The best Christmas fairs and merry markets in Kent and beyond
Is it even Christmas if you haven’t eaten scalding chestnuts from a chalet hut? Do your festive shopping right this year with these merry markets and fairs well worth sleighing over to in Kent and beyond.
MUDDY’S PICK: Canterbury Christmas Market, Fri 15 Nov – Tues 24 Dec
The city of Canterbury certainly knows how to do Christmas – after all the first Christmas Market was held in the Cathedral Precincts back in 1383! This year the market promises to be more vibrant than ever. Take to the cobbled streets and Whitefrairs shopping area and browse through the luxury brands, high street favourites and boutiques. Then explore the breathtaking cathedral grounds filled with charming German-style wooden huts filled with 150 stallholders filled with delightful treats where you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. Enjoy mouthwatering food and drink and fun activites from vintage-style carousel, mini-golf, interactive theatre and live music, including the beloved Saturday Shoppers’ Carol Services. Don’t miss late-night shopping on Weds 27 Nov (5-8pm) with parking for just £1 at Whitefriars. Experience the excitement of Christmas in this enchanting city!
The Pantiles Christmas Market, Tunbridge Wells, Fri 15 Nov – Tues 24 Dec
For the first time ever, The Pantiles will transform into a magical winter wonderland with festive stalls in wooden chalets, live entertainment from musicians and choirs, twinkling lights, a Christmas tree, and a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Don’t miss the grand lights switch-on with family fun to follow! Open 10am – 7pm.
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair, The Hop Farm, Thurs 14 – Sat 16 Nov
It’s our favourite time of year! Get tickets asap to enjoy 3 fabulous days of stylish shopping at Wealden Times Midwinter Fair. There’s no lovelier way to shop for original, handmade, and desirable Christmas gifts than browsing amongst 250+ handpicked exhibitors’ through a heated tented village. When you’re ready to refuel, the Holly Café or the Ivy Café will be serving delicious snacks and meals from vintage vans, whilst tea and cake will be on tap in the pretty tea tent. So why not grab the gang and make a day of it?!
Christmas Fair at Chartwell, Westerham, Thurs 14 – Sun 17 Nov
Get into the festive spirit at Chartwell’s Festive Fair where you can discover unique gifts from local stallholders like High Weald Dairy and Mercedes Oakley Glass, plus “meet the maker” events in the shop. Don’t miss Chartwell’s shop for Churchill-themed souvenirs – every purchase supports the National Trust!
Folkestone Harbour Festive Market, Fri 15 Nov – Tues 24 Dec
This popular festive marketplace is back and bringing the Christmas cheer every weekend leading up to Christmas Eve! You can expect an even more magical experience with beautifully decorated huts brimming with locally handmade gifts, artisan foods, unique crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone on your list. Plus there’s free family films to watch on the Big Screen, live music performances and lots of special events. Open Fridays, 4-8pm. Saturday and Sundays plus Mon 23 Dec at 11am – 6pm. Christmas Eve closes at 4pm. Entry is free, so bring family and friends to share in the joy and magic!
Speldhurst Winter Market, Speldhurst Village Hall, Sat 16 Nov
Visit the gorgeous village of Speldhurst for their Winter Market, nice and early on Sat 16 Nov from 2-5pm. Taking place at Speldhurst Village Hall, admission is free for this family-friendly event. Rascals will serving their top notch pizzas plus mulled wine and hot cider. There’ll be a festive trail for the kids to enjoy, a craft table, incredible raffle prizes and many lovey stalls to do a spot of shopping.
Tenterden Christmas Market, Market Square, Fri 22 – Sun 24 Nov
Head to Tenterden Market on the High Street for beautiful locally-made gifts, festive tunes, and a chance to get all your Christmas shopping sorted! Coinciding with the Christmas Tree Lights switch-on, it’s all happening in Market Square. Don’t forget to meet Santa and receive your gift at Tenterden Recreation on Sat 23 and Sun 24 Nov. Book your time slot in advance to avoid queues.
Christmas Artisan Fair, Chiddingstone Castle, Sat 23 Nov
Head to Chiddingstone Castle’s Christmas Fair on Sat 23 Nov from 10am – 4pm, for a unique seasonal shopping experience. With over 50 artisan and vintage stalls both inside the castle and in a heated marquee, you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, decorations, and festive treats. Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, coffee, and lunch options as you browse in this historic, beautifully decorated setting. Book tickets online for £7.50 adults/£4 kids until Fri 22 Nov (on the day, £9.50 adults/£6 kids). Parking included!
Tonbridge Christmas Village, Sun 24 Nov – Mon 23 Dec
Experience the festive charm of Tonbridge Christmas Village at Tonbridge Castle! Enjoy delicious treats at the alpine food & drink court, from bratwurst and burgers to churros and marshmallow toasting stations. Wander market stalls with unique, locally-made gifts. Alpine Food & Drink Court is open Sun 24 – Sun 29 Dec, Mon-Fri, 3-8pm and Sat-Sun, 10am – 9pm. The Market Stalls are open Sun 24 Nov – Sun 15 Dec, Thurs – Sun, 3-8pm and open daily between Mon 16 – Mon 23 Dec, 3-pm and Sat-Sun, 10am – 8pm. Free entry!
Pleasant Land Distillery Christmas Fair, Macknade, Faversham, Thurs 28 Nov
Pleasant Land Distillery – specialists in distilling of local and international produce using 100% renewable energy – will be popping up at award-winning Macknade with barrel-top tasting from 1-5pm at the Food Hall & Café in Faversham.
Rochester Christmas Market, Fri 29 Nov – Sun 15 Dec
Kick off your Christmas shopping at the Rochester Christmas Market – where entry is free! Held in the beautiful Rochester Castle gardens over three weekends, this festive favourite offers over 100 stalls with gifts, crafts, and treats, plus a Bavarian food village, live music, a children’s funfair, and more. This year you can expect extended hours and even a “Quiet Shopping Time” every Friday from 10am to 12noon. A perfect start to the season!
Mereworth Wines Christmas Market, Sat 30 Nov – Sun 15 Dec
Join Mereworth Wines FIRST EVER Christmas Market! Running on these selected weekends; Sat 30 Nov – Sun 1 Dec, Sat 7 – Sun 8 Dec and Sat 14 – Sun 15 Dec from 11am to 4pm. Explore a delightful array of craft and gift stalls, enjoy live music, mulled wine, and tasty food, all with free entry and parking.
Christmas Market, The Alex, Sat 30 Nov, Sat 7 & Sat 21 Dec
The Alexander Centre’s popular indoor Christmas Market offers a wonderful mix of local gifts, artisan crafts, and festive food from area traders. Browse jewellery, fashion, beauty items, artwork, and more – perfect for last-minute shopping or treating yourself! Warm up in the tea room with luxury hot chocolate or mulled wine. Free entry, 10am–3pm.
Christmas Makers Market, Brenchley, Sun 1 Dec
With everything from home accessories, fashion and jewellery to ceramics, stationery, prints and textiles, there is plenty for everyone at The Ceramic Studio’s Christmas Market. Enjoy live music and complimentary festive refreshments whilst kicking off your Christmas shopping! Come and support local businesses between 10am – 4pm.
Festive Market at Eat’n’Mess, Turvins Farm Dairy, Sat 7 & Sat 14 Dec
Eat’n’mess will soon turn into a Festive Market so stop by and explore the winter wonderland of local delights; indulge in treats and seasonal sweets from the onsite café and bakery, Jonomade Gin Distillery will be bringing their delicious micro-batch gins, gift sets and festive spirits, browse the personalised cards, decorations and floral creations from Kitty’s, beautifully crafted wooden gifts from Love of Wood, candles, diffusers, bath and body sets from Wild Planet Aromatherapy and you definitely won’t want to miss The Happy Grazing Company with their cheeses, chutneys and crackers for the ultimate festive feast. Plus many more guest traders bringing one-of-a-kind gifts and goodies! Free parking and no ticket required. Open 10am – 4pm.
Yuletide Market, Yalding High St, Sat 7 Dec
Yalding High Street will be alive with street entertainers, delicious food, the Farmers’ Market and a variety of stalls, to create the perfect festive atmosphere. Taking place 5-8pm, grab your friends, your family and get in the festive spirit at this fantastic and well-established annual event.
Christmas at The Castle, Whitstable Castle, Sat 7 – Sun 8 Dec
Experience the festive magic at Whitstable Castle’s two-day Christmas Fair, featuring gift stalls, holly wreaths, live music, and Santa’s Grotto (booking is essential). Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, and treats from the Orangery Tearooms. Open 10am – 4pm.
Christmas World at Dreamland, Margate, Sat 14 – Mon 23 Dec
Get into the festive spirit at Dreamland Margate’s Christmas World, open from 11am to 6pm on select days til Mon 23 Dec. Enjoy free entry, specially selected rides, family-friendly performances, a magical Santa’s grotto, indoor snowball fights, and much more. Join in for festive fun, delicious treats, and winter market stalls.
The Old Shop at The Plough, Trottiscliffe, Tues 24 Dec
Step back in time for one night only! This Christmas Eve, The Plough will be bringing back the 1800s, The Old Shop was once the heart of the village and The Plough was where the locals bought sweets, bread and milk. So from 12pm, they’ll be hosting a food market on their heated terrace, where you can enjoy festive treats like chipolatas wrapped in bacon and goose cranberry & sage bonbons (£10pp). Or stop by after carols and midnight mass at the Church and sip on draft beers or mulled wine, and relive childhood memories at their nostalgic sweet counter from 6pm.
JUST OVER THE BORDER
Kingston Christmas Market, Thurs 14 Nov – 5 Jan 2025
A European-style Christmas market in a traditional British setting. Wander around under twinkling fairy lights, enjoy a mug of mulled wine and sample the festive food to get you in the Christmas spirit. There will be Christmas carol singers, live music and a carousel. It’s open Sunday to Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am-8pm. The market will close at 5.30pm on 24 Dec and will be closed all day on 25 Dec.
Fabulously Festive, near Cranleigh, Sat 16 Nov – 5 Jan 2025
Ooh… how about the biggest Christmas event nestled on the Surrey and Sussex borders? Explore the Fabulously Festive winter wonderland where you’ll find a Christmas market with street food, mulled wine and artisan gifts… and of course the chance to meet Father Christmas. If you’re feeling active, there’s also ice-skating and all-day entertainment at the Après Ski Bar with live performers, cosy fire pits and festive activities like making reindeer food. Book tickets here.
Capel Christmas Fair, Sat 16 Nov
A delightful day of Christmas shopping featuring local vendors offering gifts, crafts, and festive food. With live entertainment and delicious seasonal treats, it’s the perfect outing to get into the holiday spirit. The market is on from 12noon until 4pm.
Christmas Craft Fair, Coldharbour, Sat 16 Nov
Discover an array of handcrafted Christmas gifts from local artists at this charming craft fair including Christmas decorations and wreaths, cards, paintings, jewellery, aromatherapy candles, ceramics and glasswork, honey, jams and cakes, quilts, cushions and textile art. It’s on from 11am-3pm. Free entry plus a glass of mulled wine and a minced pie.
Loseley House Christmas Fair, near Guildford, Thurs 14 – Sun 17 Nov
Held at the historic Loseley House, this fair features handmade gifts, decorations, and more, all set within a stunning location. With seasonal refreshments available, you can enjoy a festive snack while exploring the many beautifully curated stalls. It’s on from 9am-5pm Thurs, Fri and Sat, and from 9am-4pm on Sun. Entry is £5 in advance; £6.50 on the door.
Christmas Fair at Farnham Maltings, Waverley, Weds 20 – Thurs 21 Nov
Shop from local artisans and pick up unique gifts at this two-day Christmas fair in Farnham. Market stalls offers everything from jewellery to gourmet treats, making it a one-stop-shop for thoughtful, high-quality gifts. It’s on from 10am-9pm Wed, and from 10am-5pm Thurs. Entry is £3; under 18s free.
Arts & Artisan Christmas Fair, West Horsley Place, Fri 22 – Sun 24 Nov
Held at the beautiful West Horsley Place, this fair showcases high-quality gifts made by Surrey’s finest artists and artisans. Along with shopping, you can enjoy festive music and explore the grandeur of this historic estate. It’s on from 10am-4pm each day. Tickets are £10 (early bird offer £9 until end of Oct).
Xmas in Oxted, High Streets & Oxted Station Roads, Sat 23 Nov
A family Christmas afternoon in Oxted culminating in the lights switch-on around 5pm. Expect street entertainment, festive characters and rides, plus festive market stalls. It’s on from 2-6pm.
Ramster Christmas Market, Chiddingfold, Sat 23 – Sun 24 Nov
Shop for festive gifts at beautiful Jacobean halls and outside in the courtyard at Ramster Gardens. Expect to find a variety of stalls selling a unique collection of locally made gifts including food and drink, beauty products, art, and homewares. Free to enter.
Guildford Festive Family Day, Sun 24 Nov
A family-friendly event featuring market stalls, Christmas activities, and entertainment for all ages. With fun activities for kids like face painting and visits with Santa, it’s a guaranteed magical day for the family.
Woldingham Christmas Market, Woldingham School, Fri 29 Nov
Get in the festive spirit with a day of Christmas shopping at the Woldingham Christmas Market. The market features a mix of local vendors selling crafts and gifts, along with live music and hot festive drinks to keep you warm. It’s on from 4.30pm-7pm. Entry is £5 for adults, free for under 18s.
Ripley Christmas Fair, Sun 1 Dec
The Ripley Christmas Fair brings a festive atmosphere to this charming Surrey town, with plenty of shopping and entertainment. There will be performances from local choirs, and market stalls selling gifts, arts and crafts. The jolly big man in red will also be there. It’s from 11am-3pm, free entry.
Dorking Christmas Festival, Sun 1 Dec
Shop for Christmas gifts while enjoying festive music, food, and more at this Dorking event. With the town decorated in lights and Christmas cheer, and artisan market stalls lining the High Street and South Street – it promises a It’s on from 11am-5pm.
Pop-Up Christmas Evening Market, Dorking, Tues 3 Dec
Curated by Dapper & Suave, this stylish pop-up market offers unique, curated Christmas gifts from independent makers. The event also includes live entertainment and festive refreshments. It’s from 5.30pm-8pm, free entry.
Festive Fayre, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Fri 6 – Sun 8 Dec & Fri 13 – Sun 15 Dec
The palace courtyards will be transformed into a food-lover’s Christmas wonderland for these two festive long-weekends. Expect plenty of artisan food and drink, as well as gifts and workshops. Make your day even more festive with a visit to their ice rink (additional charge, booking essential). Glide gracefully around the stunning rink as your admire the Tudor palace! Entry to the Festive Fayre is included in your Hampton Court Palace admission ticket. Members free.
Christmas Market, Watts Gallery Artists’ Village, Compton, Sat 7 – Sun 8 Dec
A magical place throughout the year, Watts Gallery gets a little more special when the Christmas sparkle starts to shine. Featuring a curated selection of the region’s most sought-after makers and artists, this market offers plenty of unique and lovely gifts. It’s on from 11am-3pm. Free entry.
The Children’s Trust Winter Festival, Tadworth Court, Sat 7 Dec
This festival offers a family-friendly day of festive fun and shopping, all in support of The Children’s Trust. Along with stalls selling gifts and decorations, children can enjoy Christmas crafts, games, and a visit to Santa’s grotto. It’s on from 12noon-7pm. Tickets are £8 adults, £5 children, under 3 free.
Farnham Christmas Market, Sun 8 Dec
The streets of Farnham come alive with Christmas cheer, with more than 150 independent market stalls offering everything from handmade gifts to yummy seasonal food. It’s from 10am-4pm.
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, Sun 17 Nov – Weds 1 Jan 2025
Back for its 16th year, Winter Wonderland is more Christmas microcosm than market, but it has that too! Then once you’ve suitably shopped, sampled, and considered, you can head onto the fairground rides, ice sculpting workshops, Santa Land, and ice rink. You do still need to book ahead which – fingers crossed – will reduce the mega crowds.
Winter Festival, Southbank Centre, Sun 3 Nov – Thurs 26 Dec
Wander along the Thames and revel in twinkling lights, indulgent street food and Alpine-style chalets selling giftable goodies – all part of the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival. Insta-tip: don’t miss the gooey fondue eaten in transparent snow globes at Jimmy’s Fire & Fromage.
Looking for more Christmas fun?
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Words by Mollie Manning