Warm open fires making a crackling sound, roasted chestnuts being sold by the pound. Christmas trees twinkling oh-so-bright, illuminating this cold dark winter’s night. Festive tales as old as time being shared whilst passing round the mulled wine- It must only mean that Christmas is here so it’s time to spread some yuletide cheer.
From frosty fairs and festive goodies, to whimsical stalls and winter warmers, find it all at Kent's Christmas markets. Visitors and residents will be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of Christmas markets and Christmas days out across the county this season, all accessible by train. So follow the trail of this winter’s tale to discover where you can get the most amazing Christmas gifts for your loved ones.
Ditch the car this Christmas and let the train take the strain with Southeastern. To make things even easier, we're sharing the nearest station to each of our merry markets.
Christmas World at Dreamland 2023
📍Margate
Who’s excited to hear about Christmas World at Dreamland this year? Because we certainly are! The 2023 festive season is going off at the popular Dreamland in Margate, bringing festive joy, fun and magic to the much-loved attraction. Only a short walk from Margate Station with a host load of activities and entertainment, from family-friendly performances, magical grotto experiences with Santa, snowball fights, sleigh rides, and Steins By The Sea for the grown-ups, without forgetting to mention the delicious food and drink scene there too! It’s a winter wonderland over at Dreamland this Christmas, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm
📍Folkestone Central
The festive marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm is back for another year from Friday – Saturday between the 7th November – 24th December and we couldn’t be more excited! After a successful two years of sprinkling the festive joy along the Harbour, this year is set to bring so much more, including more decorations, more free films, more entertainment, longer opening hours and even an opportunity to meet with Father Christmas! Be sure to keep an eye out for our friends at Produced in Kent in Hut 19 as they share some of the best local produce from Kent businesses, including Woodchurch Wine, Frasers of Egerton and Fudge Kitchen. Now don’t worry, you’ll still find all the amazing independent market stalls too, along with live music, carol services, and delicious food & drink.
Image Credit: Matt Wilson
Christmas in Canterbury
📍Canterbury West
Escape to the historic city of Canterbury dressed in its festive best from 10th November to 27th December. This year it’s bigger and better than ever with a variety of independent huts dotted throughout the city centre amongst the pretty twinkling lights hanging above. Enjoy delicious sweet treats, warming winter drinks and cocktails as well as the opportunity to buy unique gifts and what's more, it's not far from the station!
Rochester Christmas Market
📍Rochester
Come together and enjoy the magical festivities of Rochester Christmas Market. Coming from Rochester Station? Good idea! The market is just a short walk away at Rochester Castle, so you'll be there in no time! Search for the perfect stocking fillers, warm up with a hot beverage, delicious roasted chestnuts and it wouldn't be Christmas without mulled wine now would it?
Bringing the little ones? Make sure you do because the new Children's Christmas Village is ready to welcome them for a magical experience with Mrs Claus and her elves. Your little helpers will head to Mrs Claus' snug to listen to a Christmas story, decorate Christmas trees at the elves' workshop and add a sprinkle of magic to yummy gingerbread in Mrs Claus' kitchen.
The market and village is open on the weekends from 25th November - 10th December.
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
The popular Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival is back, and is not one to be missed! Taking place on 2nd & 3rd December bringing Victorian festivities to Rochester in the form of a Dickensian Christmas. Expect to find street entertainment, readings, song and dance as well as amazing Dickens’ characters as you explore the literary journey that was the great writer’s life.
Keep a look out for the full programme of events rights here.
Christmas in Tenterden
📍 Ashford International (requires bus)
Christmas is coming to Tenterden between 24-26 November, coinciding with the stunning Christmas tree light switch on. Whether you’re browsing for those stocking fillers or looking to fill up on festive goodies, from international street cuisine and artisan grocery foods to handmade, arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery & accessories – there’s something for all! With music, street performers, pretty lights and Christmas trees, it doesn’t get much better than that!
Christmas Artisan Market at Tonbridge Castle
📍Tonbridge
Christmas will be arriving at Tonbridge Castle on November 19th where the last of the artisan market will take place for 2023. It doesn’t get more magical than a winters outing to a castle, especially if it snows… Yes, we know that’s never guaranteed, but one thing we can count on is the wonderful variety of local traders and market stalls, offering everything from food and drink to gifts and household essentials. The station is just a 2-minute walk from the castle, but before you go, why not tie in your Christmas market outing with a stroll along the river or spend a little more time browsing the town and its shops. Then the train awaits...
Faversham Christmas Artisan Craft & Gift Market
📍Faversham
The Alexander Centre in the heart of Faversham, is bringing back its popular indoor Christmas market for another year! Expect to find local traders offering unique, quality gifts including, jewellery, fashion, beauty, artwork, artisan crafts, photography, candles, soaps and so much more!
Christmas Ramsgate Handmade and Vintage Fair
📍Ramsgate
For the final Handmade and Vintage Fair of 2023, it’s only right to sprinkle some festive magic and add a Christmas twist to it! So round up the family, your partner, and loved ones, catch the train to Ramsgate and head to the fair on 26th November. The fair will welcome in the Land Train, switch on the town's Christmas Lights and you guessed it, there will be mulled wine, Santa, and lots of festive stalls with gifts and decorations!
Christmas Artisan Fair at Chiddingstone Castle
📍Penshurst (requires taxi)
A Christmas wonderland at a beautiful countryside location, what more could you want? Chiddingstone Castle is ready to welcome you to their Christmas Fair this November, and with a whole host of local businesses providing unique products, it’s certainly not one to be missed! From Christmas gifts to decorations, and of course delicious food and hot drinks (mulled wine is a given!) all inside the Castle and in the large, heated marquee in the Castle grounds. It’s time to round up your loved ones for a magical Christmas experience…
Christmas at Gravesend Borough Market
📍Gravesend
The festive magic will be sprinkled all over Gravesend this Christmas, as we see the arrival of the wonderful Christmas market this November. With handmade Christmas gifts, sweet treats and a festive atmosphere, it's time to get in the spirit (that's if you're not already!) and prepare for a magical Christmas in Gravesend.
Locally produced
Visited the markets, but still have a few treats to tick off your list? Check out Produced in Kent's handy Christmas Directory, packed with ideas for locally produced gifts, festive foodie treats and even a selection of experiences like wreath making and wine tasting to truly make the most of the season. With so many skilled producers in Kent, we can guarantee you'll find plenty of inspiration to make this Christmas extra special.
