The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Kent 2025: Dates, Locations & Top Shopping Events

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That’s a wrap for now 🎄 Thanks for joining us — we’ll be back later this year with our festive guides for 2026.

$$\text{Discover the Best Christmas Markets in Kent for Festive Shopping}$$

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Welcome to the ultimate guide for Christmas Markets in Kent 2025! From the expansive stalls at Rochester Castle and Designer Outlet Ashford to the bustling atmosphere of Canterbury Christmas Market, we have curated the definitive list of dates, times, and key details for all the best festive shopping events across the county. Our See Kent local team has spent over 15 years living and breathing Kent life to bring you the best places to find that perfect gift

Curated by the See Kent local events team, living and breathing Kent life for over 15 years.

Christmas in Kent: Your Festive Hub

We’ve got your festive season completely covered! Dive into our essential Christmas in Kent guides, including:

Our definitive list of Pantomimes in Kent for 2025/2026.

The spectacular guide to Illuminations & Lights in Kent.
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See Kent, Know Kent this Noel
For even more seasonal fun and inspiration, explore more of our website for a generous helping of Noel joy!
Discover our Seasonal section with filters for lots of Christmas fun, including more Christmas Experiences in Kent, Festive Family Trails, more Santa’s Grottos, Pawsome dog events, and for more shopping thrills, see our Christmas Markets & Fairs in Kent filter. 🎅

Good to Know
Entry to most markets is free, though some attractions may have extra fees.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

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Christmas Markets In Kent 2025

DESIGNER OUTLET ASHFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET

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1st November 2025 to 1st January 2026
Kimberley Walk, Kent, TN24 0SD
After its debut last year, this Christmas Market is returning to Kent in 2025, over double its size, and will run longer this year. With 15 stalls of gifts, food and drink treats, there’s plenty for everyone. Plus, their annual Santa’s Lodge also returns for another year – click on our link for details of Father Christmas visiting hours! Grinch is also paying a visit to the Christmas Market (on the 7th, 11th, 19th and 21st December 2025), where little ones see if his heart really has grown three sizes this year!
The centre’s full-time stores are also worth a visit for Christmas gifts and outfits, with prices up to 60% less, all year round, from its more than 70 boutiques. Plus, there are more eateries and a children’s play area, so everyone is happy this festive season!
Details
Price
Free Entry
Dates & Times
1st November 2025 to 1st January 2026
Monday to Saturday: 9am-9pm
Sunday: 10am until 6pm
24th and 31st December: 9am – 5pm
1st January 2026: 10am-6pm.
Location
The Christmas Market right in the heart of Polo Square
♿ Accessibility
The centre has been designed with accessibility in mind with step-free access, wide aisles, and ample space for wheelchairs. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available for free use in the centre (subject to availability).
Price
Free entry to the market
Parking
£3 per 4 hours
Up to 30 minutes: Free
From 5pm: Free
Blue Badge Holders: Free.
Dogs
🐶 Allowed on lead.
🎁 For further details, see our listing here 🎁

CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET
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12th November to 24th December 2025
Whitefriars Shopping Centre and The Marlowe Arcade, St George’s St (aka The High Street)
and Cathedral Precincts
It’s another great year for Christmas markets in Kent, and no exception is the popular Canterbury Christmas Market. Immerse yourself in the festive ambience as you explore the myriad of Christmas-themed stalls. Plenty of attractions and activities in addition to the market, with Santa’s Grotto, Santa Paws, a festive Mini Golf, live music, and VR Experiences.
Details
Price
Free Entry
Dates & Times
12th November to 24th December 2025
Weekday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 7pm
Sunday: 10am to 5pm
24th December 10am to 4pm
Late Night Shopping Event
13th December 2025: 4pm-8pm
Parking
Park & Ride
New Dover Road: Canterbury CT1 3EL/Sturry Road: Canterbury CT1 1A/Wincheap: Ten Perch Rd, Canterbury CT1 3TQ
Car parks are open 24 hours.
Park and Ride Price: £4 per day, per car with up to six passengers: Residents get 20% off
See here for the council’s parking finder for other car parks.
Public Transport
Please note that parking in Canterbury during the festive season gets very busy, so it is best to park & ride, and use public transport.
The bus station is minutes from the centre of town, and train stations, West and East Canterbury, are also central and 5-10 minutes away.
Dogs
🐶 Allowed – the market is also holding a Santa Paws event – see our listing here – See Kent’s editor is booking this!
🎁 For further details on all the Canterbury Christmas Market events, see our listing here 🎁

FOLKESTONE FESTIVE MARKETPLACE

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Folkestone Harbour, Folkestone Harbour, Kent, CT20 1QH, UK
14th November to 24th December 2025
The Folkestone Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour, in a few short years, has already become a stalwart of Christmas markets in Kent’s line-up. At this annual festive event, shop from independent businesses for handmade items, food, crafts and original gift ideas for all the family. During its run, there is plenty of festive fun, including free family film screenings, live music, and community activities.
See Kent’s team: “Love the many free events the venue puts on, in a wonderful setting”.
They are also running the Harbour Grotto – see listing here. And avoid the post-Christmas blues with their Crimbo Limbo event with food stalls and free film screenings – see our listing here.
Details
Price
Free entry
Dates & Times
14th November – Christmas Lights Switch on: 4pm-8pm
15th November to 21st December
Friday and Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-6pm
22nd to 24th December: 11am to 6pm
Parking
Pay & Display: From £2 per hour
Please note: Harbour car parks open at 6am, closing at Midnight Monday to Thursday, and till 1am Friday and Saturday and closing Sunday at 11pm.
Bus & Train
See our listing for full details.
🎁 For full details and information on live music, see our listing here 🎁

THE PANTILES CHRISTMAS MARKET

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The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN, UK
14th November to 24th December 2025
The Pantiles are transformed into a spectacular Winter wonderland full of stalls selling local produce, tasty Christmas treats, and artisan crafts. There will also be performances from musicians, choirs and local theatre groups.
🚂 New for this year is the Rudolph’s Runner land train, transporting visitors around key central town spots. The land train also offers an interactive experience where passengers can help Rudolph spot the eight missing reindeer on the way.
Details
Price
Market
Free entry
Rudolph’s Runner
£5 – 30 minutes
£8.50 – 45 minutes
Dates & Times
Market
14th November to 24th December 2025
14th November to 7th December
Friday to Sunday
7th to 21st December
Thursday to Sunday
22nd to 24th
Daily
11am to 8pm
Rudolph’s Runner
16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th November, 6th, 7th, 13th 14th, 20th to 24th December
10am-4pm
Good to Know
Rudolph’s Runner location points are The Pantiles, High Street- Commons, Calverley Precinct – Royal Victoria Place, and Calverley Ice Rink.
🎁 For opening dates, booking details for Rudolph’s Runner and information on live events, see our listing here 🎁

TENTERDEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
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14th to 23rd November 2025
Shop for festive treats with stalls of international street cuisine, artisan grocery selections, handmade arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery and accessories.
Details
Price
Free entry
Dates & Times
14th to 23rd November 2025
14th November: 12Noon-8pm
15th November: 9am-6pm
16th November: 10am-4pm
17th to 20th November: 9am-6pm
22nd November: 9am to 7pm
23rd November: 10am to 5pm.
Parking
There are pay & display, but it does get busy – the editor’s advice: “if you are driving, factor in time to get in and out of the car parks, as it can take longer than usual.”
🎁 For full details and information on live music, see our listing here 🎁

WESTWOOD CROSS CHRISTMAS MARKET
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Broadstairs
15th November to 24th December 2025
Selected dates
The Christmas Market at Westwood Cross features a delightful selection of gifts, festive foods, and seasonal treats. The retail park, bedecked with shiny baubles, has some great photo opportunities. Running alongside the market again this year is the Santa’s Grotto – see listing here for more details to book a visit.
Details
Price
Free entry.
Dates & Times
15th November to 24th December 2025
Centre’s Opening Hours
15th November to 14th December
Monday to Friday: 9.30am-7.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am-6.30pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm
15th to 23rd December
Monday to Friday: 9.30am-8pm
Saturday: 9.30am-6.30pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm
24th December: 9.30am-5pm
Parking
Free parking, with 1,500 spaces, and disabled and parent and child parking spaces.
Note that the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre car parks stretch from Marks and Spencer to Primark and again from Travelodge to Mecca. Editor’s note – if parking elsewhere, check their time limits.
Bus
Bus stop right next to the centre – Thanet Loop serves the centre, and other bus services serving Westwood Cross include the 9, 11, 33, 34 and 56.
Good to Know
Individual stall opening times may vary.
🎁 For opening times and booking details for Santa’s Grotto, see our listing here 🎁

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FESTIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Alex, Faversham
22nd and 29th November and 20th December 2025
In the heart of Faversham, peruse and buy from a range of traders, craftspeople and artists at The Alex. The tearoom will also be open for festive mulled wine and hot chocolate, so you can shop in a full festive mood!
Details
Price
Free entry.
Dates & Times
22nd and 29th November and 20th December 2025
10am-3pm.
🎁 For further details, see our listing here🎁

Pantomimes in Kent

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ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
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Rochester Castle Grounds
28th November to 14th December 2025
Friday to Sunday
The annual market returns for another festive shopping experience. This traditional Christmas market in Kent has over 120 stalls, a funfair and live music for plenty of family shopping and fun.
Rochester is a firm favourite with See Kent’s editorial team, as the market’s location offers both spectacular panoramic views and great shopping. The market is running quiet sessions too, see details below. Running alongside the Market on the 6th and 7th of December is the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival – see our listing here for more details.
Details
Price
Free entry
Dates & Times
28th November to 14th December 2025: Friday to Sunday
28th November, 5th December and 12th December: 12Noon to 9pm
29th and 30th November, 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th December: 10am-9pm.
♿ Quiet sessions
28th November: 12Noon-3pm
30th November: 10am-11.30am
5th and 12 December: 12Noon-3pm
14th December: 10am-11.30am.
Transport
Train
Rochester – 5 minutes
Strood – 10 minutes
Bus
Stops near the market, as the castle is very central – Organise bus travel here.
Parking
Limited parking and pay-and-display are available in town, and public transport is recommended.
Dogs
🐶 Well-behaved and to be kept on a lead. The organisers advise that the market can get busy and may not be suitable for all pets.
🎁 For more details, see our listing here 🎁

FAVERSHAM CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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Market Place
12th to 14th December 2025
Three days of festive shopping experiences at the Faversham Christmas Markets with food, drink, gifts and more in the heart of town. The trio of retail fun kicks off with the Festive Foody Friday with local and seasonal food and drink. This is then followed by the Faversham Markets Christmas Saturday and the Sunday Christmas Gift Market. Throughout the weekend, there will also be live music and entertainment, including festive music, Christmas carols and a visit from the Happy Endings donkey.
Details
Price
Free entry
Dates & Times
12th to 14th December 2025
9am-4pm.
Parking
For parking information, see Swale Borough Council’s website here.
Train
Faversham – 5 minutes.
Dogs
🐶 As it is an outside venue, dogs are allowed, but it can be busy.
🎁 For further details, see our listing here 🎁

TONBRIDGE CHRISTMAS FEST
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Tonbridge Castle
12th to 23rd December
With an artisan Christmas Market over 30 stalls to shop for gift hampers, personalised decorations, toys, sweet treats and more! Plus, a food village, character meet-and-greets, Santa visit, a tribute show and drag bingo, there’s plenty of festive fun for everyone!
Details

Price
Market – free entry
Meeting Santa and characters: Free, tribute and other activities inckure fees see our listing for full details – link below
Dates & Times
Market
12th to 22nd December
10am-8pm
23rd December
10am-5.30pm
🎁 For further details on all the Tonbridge Christmas Fest events, see our listing here 🎁

ILLUMINATIONS & LIGHTS DISLAYS IN KENT

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See Kent, Know Kent This Christmas

Picture Credit: © Ross Sneddon, at unsplash.com

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