Christmas markets · Kent
Christmas Markets in Kent 2026
5 Christmas markets in Kent, in 5 towns and cities: 5 of them have 2026 dates announced; for the rest we show last season's dates, marked as such. Best known: the markets of Canterbury, Rochester and Tunbridge Wells.
5 markets · checked October 2026
5
Christmas markets in Kent
5
towns where we list markets
5
towns with a full guide
5 / 5
markets with 2026 dates announced
Kent's Christmas markets are in historic towns. Canterbury has its Christmas market in the city centre, Rochester holds a weekend market and funfair in the grounds of Rochester Castle, and Royal Tunbridge Wells has the Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market, with wooden chalets along the colonnaded Pantiles. Faversham has a Christmas market weekend in its Market Place and Court Street, and Tenterden holds a four-day Christmas market along its High Street.
The best-known and prettiest Christmas markets in Kent
Picked by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the strongest market in each town. 2026 dates only where the organiser has confirmed them; otherwise last season's dates, marked as such.
Canterbury
Canterbury Christmas Market
Christmas market
2026: 12 Nov – 24 Dec 2026
Go for Canterbury itself; the market is a pleasant extra.
✨ Date night🎉 With friendsRochester
Rochester Christmas Market
Christmas market
2026: weekends 27 Nov – 13 Dec 2026
A family day out in Kent — come by train.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friendsTunbridge Wells
The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market
Christmas market
2026: 13 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 (Fri–Sun, then daily 21–24 Dec)
A small, pretty boutique market in Tunbridge Wells — Fridays to Sundays, so plan around the dates.
✨ Date night🎉 With friendsFaversham
Faversham Christmas Market Weekend
Weekend Christmas market
2026: 11–13 Dec 2026
A small-town Christmas weekend in Kent — check times before you go.
🎉 With friends
🧒 With kids
- Rochester Christmas Market · Rochester
- Tenterden Christmas Market · Tenterden
✨ Date night
- Canterbury Christmas Market · Canterbury
- The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market · Tunbridge Wells
🎉 With friends
- Canterbury Christmas Market · Canterbury
- Rochester Christmas Market · Rochester
- The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market · Tunbridge Wells
- Faversham Christmas Market Weekend · Faversham
- Tenterden Christmas Market · Tenterden
Christmas markets in Kent by town
All 5 Christmas markets in Kent: dates at a glance
Sorted by town, checked in October 2026. Each market links to its guide with opening times, how to get there and our verdict.
- CanterburyCanterbury Christmas Market2026: 12 Nov – 24 Dec 2026Free entry.
- FavershamFaversham Christmas Market Weekend2026: 11–13 Dec 2026Free entry.
- RochesterRochester Christmas Market2026: weekends 27 Nov – 13 Dec 2026Small entry charge (about £3 per person in 2025, per visitors).
- TenterdenTenterden Christmas Market2026: 19–22 Nov 2026 (Thu 12pm–6pm, Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm)Free entry.
- Tunbridge WellsThe Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market2026: 13 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 (Fri–Sun, then daily 21–24 Dec)Free entry.
Tips for your trip in Kent
- Canterbury and Rochester are both on the lines from London; Tunbridge Wells and Faversham have their own stations, so Kent can be done by train.
- Rochester's market runs only on weekends and the Pantiles is open mostly Friday to Sunday: check the dates on each guide before you plan.
- Faversham's market is a single December weekend: book it as a short stop rather than a full day.
How we check the dates
Dates, prices and travel details come from the organisers and councils; ratings are from Google, as a guide only. Where the 2026 date is missing we show last season's, marked as such. Last checked in October 2026: opening times can change, so check the organiser's website before you travel.
Questions about Christmas markets in Kent
- When do the Christmas markets in Kent open in 2026?
- Only 5 of the 5 markets in Kent have announced 2026 dates. Until they do, each guide shows last year's dates, marked as last season's. Most Christmas markets open in mid to late November, and we add new dates as soon as an organiser confirms them. Announced so far: Canterbury Christmas Market: 12 Nov – 24 Dec 2026; Rochester Christmas Market: weekends 27 Nov – 13 Dec 2026; The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market (Tunbridge Wells): 13 Nov – 24 Dec 2026 (Fri–Sun, then daily 21–24 Dec).
- What is the best Christmas market in Kent?
- It depends what you like. Going by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the standouts in Kent are: Canterbury Christmas Market (Google 3.6 ★, 44 reviews) – Three market areas leading to the cathedral; Rochester Christmas Market (Google 3.5 ★, 40 reviews) – In the grounds of Rochester Castle; The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market (Tunbridge Wells) – Boutique chalets of independent retailers. For a quieter visit pick a smaller town; the «with kids, for two, with friends» tags on each market say who it suits.
- How many Christmas markets are there in Kent?
- Our list currently has 5 Christmas markets and festive events in 5 towns and cities in Kent, 5 of them with a full city guide. We list markets announced by the council, the organiser or the tourist board, not one-day school or church stalls, so the real number is higher.
- Do you have to pay to enter the Christmas markets in Kent?
- Not for most of them: street and town-centre markets in Kent are free to walk around. According to our guides, a ticket is needed for a few venues, such as Rochester Christmas Market. Rides, ice rinks and grottos are often paid extras, and parking or park and ride can add to the cost.
- How do I get to the Christmas markets in Kent?
- Canterbury, Rochester, Tunbridge Wells and Faversham all have railway stations (Tenterden has none, so it is a car or bus trip); the markets are in the town centres, with the Pantiles in the old spa quarter of Tunbridge Wells. Check each organiser's page for parking and park and ride.
- Which Christmas markets in Kent are best for children?
- According to our guides: Rochester Christmas Market (in the grounds of Rochester Castle); Tenterden Christmas Market (street food and artisan stalls). Some rides and grottos are paid; the guide for each market says which.
- Which Christmas markets in Kent are the most romantic?
- For an evening for two our guides point to Canterbury Christmas Market and The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market (Tunbridge Wells). Go around dusk or on a weekday, when it is less crowded.