We’re already gearing up for the festive season and, here in Kent, the Christmas markets will soon be returning to towns across the county.

From artisan stalls to traditional wooden huts, dazzling lights and Santa’s grottos, there’s plenty to help you get into the spirit of the season. Here’s our guide to the best markets in Kent to visit this Christmas…

ASHFORD

Although no dates have been confirmed, earlier this year, the Ashford Designer Outlet was granted permission to double the size of its Christmas market, so it’s fair to assume that the shopping centre will be bringing even more wooden huts and pop-up stalls to its walkways this festive season. There are expected to be around 20 stalls selling decorations, food and drink.

Details: Dates have yet to be confirmed by the outlet, but the huts are expected to return to the Ashford Designer Outlet between Starbucks and Ralph Lauren.

BROADSTAIRS

The Christmas cabins, situated in the Main Mall from H. Samuel to Boots and continuing opposite Hotel Chocolat, will return to Broadstairs’ Westwood Cross this November. Local and independent traders will be selling everything from homemade fudge to artisan baked goods, children’s clothing, Christmas Eve boxes and jewellery. There will also be a Santa’s Grotto and Christmas lights.

Details: Saturday, November 15 to Christmas Eve at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs. Free entry, no booking required.

CANTERBURY

One of the UK’s biggest Christmas markets will once again take over Canterbury’s streets with traditional huts, family activities and live music. The market has expanded to include the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts, St George’s Street and Whitefriars and will feature artisan stalls, a carousel, a giant snow globe, street performers, VR experiences and a Santa’s Grotto. There will also be dazzling lights illuminating the city and the shop windows will be decorated as part of the Lego-themed Christmas window trail.

Details: Wednesday, November 12 to Christmas Eve from Whitefriars to Canterbury Cathedral. Free entry, no booking required.

DARTFORD

Just a short drive from Dartford, at the nearby Bluewater shopping centre, the Winterland fair will be setting up shop for another year of rides and stalls. There will be a fairground with bumper cars, waltzers and a huge Observation Wheel, as well as market stalls selling sweet treats, hot snacks, winter warmers and soft drinks. You can buy ride tokens or the day, or save and buy in bulk when you book online in advance.

Details: Saturday, November 8 to Sunday, January 11 at Bluewater in Greenhithe, near Dartford. Book online here.

FAVERSHAM

While Faversham is known for its weekly markets, the Christmas market weekender is a special event that brings together local craftmakers, food producers and gift sellers for a last-minute stint of festive shopping. The market is set up in the heart of the medieval town and features artwork, decorations, food, drink, flowers, pet treats, jewellery and more.

Details: Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 14 in Faversham Market Place. Free entry, no booking required.

FOLKESTONE

The Festive Marketplace in Folkestone – praised by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s “loveliest boutique Christmas markets” in 2024 – will return this year. A series of independent businesses will set up in fishermen’s huts, including Wayfarer Wines, Alakazam Magic, Dog Deli and the award-winning Glinda Bakery. In December, there will also be a Santa’s Grotto and a free outdoor cinema showing festive films.

Details: Open weekends from Friday, November 14 to Christmas Eve at Folkestone Harbour Arm. Free entry, no booking required.

ROCHESTER

The traditional Christmas market in Rochester is one of the county’s best-loved festive events, and it’s back for another year of family fun and charming shopping huts. There will be stalls lined up across the castle grounds, a cosy food village with bars and street food stalls, a bandstand with live music and a colourful funfair. The Dickensian Christmas Festival also returns on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7.

Details: Open weekends from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, December 14 at Rochester Castle. Free entry, no booking required.

TENTERDEN

The market opens with the Tenterden Christmas light switch-on. Visitors can watch the sparkling lights illuminate the town and then head to the stalls to pick up tasty street food, handmade arts and crafts, and unique gifts.

Details: Friday, November 14 to Sunday, November 23 at Tenterden High Street. Free entry, no booking required.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Visitors to Tunbridge Wells’ shopping strip, The Pantiles, will be greeted by festive scenes this winter, including wooden shopping chalets, local choirs singing carols, and twinkling lights. New for this year is Rudolph’s Runner, a land train that will take visitors on a 40-minute trip around the town and nearby parks, where passengers can help Rudolph spot eight missing reindeer along the way.

Details: Open weekends from Friday, November 14 to Sunday, December 14, and daily from Thursday, December 18 to Christmas Eve at The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. Free entry, no booking required.

If you want to do even more Christmas shopping, we’ve got a list of local fairs below – and don’t forget to check our November calendar for all your festive dates.

NOVEMBER

6: Christmas Fair at Hever Castle, Edenbridge

14: Christmas Makers Market at Westgate Hall, Canterbury

14-16: Christmas Market at Broadditch Farm, Gravesend

14-16: Kent Festive Gift and Food Show at the Kent Event Centre, near Maidstone

15-16: Christmas Gift Market at Rare Breeds Centre, near Ashford

15-16: Winter Shopping Fair at Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells

20-23: Christmas Fair at Chartwell, Westerham

22: Christmas Craft Fair at Hall Place, near Dartford

22: Christmas Market at the Alexander Centre, Faversham

22: Kent MS Therapy Centre Christmas Market at Bradbury House, near Canterbury

22: Pilgrims Hospices Christmas Fair at Grosvenor Hall, near Ashford

23: Christmas Artisan Market at Tonbridge Castle

23: Festive Shopping Evening at St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury

DECEMBER

6: Christmas Fair at the King’s Hall, Herne Bay

6-7: Brighter Days Market at Turner Contemporary, Margate

7: Festive Shopping Evening at St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury

16: Christmas Fayre at Lower Grange Farm, Maidstone