A 24-Hour Festive Guide To Kent’s Tinsel Towns At Christmas
Aglow with twinkling lights, heaps of community spirit, cherished traditions and endless nooks to cosy up in, Kent’s towns truly shine at Christmas. Whether you plan to get amongst the buzz of the many festive spectaculars popping up across the county, are eager to explore the shops and tick off your ever-growing gift list, or are in search of exceptional seasonal dining and a spot of indulgence along the way, our top festive town itineraries will ensure you make the very most of all this splendid season has to offer.
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Folkestone
While many might associate a cosy Christmas escape with a trip to the countryside, a Kentish Christmas on the coast also promises to be simply magical. One coastal jewel one not to be missed in the months ahead is vibrant Folkestone. A creative hub of colour, individuality and particularly prided on its endless display of emerging indies, Folkestone has just the ticket for those looking for festive fun the whole family can get on board with.
After a morning pitstop at SIP at the Signal Box on the harbour for an exceptionally brewed coffee, a breakfast bite or an indulgent flakey pastry, it’s on to the town’s famed Old High Street and buzzing Creative Quarter to hit the shops. These colourful cobbled streets are home to many talented artists and makers, inclusive galleries and creative workshops, and a plethora of inspiring shops selling unique treasures that are certain to please even the most discerning of recipients. Children’s boutique Moo Like A Monkey is thoughtfully curated with a generous stock of ethical and high-quality toys, clothing and more for your little one(s); Vintage & Vinyl is for the music-lovers showcasing everything from vinyl art and books to CDs and cassettes; and Not for Humans has got furry-friends covered with its enticing display of pet accessories, treats and natural foods. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll also want to stop off at Rachel Leigh Bakes for her devilishly good cakes, cookies and brownies that look just as impressive as they taste.
A Folkestone must-visit this Christmas is the town’s thriving Harbour Arm as it unveils its celebrated Festive Marketplace. Now in its fifth year and transforming The Goods Yard and Marketplace into a Christmassy oasis of snow blizzards, independent market huts, festive films, live music and special events, the market will run from 14 November – 24 December and showcase some of Kent’s very finest makers, bakers and crafters. Expect an array of homemade treats, hamper picks and personalised gifts – all in one shiny seaside setting.
The fun on the harbour doesn’t stop there, however, as from 26 December – 1 January, the joys of Crimbo Limbo commence! Offering an escape from the endless post-Christmas turkey sandwiches and cold mince pies, The Goods Yard will be a hub of delicious street food traders as they open everyday from 11am – 4pm, with a festive flick also on The Harbour big screen daily.
When it comes to selecting the perfect restaurant to relish a hearty home-cooked dish in a setting oozing warmth and festive spirit, look no further than the wonderful Marleys. This neighborhood bistro, run with heart and heaps of personality by founders Mark and Charly, is regularly praised for its passionately curated menu and partnerships with local Kentish farmers and producers that ensure every dish is as fresh, seasonal and flavourful as possible.
For that ever-perfect pairing of dinner and a show, round-off your coastal Christmas with a dazzling production at The Tower Theatre. Sit back, relax and let the theatre’s 2025 panto Jack and the Beanstalk whisk you away on a magical adventure of joy and musical mayhem!
If you’re looking to linger longer in this vibrant hub of a destination, check into the ultra-stylish View Hotel. Just steps away from Folkestone’s top hotspots, with sweeping sea views, beautifully furnished bedrooms and spectacular on-site dining, it offers the perfect base for a festive stay.
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Tunbridge Wells
With its famed Georgian colonnade, sophisticated boutiques and remarkable spa-town heritage, Tunbridge Wells is a firm favourite at any time of the year. When Christmas rolls around however, its glistening shopfronts, historic architecture and calendar of seasonal highlights make it an utterly decadent spot for merry entertainment.
Perhaps the most atmospheric place to start is The Pantiles, where well-trodden walkways and cosy corners set the perfect wintery scene. Your morning coffee is best served at The Pantiles Café, where freshly roasted cups of coffee excellence are certain to give you all the fuel you need for a fun-filled day on the town. Foodies will discover plenty more to savour here as The Pantiles is also home to warming breakfast spot Eggs Eleven and The CakeShed, an independent cake shop and café prided on its irresistible bakes. No festive visit here would be complete without wandering The Pantiles Christmas Market (with a warm mulled wine in hand, of course) to explore its pretty wooden chalets stocked with quirky gifts and all the seasonal food and drink you can eat. You’ll also want to leave time to browse long-standing boutiques Trevor Mottram for the finest kitchenware and Scottish Antiques for incredible one-of-a-kind works.
If your seasonal shopping doesn’t end there, indoor shopping centre Royal Victoria Place houses over 50 leading brands and high street favourites to explore, as well as glamorous department store Fenwick.
Families will then want to wrap up warm as next up is a festive spin on the glistening ice rink of SKATE, held within the town’s Calverley Grounds. Set to run from 5 December – 4 January, with plenty of stalls to visit either before or after your session under the lights, this an activity for everyone, whether you’re a pro-skater or taking to the ice for the very first time.
For explorers setting out to uncover Tunbridge Wells’ equally festive villages, venture out to Bewl Water in Lamberhurst where Christmas has well and truly arrived in the form of a terrific Santa’s Quest offering over three hours of interactive, immersive and theatrical magic. Families can look forward to a host of themed fun from marshmallow toasting and live performances to biscuit decorating and workshop crafting.
If you haven’t filled up too much on gingerbread and candy canes, then a relaxed form of fine dining rooted in provenance but free from pretentiousness will enthral at Thackeray’s. With friendly service and a keen attention to detail, the restaurant is housed in the former residence of author William Makepeace Thackeray, which is over 300 years old.
Whether it’s a glass of fizz or a perfectly shaken cocktail, there is no better way to toast the season or round-off your Tunbridge Wells’ trip than with a tipple or two from stylish bar Charlotte’s in the Pantiles. Charlotte’s also conveniently places you only a stone’s throw from the beautifully restored Tunbridge Wells Hotel, should you also wish to indulge in staycation splendour here.
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Faversham
A quaint medieval market town deeply proud of its agricultural heritage and passionate community, as well as its storied winding streets, wholesome indies and country inns galore, Faversham makes for a splendid Kentish destination to delight in the wonders of the sparkling season.
Begin your festive Faversham exploration with a visit to foodie haven Macknade, a fantastic food hall that’s home to a famous delicatessen, butchery and grocery. Following a hearty farmer’s breakfast of top local produce in the cosy café, browse a lovingly curated selection of Kent and beyond’s very finest. Whether for your christmas table, toasting tipples, a superb Kentish hamper, or to curate the perfect cheeseboard for the big day, this food-lovers’ paradise has got you covered.
Festively fuelled and ready for a spot of Christmas crafting, next up on the list is a trip to the stunning Belmont House & Gardens, a terrific 18th-century estate nestled in the countryside of Faversham that’s known and loved for its fascinating collections, serene gardens and wonderful lineup of creative workshops. On 11 November, join the Belmont team and talented paper artist Nicola Chatten for a hands-on workshop where you’ll craft a beautiful table centrepiece using lifelike paper flowers, or on 20 November, try your hand at creating joyous Christmas paper decorations.
To truly soak up the magic of the season, Faversham’s heritage-rich and wonderful community-focused town centre is the place to be. Head to trendy coffee shop Ours for a warming cuppa and well-deserved sweet treat before stocking up on unique gifts from Scandi lifestyle shop Birch & Form and beautiful homewares and artworks from Preston Street independent No77. If another pitstop is on the cards, try town favourite Papà Bianco on the Quay for a mouthwatering pizza and famously good cocktails.
Another highlight of the season and positively rooted in centuries of history for this Kentish gem is Faversham’s Christmas Markets – kicking off from 6pm on 29 November with a jolly Christmas Lights Switch-On & Night Market promising an evening of live bands and delicious street food. Between 12 and 14 December, Faversham’s Market Place will also play host to a bustling Christmas Market Weekend with heaps of unique gifts, decorations and accessories, alongside seasonal food and drink, festive music and appearances from the Happy Endings donkeys.
The perfect way to end your day, particularly after a chilly evening of market gift shopping, seek respite in beloved Shepherd Neame pub, The Sun Inn. Dating back to the 14th century and steeped in centuries of character, The Sun Inn is located only a short stroll from Shepherd Neame’s renowned brewery and boasts the most delightful inglenook fireplaces, distinctive Kentish cask ales, locally inspired home-cooked dishes and comfortable accommodation for those who wish to extend their visit to this charming bolthole.
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Sevenoaks
Awash with stylish dining options, welcoming cafés and independent shops lining its handsome high street, Sevenoaks has all the ingredients for a fantastical festive day out. Add to that a choice of frosty countryside walks, history at every turn and plentiful family attractions on its doorstep and you have a location ripe for celebrating the season.
If no day out for you begins without a comforting breakfast or Instagrammable brunch, make the newly reimagined Life on High x Three Sisters your first stop. An inviting café by day and buzzing restaurant/bar by night, its menu brims with freshly prepared delights and is guaranteed to start your day off on the right foot.
For those eager to get a head start on their Christmas shopping, the idyllic Castle Farm, best known for its flourishing lavender fields and beautiful product ranges, also boasts a wonderful, open year-round Farm Shop offering a wide selection of Kentish goodies. Think Kentish hop garlands, dried flowers, farm produce, Lavender oils, skincare and teas, as well as charming seasonal decorations, locally produced food, gifts, hampers and crafts.
Appetite nourished and gift lists ticked, make your way to National Trust’s Knole as the historical landmark set within Kent’s last medieval deer park is transformed into a seasonal showstopper. Throughout November and December, wander through grand courtyards decorated with trees and garlands, step into the Great Hall to find a centuries-old long table adorned with traditional decorations, and even discover Beatrix Potter’s original Christmas card designs in a charming trail. In the lead up to Christmas, local community choirs will also fill Knole’s Green Court with carols and festive songs.
If you’re festive adventuring this winter with the little ones in tow, a magical meet-and-greet with Father Christmas himself awaits you at Reuthe’s The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks as they return their much-loved woodland experience and Santa’s Grotto for select dates throughout December. After checking in with Reuthe’s head elf, children can pen a letter to Santa at the festive writing station, follow a mini Christmas trail through the woods and step into Santa’s enchanting grotto.
Later on, head back to the town centre as it basks in all its festive glory and treat yourself to refined dining from acclaimed restaurant, Number Eight. Its popular festive set menu draws on the restaurant’s ethos of fusing modern European and British flavours, while delighting diners with Christmas classics such as seasonal cuts and indulgent winter puds.
A town with no shortage of community gatherings to enjoy, Sevenoaks comes alive for its Christmas Lights Switch-On, taking place this year on Saturday 29 November, where families can enjoy fairground rides, a Father Christmas Grotto, stalls, food and drink, as well as magnificent street entertainment. Adding extra shine to the illuminations, the town’s recent ‘Design a Christmas Light‘ competition for children will also see its winning creation brought to life and proudly displayed this Christmas.
For those planning to make a night of it after the festivities draw to a close, the historical grandeur of nearby Donnington Manor makes for an ideal winter retreat – offering all the modern comfort one would need after a day spent amongst Sevenoaks’ seasonal sparkle.
For more Kent festive day out inspiration, click here to read our most recent issue.
