Christmas markets and Christmas lights

It’s well and truly Christmassy now across Kent and Sussex with the Christmas holidays just weeks away.  If you have already booked a break or are hoping to get away for a short stay before the holiday season starts, there are lots of lovely Christmas markets to get you in the festive mood.   The villages look so lovely with their Christmas lights up and many of the historic towns in the area have special late night shopping evenings on in December too.  

The following are just a selection of the markets and events on offer in the area.  Wherever you visit, you will be sure to see lovely lights, markets selling local produce and independent shops with gift ideas galore, not to mention the national brands in the shopping centres too.

Leeds Castle:  Weekends 24 November – 16 December

Christmas market featuring traditional funfair rides, reindeer, birds of prey, music, gifts and food stalls

Rochester Castle:

In the picturesque castle gardens with live performers, funfair, gifts, Bavarian food village and with guaranteed snow falling.  Weekends end November/beg December

Dover Castle:

See how Christmas was celebrated in wartime at the castle, help make festive treats on a ration and meet Father Christmas (throughout Dec)

Illusions at Bedgebury National Pinetum

A one-mile sparkling pathway through the forest, which will be lit up in festive colours, with traditional Christmas fare on offer 30 November – 30 December