Best Places for Christmas Shopping in Kent 2025

The ultimate guide to festive shopping destinations across Kent

Whether you’re hunting for designer bargains, handcrafted gifts, luxury food hampers or last-minute stocking fillers, Kent has some outstanding Christmas shopping destinations. From major retail centres to charming market towns, here are the best places for Christmas shopping in Kent, complete with key information on shops, addresses, parking and Boxing Day sales.

Need more shopping inspiration? Read our article on ➔ The Best Christmas Markets in Kent 2025

1. Ashford Designer Outlet

Location: Kimberley Way, Ashford TN24 0SD
Shops: Over 100 designer and high street brands
Shops and brands: Nike, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, AllSaints, Swarovski, Timberland, Clarks, Adidas
Food and drink: Wagamama, Five Guys, PizzaExpress, Pret, plus festive pop-ups
Parking: Large on-site car park
Boxing Day Sales: Yes (major reductions begin on Boxing Day and run into January)

Ashford Designer Outlet is one of Kent’s premier Christmas shopping destinations. With over 100 shops offering up to 60 percent off RRP, it’s incredibly easy to tick off your entire gift list in one visit. From clothing and jewellery to homeware, accessories and technology, the choice is excellent. The outlet’s festive decorations and large dining options also make it a pleasant place to spend the day.

Why visit: Massive brand choice, great value, indoor and outdoor shopping, extended Christmas hours.

Ashford Designer Outlet

2. Bluewater Shopping Centre

Location: Bluewater Parkway, Greenhithe DA9 9ST
Shops: 300+ shops, boutiques and department stores
Shops and brands: John Lewis, Zara, Apple, Superdry, Rituals, Molton Brown, Jo Malone
Food and drink: Over 50 restaurants and cafés including Nando’s, Côte, wagamama and The Real Greek
Parking: 13,000 free parking spaces
Boxing Day Sales: Extensive, starting early morning on 26 December

Bluewater is the largest and most comprehensive shopping destination in Kent, ideal for Christmas shopping of every kind. Whether you’re searching for beauty treats, luxury fragrances, fashion, tech gifts or toys, you’ll find it here. The centre also hosts festive displays, Santa’s Grotto and extended late-night shopping hours throughout December.

Bluewater Shopping Centre

3. Canterbury City Centre

Location: Canterbury, CT1
Shops: Independent boutiques, high street brands, artisan gift shops
Areas to shop: Whitefriars Shopping Centre, High Street, Burgate, Sun Street, Mercery Lane
Food and drink: Excellent cafés, bakeries and restaurants throughout the city
Parking: Multi-storey car parks throughout the centre
Boxing Day Sales: Yes (Whitefriars and major brands participate)

Canterbury blends historic charm with modern Christmas shopping. Browse high street names in Whitefriars, find unique handmade gifts from independent shops around the cathedral, and pick up delightful festive treats from Kent makers. Combine your shopping trip with Canterbury’s Christmas Market for a proper festive day out.

Canterbury shopping at Christmas

4. Tunbridge Wells - Royal Victoria Place & The Pantiles

Location: Royal Victoria Place, TN1 2SR and The Pantiles, TN2 5TN
Shops: Fashion, beauty, homeware, lifestyle, independent boutiques
Food and drink: Independent cafés, bakeries, wine bars and restaurants
Parking: Multi-storey and town centre parking
Boxing Day Sales: Yes (especially at Royal Victoria Place)

Tunbridge Wells offers two distinct festive shopping experiences. Royal Victoria Place is ideal for high street brands, fashion and beauty, while The Pantiles provides a boutique feel with artisanal shops, pop-ups and festive craft markets. It’s perfect for more personalised Christmas gifting.

5. Folkestone - Harbour Arm, Creative Quarter and High Street

Location: Folkestone CT20
Shops: Independent boutiques, artisan workshops, galleries, gift shops, vintage sellers, lifestyle stores
Main shopping areas: Harbour Arm, Creative Quarter, Town Centre High Street
Food and drink: Street food, cafés, wine bars, bakeries, seafood shacks and independent restaurants
Parking: Harbour car parks, Payers Park, Bouverie Place and town centre car parks
Boxing Day Sales: Mixed (independent shops vary, high street retailers usually participate)

Folkestone has quietly become one of Kent’s most distinctive Christmas shopping destinations, blending creative talent, coastal charm and independent retail. The Folkestone Harbour Arm is a festive hotspot, hosting winter pop-ups, artisan traders and seasonal stalls alongside brilliant food and drink options.

Just above the waterfront, the Creative Quarter is packed with independent shops and artist studios selling handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, clothing, prints, homeware and original art. It’s the perfect place for unusual and personalised gifts. The High Street and Bouverie Place Shopping Centre add a more traditional mix of high street brands and useful Christmas essentials.

Why visit: A unique mix of handmade gifts, indie retailers, creative makers and festive seafront atmosphere.

The Harbour Arm at Christmas

6. Whitstable High Street

Location: Whitstable CT5
Shops: Independent boutiques, craft shops, home decor, artisan food, galleries
Food and drink: Coastal cafés, seafood restaurants, bakeries
Parking: Town centre car parks
Boxing Day Sales: Limited (independent shops vary)

If you prefer thoughtful, handcrafted or artisan gifts, Whitstable’s famous high street is a lovely festive shopping spot. From handmade jewellery and pottery to local produce and boutique fashion, it’s perfect for unique presents.

Tips for Christmas Shopping in Kent

• Go early: Weekends in December get crowded, especially in Bluewater and Ashford.

• Check late opening dates: Many centres open later on weekdays in December.

• Plan parking: Bluewater and Ashford offer huge free parking areas.

• Support local: Whitstable, Canterbury and Tenterden are ideal for unique, artisan gifts.

• Boxing Day Sales: Bluewater and Ashford Designer Outlet offer the biggest reductions.

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