The Christmas Markets In Kent Everyone Is Talking About

 

The twinkling lights are going up, the mulled wine is being prepped, and across Kent our beloved towns are gearing up for another spectacular festive season. Here at Quealy & Co, we believe in local experiences, community spirit and finding the magic right on our doorstep and the Christmas markets popping up across the county offer exactly that.

From artisan stalls to wooden chalets, Santa’s grottos to giant observation wheels, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top picks for Christmas market fun in Kent in 2025.

The perfect way to wrap up the year in style...

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1. Ashford Christmas Market

Located at the Ashford Designer Outlet, Ashford’s offering is getting a boost this year: permission has been granted to double the size of its Christmas market, meaning even more log-huts, pop-up stalls and festive goodies.

Details: The huts are expected between Starbucks and Ralph Lauren, with around 20 stalls offering festive décor, food and drink. There will also be appearances from The Grinch and Santa himself!

Quealy & Co tip: If you’re already at the Outlet shopping, carve out time for the festive market – early in the season is quieter and you’ll snag better parking.

Find out more about Ashford Christmas Market: Click here

2. Broadstairs Christmas Market

Over in Broadstairs, the market at the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre makes a welcome early appearance. Expect handmade fudge, artisan baked goods, jewellery, children’s clothing and more from independent traders – plus a Santa’s grotto and plenty of lights.

Details: Saturday 15 November up to Christmas Eve. Free entry. No booking required.

Why go: Great for families, easy to combine with festive shopping and the seaside town adds its own charm.

Find out more about Broadstairs Christmas Market: Click Here 

3. Canterbury Christmas Market

One of the bigger events is the market in the city of Canterbury, which is expanding this year. Traditional huts, family activities, live music, a giant snow-globe, VR experiences, and more will take over from Whitefriars through to the cathedral precincts.

Details: From Wednesday 12 November until Christmas Eve. Free entry. No booking needed.

What we love: The mixture of historic architecture and modern festive fun. It’s simply perfect for a stylish but warm local outing.

Find out more about Canterbury Christmas Market: Click Here

4. Bluewater Christmas Market

At the Bluewater Shopping Centre near Dartford, ‘Winterland’ returns with a full fairground: bumper cars, waltzers, a huge LED observation wheel (imported from Holland), and market stalls selling hot drinks, sweet treats and winter warm-ups.

Details: 8 November – 11 January. Booking is recommended for rides.

Quealy & Co tip: Go in the evening for the lights show and quieter market stroll.

Find out more about Dartford Christmas Market: Click Here 

5. Faversham Christmas Market

In the charming medieval town of Faversham, the Christmas market weekender is a highlight. Crafts-makers, food producers and unique gift sellers take over the Market Place – a local haven of charm.

Details: Friday 12 – Sunday 14 December. Free entry. No booking.

Why go: Ideal for one-off, handcrafted gifts and enjoying a slower-paced festive shopping experience.

Find out more about Faversham Christmas Market: Click Here 

6. Folkestone Christmas Market

The Folkestone Harbour Arm’s Festive Marketplace returns – and it’s been praised by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s loveliest boutique Christmas markets. This year you’ll find independent businesses housed in fishermen’s huts, a Santa’s grotto and free outdoor cinema showing festive films.

Details: Open weekends from 14 November to Christmas Eve. Free entry. No booking required.

Atmosphere: Sea breeze, quirky stalls, artisan food – a refreshing twist on the traditional market.

Find out more about Folkstone Christmas Market: Click Here 

7. Rochester Christmas Market

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Rochester Castle, this market is a firm favourite. Think stalls across castle grounds, cosy food village, live music bandstand and funfair rides. Also the Dickensian Christmas Festival on 6-7 December adds to the festive spectacle.

Details: Weekends from 28 November to 14 December. Free entry. No booking required.

Best for: Blending heritage and festivity. Ideal for a day trip with friends or family.

Find out more about Rochester Christmas Market: Click Here

8. Tenterden Christmas Market

In the charming small town of Tenterden, the market opens with the Christmas light switch-on: high street lights, stalls with handmade arts and crafts, street food, local gifts. A lovely escape from the bigger crowds.

Details: Friday 14 – Sunday 23 November. Free entry. No booking.

Quealy & Co tip: Go early afternoon, stick around for the lights at dusk.

Find out more about Tenterden Christmas Market: Click Here 

9. Tunbridge Wells Christmas Market

Finally, the Tunbridge Wells market at The Pantiles offers wooden chalets, local choirs, twinkling lights – and new this year: “Rudolph’s Runner”, a land-train ride spotting eight missing reindeer around town. Festive and fun!

Details: Weekends from 14 November to 14 December, and daily from 18 December to Christmas Eve. Free entry.

Why it's special: A touch of luxury with local authenticity – ideal for a date night or treat outing.

Find out more about Tunbridge Wells Christmas Market: Click Here 

Final Festive Thoughts From Quealy & Co

No matter whether you’re hunting for that perfect handmade gift, craving some mulled wine and street food or simply looking for a festive outing with the family, Kent has you covered. At Quealy & Co we’re all about embracing our local Kentish traditions, enjoying the community and making memories – so pop your favourite markets in the calendar, dress warm, and enjoy the sparkle!

Let us know if you head to one of these markets - we’d love to hear your favourite finds. And as always, if you're looking to move home, let, buy or sell this season, we’re here for you.

Happy festive market-ing!