The Best Christmas Markets in Kent 2025
From medieval castles to seaside towns, Kent transforms into a winter wonderland each December.
Christmas markets pop up across the county, offering festive food, handmade gifts, artisan drinks, and plenty of sparkle. Whether you’re hunting for unique presents or just soaking up the seasonal atmosphere with a cup of mulled wine, here are the best Christmas markets in Kent for 2025.
1. Goods Yard / Harbour Christmas Market - Folkestone
Location: The Goods Yard, Folkestone Hbr Arm, Folkestone CT20 1QH
Dates: 14 November - 1 January 2026
The Folkestone Festive Marketplace is our favourite Christmas Market in Kent. Featured as one of The Time’s 7 Loveliest Boutique Christmas Markets, there’s tons of stalls for gifts, delicious festive food and things to do for all ages. Most importantly you can grab a mulled wine and sit by the huge screen and watch your favourite Christmas films like Elf and their traditional screening of A Muppets Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve. This is by far the best Christmas Market in Kent.
Why visit: Festive films on the big screen, incredible local produce to sample and eat and tons of boutique stalls for your Christmas gifting.
The Kent Tourist tip: Have a look at the Festive Film Programme, get some mulled wine and make a weekend of it. If you’re coming in from London, it’s less than an hour on the train.
A wonderful Christmas time: Folkestone’s Festive Marketplace
2. Canterbury Christmas Market
Location: Whitefriars Shopping Centre & St George’s Street, Canterbury
Dates: 8 November - 24 December 2025
The Canterbury Christmas Market is one of Kent’s most popular festive attractions. Set around the historic streets of the city centre, the market features over 100 wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, festive food, and seasonal decorations. Visitors can expect live music, street entertainment, and an alpine-style food court with bratwurst, crepes, and mulled wine.
Why visit: A storybook Christmas atmosphere in Kent’s most historic city, perfect for families and Christmas shopping alike.
The Kent Tourist tip: Visit after dusk to see Canterbury Cathedral illuminated in the background.
Canterbury Christmas Market
3. Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival & Market
Location: Moat Cottage, 7 Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1QQ
Dates: 6 - 7 December 2025 (Festival) - Market runs late November - mid-December
Step back in time at the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival, where Victorian-costumed traders, carol singers, and chimney sweeps fill the cobbled streets. Browse dozens of festive stalls, enjoy roasted chestnuts, and watch the snow fall over Rochester Castle and Cathedral.
Why visit: A unique historic Christmas market that celebrates Charles Dickens’s Kent heritage.
The Kent Tourist tip: Arrive early - this event draws thousands of visitors each year.
The Dickensian Parada at the Christmas festival in Rochester
4. Hever Castle Festive Fair
Location: Hever Castle, Edenbridge
Dates: 06 November 2025
Kick off the season in style at the Hever Castle Festive Fair, organised by the Country Living Christmas brand. The fair features luxury gifts, decorations, homeware, and food producers from across the UK, all within the castle’s grounds.
Why visit: A premium shopping experience in a world-class heritage venue, ideal for early Christmas shopping.
5. Faversham Christmas Market
Location: Faversham Market Place, Faversham
Dates: 12-14 December 2025
Faversham’s historic marketplace hosts a traditional Christmas market with local produce, handmade crafts, and Kentish food and drink. Choirs, live bands, and children’s entertainment fill the cobbled square with festive spirit.
Why visit: One of Kent’s most authentic local markets, perfect for supporting small producers and artisans.
6. Tenterden Christmas Market
Location: High Street, Tenterden
Dates: 14-23 November 2025
This popular Wealden market transforms the town centre into a festive shopping village, complete with craft stalls, food vendors, and fairground rides. The nearby Kent & East Sussex Railway runs its Santa Specials at the same time, making it a perfect family day out.
Why visit: A family-focused Christmas event that combines shopping, local entertainment, and traditional festivities.
7. The Pantiles Christmas Market - Tunbridge Wells
Location: The Pantiles
Dates: Early December 2025 (TBC)
Dates: 14 November - 24 December 2025
One of Kent’s most picturesque settings, The Pantiles hosts a charming weekend Christmas Market featuring independent traders, local craftspeople and gourmet food stalls. Stroll beneath the Georgian colonnades with a mulled wine, listen to live carols and jazz, and pick up handmade gifts and decorations.
Why visit: A beautiful heritage backdrop combined with high-quality local traders and festive street music.
The Kent Tourist tip: Visit both The Pantiles and nearby Calverley Grounds Markets on the same day for a perfect Tunbridge Wells Christmas itinerary.
The Pantiles Christmas Market
Plan Your Visit
Most markets are free to enter (though castle and fairground attractions may require tickets).
Parking fills up quickly, so consider arriving early or travelling by train.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon for lights, carols and a festive atmosphere.
Pair your market day with nearby light trails, pub lunches, or wreath-making workshops featured elsewhere on The Kent Tourist.
Our guide to the best places for Christmas shopping this year.