CHRISTMASINKENT
Christmas Markets cont ...
CANTERBURY CHARTWELL
Originating in medieval Germany , Christmas markets have grown to become a quintessential part of holiday celebrations worldwide . With stalls of vendors selling everything from baked goods , local produce and wines to handcrafted jewellery and traditional decorations , Christmas markets are excellent places to shop unique and artisanal finds . Often accompanied by seasonal displays of lights , decorations and special performances , those who attend are sure to have their spirits uplifted by the nostalgia of our beloved yuletide traditions .
Whether you ’ re in search of one-of-a-kind jewellery for a loved one or an ethical hamper of festive treats , here are the best Christmas markets to visit in Kent for a day of seasonal magic this year .
Chartwell Christmas Fair , Westerham nationaltrust . org . uk
Between 14 - 17 November from 10am to 4pm , the Chartwell Christmas Fair returns with a free-to-browse market of locally made gifts . From crafts , art and accessories displayed on the sheltered stalls to hot food and drink at the cafe , the Chartwell Christmas Fair emulates the very best of a traditional day out this season . Wrapping up for the warmer weather , guests can wander past the stalls with a classic cup of hot chocolate and browse everything from hand-decorated baked goods to crocheted Christmas tree decorations .
Though normal admission applies to the gardens , exhibition room and studio , visitors who pre-book can marvel at the grand country house decorated for a family Christmas in the 1930s . For those looking to reconnect with nature after their seasonal shopping , visitors will find expansive woodland with looped trails and natural play areas to traverse just beyond the gardens .
The Festive Marketplace at the Harbour Arm , Folkestone folkestoneharbourarm . co . uk
Folkestone Harbour ’ s hugely popular and free-to-enter Festive Marketplace returns this year between 15 November and 24 December to fill the promenade with festive cheer . Open on Fridays , Saturdays and Sundays from 4 - 8pm , the Festive Marketplace hosts beautifully decorated huts of handmade gifts , bespoke crafts and mouthwatering treats for visitors to fill their Christmas stockings with . The Harbour Arm will be hosting free family films on the Big Screen as well as live music for all to enjoy , making a day out at the marketplace nothing short of spectacular .
Cosy indoor restaurants such as The Harbour Inn and Rocksalt will remain open on the seafront for those looking to enjoy a meal in the warmth , and the Creative Quarter just a short walk away is home to a variety of independent businesses with their own hidden treasures . You can find the full list of shops on the Creative Folkestone website .
Christmas Market at The Woolpack Inn , Warehorne woolpackwarehorne . co . uk
On 30 November between 11am - 4pm , The Woolpack Inn will host its annual community Christmas market . Nestled in the picturesque village of Warehorne , The Woolpack is a stunning 16th-century inn surrounded by grazing Romney Marsh sheep . With a welcoming bar , comforting food and five characterful guest rooms , the inn serves heartwarming British cuisine with countryside charm . Alongside this backdrop of comforting food , open fires and rolling rural views , festive guests will find stalls brimming with gifts from independent local businesses as well as winter BBQ and Christmas hampers .
THE WOOLPACK INN
Tenterden Christmas Market , Tenterden mytenterden . co . uk
This year , the Tenterden Christmas Market returns for its third run , with over 50 stalls taking to the town ’ s high street alongside dazzling Christmas lights and plenty of festive cheer . With hot street food , a festival bar and live music , visitors are sure to find delicious bites to eat and warming cups of wintry drinks to enjoy .
Between 22 - 24 November from 12 - 8pm , Tenterden High Street will be an awe-inspiring scene of community and camaraderie , with children ’ s rides and singing Santas to keep the little ones entertained . Never a better time to find stocking fillers and presents with that extra-special handmade touch , Tenterden Christmas Market is sure to be a great day out for all of the family . Excitingly , the market coincides with the Town Hall Christmas Tree Lights Switch On , which will illuminate the grand pine from 5pm on 22 November - you won ’ t want to miss out !
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