Five unmissable events coming to Kent in November
November is just around the corner and that means winter weather, brilliant bonfires and festive fairs.
If you want to make sure you and your family don’t miss out on a moment of fun next month, here are five of Kent’s fantastic events to put in your calendar…
CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND MARKET
It’s going to be a busy night in Canterbury as the city gets into the Christmas spirit. It all starts with the festive market which, this year, will sprawl across Whitefriars, the High Street and into the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral with more than 150 stalls and German-style huts. When you’ve finished shopping, head down to the Westgate Towers to watch the annual light parade with stars from the Marlowe Theatre panto, the Bloco Fogo Drumming Band and more than 200 glowing lanterns. As the parade travels through the town, performers will switch on the lights and slowly transform the city into a sparkling festive scene.
Date: Friday, November 15 in Canterbury City Centre. The parade begins at 6pm and it’s all free to enter.
CHRISTMAS AT BEDGEBURY, Goudhurst
The sell-out Christmas at Bedgebury light trail returns this winter, with stunning installations and more than a million twinkling lights covering the country park. The six-week trail starts in mid-November and will include brightly-coloured robins, luminous seed pods and sparkling light tunnels, as well as seasonal sounds, a visit from Father Christmas and a chance to toast your own marshmallows. There are some returning favourites, but also plenty of jaw-dropping new installations making their debut this year.
Date: From Friday, November 15 to New Year’s Day 2025 at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Goudhurst. Book online here.
FIREWORKS AT LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone
The spectacular fireworks display at Leeds Castle is one of the biggest in the county. The two-day event includes colourful fireworks, projections, lasers and music to make sure the night truly goes off with a bang. The castle is open early so that visitors can spend the day exploring the grounds and enjoying live performers, street food stalls, themed drinks and fairground rides to help get everyone in the party mood.
Don’t forget, Leeds Castle’s Christmas light trail and festive experience, A Nutcracker Christmas, are also both open to the public in November.
Date: Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone (but Saturday has already sold out). Gates open at 2pm, display starts at 5.30pm. Book tickets here.
KENT FESTIVE GIFT AND FOOD SHOW, near Maidstone
One of the largest festive fairs in the southeast is back for another year. The Kent Festive Gift and Food Show is a three-day market bursting with stalls selling handmade gifts, kids’ toys, locally-produced drinks and artisan food. The main Exhibition Hall is where you’ll find most of the action, but make sure to also visit the Food and Drink Hall to pick up seasonal treats; browse the authentic Christmas cabins; meet real-life reindeer from Kent’s Reindeer Centre; and step inside the giant snowglobe for a family photo.
Date: Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17 at the Kent Event Centre in Detling, near Maidstone. Book tickets here.
ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
With the castle, river and historic high street as a backdrop, Rochester’s annual Christmas market is one of the most visited in the county. The free-to-enter market has been running for 15 years and is gearing up for another great season with more than 100 outdoor stalls. There’s also a funfair, live music, a children’s area and a Bavarian-style food village which has been extended for 2024.
Date: From Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 15 at Rochester Castle. Free entry, no need to book.
