insideKENT Magazine Issue 151 - November 2024 | Page 63

CHRISTMASINKENT
CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE
ROCHESTER
TENTERDEN
The Christmas Artisan Fair at Chiddingstone Castle , Edenbridge chiddingstonecastle . org . uk
On Saturday 23 November between 10am - 4pm , Chiddingstone Castle ’ s 2024 Christmas Fair will take place on the grounds of this historic house . Set in 35 acres of Kentish countryside , 50 stalls will fill the castle and its large , heated marquee with a wonderful array of artisanal crafts and one-of-a-kind vintage items from creative small businesses .
Visitors will find a selection of gifts at The Christmas Artisan Fair , shopping locally and sustainably across stalls with trinkets such as seasonal fireplace decorations , curated soaps and traditional wooden toys . Mulled wine and mince pies will be available from food vendors alongside Baristo coffee , keeping visitors warm as they explore the historic building . Online tickets are discounted until midnight on 22 November , so it ’ s best to pre-book entry on the website .
Canterbury Christmas Market , Canterbury whitefriars . co . uk
From 10 November to 24 December along Whitefriars Shopping Centre in the heart of the city , the iconic Canterbury Christmas Market will bring over 70 wooden chalets to its bustling streets . Offering incredible gifts and treats alongside stalls of warm food and drink such as German sausages and mulled wine , the expansive marketplace lets visitors into an enchanting world of festivities . For the first time in more than 150 years , part of the market will be hosted within the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral , as well as across the medieval city centre .
With a total of 11 Christmas trees adorned with brightly coloured baubles , a Santa ’ s Grotto and even ice skating , there are plenty of sights and activities to make a trip to Canterbury ’ s Christmas Market a jolly day out this season .
Rochester Christmas Market , Rochester Castle visitmedway . org
This list wouldn ’ t be complete without Kent ’ s largest Christmas market , held within the historic grounds of Rochester Castle . With free admission from 29 November to 15 December , visitors can peruse over 100 stalls of artisanal goods , marvel at the atmospheric lights and soak up the festive atmosphere of the castle at Christmastime . More than 200,000 people visit the Rochester Christmas Market each year , where they can complete their Christmas shopping , enjoy delicious mulled wine and roasted chestnuts , and step into the children ’ s Christmas Village with their little ones .
This year , a ‘ Quiet Shopping Time ’ has been introduced , running every Friday between 10am - 12pm for those who enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere when wandering through the stalls . Later in the day at the market , however , you ’ ll find live music performances , craft workshops and ferris wheel and carousel rides for the whole family to enjoy festive thrills on their day out .
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