lunch with The Grinch.)
Faversham
Faversham has its regular weekly markets, but the Christmas market weekender is a special event! It brings together local craft makers, food sellers, and gift shops for a last-minute holiday shopping chance.
The market is set up right in the middle of the old town and features artwork, decorations, food, drinks, flowers, pet treats, jewelry, and more.
- Details: Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 14 in Faversham Market Place.
- Cost: Free entry, no need to book.
Rochester
The traditional Christmas market in Rochester is one of the most popular holiday events in the county, and it’s returning to Rochester Castle grounds! You’ll find stalls, a cozy food village with bars and street food, a bandstand with live music, and a colourful funfair.
Don’t miss the special Dickensian Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7!
- Details: Open weekends from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, December 14 at Rochester Castle.
- Cost: Free entry, no need to book.
Tenterden
The market kicks off with the Tenterden Christmas light switch-on! You can watch the town light up with sparkle, then head to the stalls to grab tasty street food, handmade arts and crafts, and cool gifts.
- Details: Friday, November 14 to Sunday, November 23 at Tenterden High Street.
- Cost: Free entry, no need to book.
One day festive markets across Kent
Want even more places to shop? Check out this list of local markets and fairs—they are perfect for finding unique, handmade gifts!
Chiddingstone Castle
Get ready for a fancy, historic Christmas shopping trip at the beautiful Chiddingstone Castle! This amazing fair features over 60 different stalls run by artisans, creative small businesses, and vintage sellers. You can shop inside the historic castle itself and also in a huge, warm tent outside! It’s a perfect place to find a unique, high-quality present.
- Details: Saturday, November 29 at Chiddingstone Castle.
Faversham Artisan Crafts and Gift Market (The Alexander Centre)
If you love local crafts, check out this great indoor market at The Alexander Centre! It’s located in the heart of Faversham’s famous shopping area and features a lovely selection of high-quality goods from local traders. You’ll find homeware, art, candles, clothes, and of course, tasty food and drinks!
- Details: Select dates in November and December (Nov 8, 15, 29; Dec 6, 12, 13, 14, 20) at The Alexander Centre in Faversham.
Hever Castle Christmas
Step into a truly magical world at the historic Hever Castle! This isn’t just a market—it’s a whole Christmas experience with the theme “Christmas in the Land of Oz.” When the sun goes down (after 4:00 PM), the beautiful gardens and lake are lit up with amazing, twinkling lights!
You can follow a Christmas trail, see fun characters, and enjoy fairground rides (rides cost extra). You can also meet Father Christmas in his cozy log cabin Grotto (make sure to book ahead!).
- Details: Friday, November 21, 2025 to Friday, January 2, 2026 at Hever Castle in Edenbridge.
- Cost: Pre-booked tickets required. Additional charges apply for the grotto and some rides.
Margate WI Christmas Fayre at Dreamland
This fun, community-focused fair is happening at the cool Roller Room inside the retro Dreamland entertaining park! It’s hosted by the Margate Women’s Institute (WI) and is completely free to enter.
You’ll find a lively mix of local artists and makers selling unique gifts like handmade jewelry, homeware, and tasty treats. Plus, you can play the tombola to help raise money for the “Free Books for Schools” campaign!
- Details: Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Roller Room, Dreamland in Margate.
- Cost: Free entry.
Ramsgates Handmade + Vintage Fairs
Looking for something truly one-of-a-kind? Head to Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour for a special fair right next to the beach! This event focuses on unique handmade and vintage items—you won’t find these gifts anywhere else! It’s held on a walkway so you can enjoy the beautiful seaside view while you shop.
- Details: Sunday, November 30 at Ramsgates Royal Harbour.
Tunbridge Wells Artisan Craft and Gift Market (One Warwick Park Hotel)
Enjoy a classy shopping day at the beautiful One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells! This market is full of lovely artisan crafts and unique gifts. It’s held indoors, so you can escape the cold and browse through all the unique finds from local makers and creators.
- Details: Select Sundays in November and December (Nov 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec 7) from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells.
West Malling Christmas Festival
Get ready for a huge street party at the West Malling Christmas Festival! This free event is packed with festive fun, including local traders and a wonderful atmosphere. The best part is watching the town’s stunning Christmas lights switch-on as the day ends!
- Details: Sunday, November 16 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on West Malling High Street.
- Cost: Free entry.
Broadstairs Christmas Market (Pierremont Hall)
Start your Christmas shopping at this festive market held at Pierremont Hall! This fair is full of handmade gifts, unique crafts, and seasonal treats, all ready to kickstart your holiday spirit. It’s completely free to attend and a great way to support local businesses in Broadstairs.
- Details: Saturday, November 29 at Pierremont Hall in Broadstairs.
- Cost: Free entry.
More one day Christmas and Food markets across Kent
November
- 6: Christmas Fair at Hever Castle, Edenbridge
- 14: Christmas Makers Market at Westgate Hall, Canterbury
- 14-16: Christmas Market at Broadditch Farm, Gravesend
- 14-16: Kent Festive Gift and Food Show at the Kent Event Centre, near Maidstone
- 15-16: Christmas Gift Market at Rare Breeds Centre, near Ashford
- 15-16: Winter Shopping Fair at Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells
- 20-23: Christmas Fair at Chartwell, Westerham
- 22: Christmas Craft Fair at Hall Place, near Dartford
- 22: Christmas Market at the Alexander Centre, Faversham
- 22: Kent MS Therapy Centre Christmas Market at Bradbury House, near Canterbury
- 22: Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair at Grosvenor Hall, near Ashford
- 23: Christmas Artisan Market at Tonbridge Castle
- 23: Festive Shopping Evening at St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury
December
- 6: Christmas Fair at the King’s Hall, Herne Bay
- 6-7: Brighter Days Market at Turner Contemporary, Margate
- 7: Festive Shopping Evening at St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury
- 16: Christmas Fayre at Lower Grange Farm, Maidstone
This blog post was originally published on 15 November 2025 and last updated on 15 November 2025
