Kent’s Christmas markets that you need to visit in 2024

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

There’s nothing quite like a buzzing Christmas market to get you in the mood for the festive season.

So, treat yourself to a cup of mulled wine, pay a visit to Santa’s grotto and pick up some unique gifts for your family and friends at Kent’s delightful Christmas markets…

Christmas shoppers are set to swarm to Kent’s festive markets over the next couple of months

BROADSTAIRS: Seaside shopping centre Westwood Cross is bringing back its outdoor huts and pop-up stalls for this year’s Christmas market. As well as high street brands like Primark and Next, the centre will welcome small, independent businesses to set up shop, and there will also be a Santa’s grotto where kids can get a festive gift.

Details: Saturday, November 16 to Christmas Eve at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs. Market is free to enter.

CANTERBURY: This year’s festive market will sprawl across Whitefriars, the High Street and into the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral with more than 150 stalls and German-style huts. There’s also activities such as mini golf, Santa’s grotto and VR experiences.

Details: Friday, November 15 to Christmas Eve in Canterbury City Centre. Market is free to enter.

FAVERSHAM: Over the weekend, Faversham’s marketplace will be home to three different shopping experiences. On the Saturday, visitors can explore the Charter and Antiques Market and the special Christmas-themed market with festive stalls while, on the Sunday, there will be a Best of Faversham Market with produce and gifts from local businesses.

Details: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 at Faversham Market Place. Market is free to enter.

Large crowds gathered at the festive market in Folkestone last year. Picture: Folkestone Harbour Arm

Nominate your favourite farm shops and markets in this year’s Kent & Medway Food & Drink Awards

FOLKESTONE: This “festive oasis” returns to the seaside for a fourth winter. There will be handmade crafts, gifts, food and drink, as well as the Harbour Grotto for families to spend some time with Santa. Classic Christmas films will be shown on the big screen at the Goods Yard and artists will play live music each weekend.

Details: Weekends from Friday, November 15 to Christmas Eve at the Harbour Arm in Folkestone. Market is free to enter.

MAIDSTONE: If you’re looking for unique hand-crafted items to give as gifts this year, then Maidstone’s Craft Market is the place to be. There’s more than 35 indoor stalls to browse, all selling festive goodies, and the galleries in the museum will also be open for visitors to explore.

Details: Saturday, December 7 at Maidstone Museum. Market is free to enter.

Rochester Castle will be transformed into a Bavarian food village from the end of November. Picture: Sam Lawrie

ROCHESTER: 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 market has been running for 15 years and is gearing up for another great season with more than 100 outdoor stalls, a funfair, live music, a children’s area and a Bavarian-style food village.

Details: Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 15 at Rochester Castle. Market is free to enter.

TENTERDEN: Enjoy hot and cold food, a festive bar, artisan produce and handmade arts and crafts as you browse the stalls. There will be a chance to meet Father Christmas, jump on some fairground rides, watch live performers and soak up the atmosphere as you wander beneath the town’s twinkling festive lights.

Details: Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24 at Tenterden High Street. Market is free to enter.

TONBRIDGE: Step into the Christmas Village and take a seat at the Alpine-themed food court where you can tuck into bratwurst, churros, loaded fries and toasted marshmallows. The market itself has around 20 stalls from local traders and is covered in beautiful lights.

Details: Select dates from Sunday, November 24 to Monday, December 23 at Tonbridge Castle. Market is free to enter.

West Malling’s Christmas Festival includes stalls, fairground rides, food vendors and a Santa’s grotto. Picture: Supplied by Pennington PR

WEST MALLING: While the festive lights are being switched on, several stalls will be setting up shop for this year’s Christmas Festival. There will be hot food, sweet treats, alcoholic drinks, seasonal beverages and produce to take home, as well as funfair rides and Santa’s grotto.

Details: Saturday, December 7 at the High Street in West Malling. Market is free to enter.

WHITSTABLE: The annual two-day fair at Whitstable Castle has become part of the town’s winter season. There will be festive stalls selling holly wreaths, children’s gifts, mulled wine and mince pies. If you’re visiting with kids, make sure you stop off at Santa’s grotto.

Details: Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 at Whitstable Castle. Market is free to enter.