“ My favourite thing about Christmas has got to be wandering the quaint cobbled Old High Street at the heart of Folkestone ’ s Creative Quarter . My favourite tradition has to be the Marleys ’ Christmas tree . Always real and ridiculously tall , always from Essentially Hops Farm ; it gets bigger every year - bringing it in the front door is the biggest challenge and a comical watch ! We get our beautiful handmade wreaths from Stem By Stem in Folkestone , which are a spectacle . The best Kentish event of the season has to be the Creative Quarter Late Night Shopping on select Thursdays throughout the festive season . There are snow machines , special deals and a visit from Santa himself ! It ’ s the perfect place to shop local and find thoughtful one-of-a-kind gifts . We ’ re always open for these evening events - serving the best mulled wine to take away .”

“ I absolutely love the Rochester Christmas Market . There ’ s something magical about the festive atmosphere set against the stunning backdrop of Rochester Castle and grounds . It reminds me of the importance of tradition and community , both of which are close to my heart . The market is full of talented local artisans and unique food stalls , which always spark my culinary creativity . I enjoy connecting with people who share a passion for quality and handmade goods . For me , the Rochester Christmas Market is a beautiful blend of culture , celebration and inspiration - something I look forward to every year .”

Maria Bradford , founder and head chef at Shwen Shwen shwenshwen

“ Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and we are spoilt locally for special festive days out . I love making Christmas traditions with my four boys and now they are a little bit older , it ’ s less about Father Christmas and more about family fun – chasing each other on the ice at SKATE Tunbridge Wells , joining in the panto cheers at the EM Forster Theatre , riding the carousel at Hever Castle and ‘ oohing and aahing ’ along the beautiful Light Trail at Bedgebury . The best part though ? Returning home to cosy up together with a Christmas movie – pyjamas and blankets , hot chocolates and local foodie treats from Groombridge Farm Shop .”

Jess Gibson , founder of the TN card thetncard

“ I can always rely on Christmas to bring my family together , and recently we discovered a whole new family on my mother ’ s side so we are making up for lost time ! I ’ m looking forward to it this year because we ’ ve just moved into a house that is perfectly suited to entertaining - there ’ s even a bay window for a tree . In the past , we ’ ve always made a big thing of Christmas Eve - ice skating in Tunbridge Wells followed by board games and mulled wine in The Pantiles . As the kids have grown up and got jobs in hospitality , that ’ s become a bit more difficult because it ’ s such a busy time . I expect we ’ ll have drinks and party food when shifts are finished , which means it could be a late one ! Whatever happens , one thing ’ s for sure - I will be shamelessly opening the Gusbourne at 10am Christmas morning and hoping no one gets up till 11am .”

Charly Mayo , founder of Marleys in Folkestone marleysfolkestone

Jo Ginn , brand manager , Wine Garden of England winegardenofengland

36 • www . insidekent . co . uk