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 2024
📍 Margate
Who’s excited to hear about Christmas World at Dreamland this year? Because we certainly are! The 2024 festive season will be enjoyed in all its glory 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 magical grotto experiences with Santa, snowball fights for the kids, without forgetting to mention the delicious food and drink and gifts there too! It’s a winter wonderland over at Dreamland this Christmas, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Dates: Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd December
Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm
📍 Folkestone Central
The festive marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm is back for another year on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between the 15th November and 24th December and we couldn’t be more excited! After years of sprinkling the festive joy along the Harbour, this year is no different - with locally handmade items, food and craft gifts for everyone, all presented under their Alpine-like decorated huts. Plus, if you're done wandering the area, there'll be a host of free family friendly films on the Big Screen, and lots of live music and events. And don't worry, the rest of the Harbour is still full of the usual amazing independent stalls too so you can get warm with a Greek meal, local drink or pizza!
Dates: Friday 15th November - Tuesday 24th December
Image Credit: Matt Wilson
Christmas in Canterbury
📍 Canterbury West & East
Escape to the historic city of Canterbury dressed in its festive best from 15th November to 24th December. This year it’s bigger and better than ever with a variety of independent huts dotted throughout the city centre among the pretty twinkling lights hanging above, and for the first time in 150 years will have a new extended area in the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts - what a festive feeling that will make for! First held in the Cathedral Precincts in 1383 following a royal grant by King Richard II, the Cathedral’s seasonal markets ran for hundreds of years, so embark on this piece of history and enjoy delicious sweet treats, warming winter drinks and cocktails as well as the opportunity to buy unique gifts... What's more, it's not far from the station.
Dates: Friday 15th November - Tuesday 24th December
Rochester Christmas Market
📍 Rochester
For the 15th year, 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 Children's Christmas Village is ready to welcome them for a magical experience, alongside the children's funfair with plenty of rides! Once you've worked up an appetite, head to the, extended for 2024, Bavarian food village, and watch a live music performance or two. If you'd prefer a quieter time to experience the market, this year there is a new 'Quiet Shopping Time' every Friday 10am to 12pm.
Dates: 29th November - 15th December
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
The popular Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival is back, and is not one to be missed! Taking place on 7th to 8th 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.
Dates: 7th to 8th December
Christmas in Tenterden
📍 Ashford International (requires onward bus)
Christmas is coming to Tenterden between the 22nd and 24th 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 over 50 stalls! Music, street performers, pretty lights and Christmas trees, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Dates: 22nd November - 24th December
Tonbridge Christmas Village
📍 Tonbridge
Christmas will be arriving at Tonbridge Castle on November 23rd where the grounds will be transformed into a spectacular Christmas Village. 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 handmade gifts and household essentials to warming food and drink at the Alpine Food & Drink Court (make sure to look out for the Marshmallow Toasting Stations). 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...
Dates: 24th November - 23rd December
Faversham Christmas Artisan Craft & Gift Market
📍 Faversham
Throughout the year, the Faversham Artisan Craft & Gift Market set within the The Alexander Centre on Preston Street brings together local makers who produce unique and quality gifts including jewellery, fashion, beauty, artwork, artisan crafts, photography, candles, soaps and so much more! Plus, on the select dates noted below, the market will have a Christmas theme to it as well.
Dates: 2nd November, 23rd November, 24th November, 8th December, 14th December, 15th December
Broadstairs Christmas Market
📍 Broadstairs
Set within the beautiful Pierremont Hall, the Broadstairs Christmas Market bring festivities to this Dickensian town. Think plenty of gift stalls with presents waiting to be wrapped and given, carol singing, Christmas tree lights and a free meet and greet with Mr and Mrs Claus for the kids!
Date: 30th November
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.
