Local Christmas markets to get you in the spirit!
Christmas is a magical time to be in Sittingbourne and Medway, think roaring fireplaces, crisp winter walks and some great family fun. It’s also home to some fantastic festive events and days out over the Christmas period - from children's activities to local Christmas markets, there's loads going on for everyone to love and to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Check out our handpicked favourites below…
Santa Saturdays
The Forum, High St, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3DL
Saturday 7th December and Saturday 14th December
Head to The Forum in Sittingbourne this Christmas and get all your festive essentials plus meet Santa himself! Santa Saturdays will take place on 7th and 14th December, when Santa will be in his grotto with FREE treats.
The centre is also welcoming local choirs and schools this December, with performances throughout the festive season to make Christmas shopping that little more enjoyable. Visit theforumsc.co.uk for more details.
Christmas Party Night
The Trafalgar Queenborough Kent ME11 5HB
Tuesday 17th December 2019
It’s Christmas Party Night at The Trafalgar! With big cash prizes, Christmas themed raffles, presents, gifts, a buffet and more – what more could you ask for! Get in the Christmas spirit with fun for the whole family.
Christmas at Brogdale
Brogdale Collections Brogdale Farm Faversham Kent ME13 8XZ
Sunday 1st December 2019, 10am – 3pm, free entry
Come down to Brogdale for a Christmas handmade crafts and a local produce market. Browse for perfect Christmas gifts while you sip a hot mulled cider from the Marketplace. Take a magical ride on the Faversham Miniature Railway to Santa’s grotto. Come make merry and get into the Christmas spirit!
Shop local craft and produce this Christmas – handpicked makers and producers will be offering unique Christmas gifts for all. Meet local craftspeople and pick from handmade personal gifts or a little treat for yourself!
Faversham Artisan Craft, Vintage & Gift Christmas Fair
Alexander Centre, Preston Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 8NZ
Sunday 8th December, 9:30am – 3pm, free entry
Stuck for Christmas presents? Come down to the craft, vintage and gift fair at the wonderful Alexander Centre this December. There will be a range of things to buy on offer to suit every need.
Christmas Wreath Making Class
Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre, 12 Preston Street Faversham, Kent ME13 8NS
Sunday 1st December 2019, 12pm - 2pm, Tickets £35 and include refreshments
This Christmas join in for some festive fun, learn some floristry skills! This workshop will provide you with the brilliant opportunity to learn how to make a wreath from scratch. Using the finest seasonal foliage you will decorate the wreath to suit your taste and then be able to take your beautiful finished product home with you on the day.
Experience Christmas at Kent Life
Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU
1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th December from 10am
Come along and meet Father Christmas and his elves, visit the grotto, create a gingerbread masterpiece and see the Big Man himself. Why not purchase a picture as a memory of your visit and post your letter in the Post Office. Don’t forget to visit the animals in the farmyard and take a ride on the Jingle Express.
Farm Nativity
Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU
Sunday 8th December 2019, 10am open, 3pm nativity start
Come and experience the living Nativity with some farmyard friends. Working together with Maidstone Family Church they will take you on a journey through the grounds to discover the nativity story scenes and join in the traditional Christmas Carolling. All children are encouraged to dress up and be part of the Nativity. The perfect way to get in the festive mood.
Heart of Kent Hospice Santa Dash
Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LQ
Saturday 21st December 2019, registration 2pm, dash at halftime - 3:45pm.
Tickets are £5.00 for children under 5, £10.00 for 5-16 year olds and £18.00 for adults with family and group discounts available.
Christmas is coming and you have the amazing opportunity to make a dash in true festive fashion across Maidstone United's football pitch in support of your local Hospice.
All bookings include a standing ticket for the Maidstone United v. Dorking Wanderers game as well as a 5 piece Santa Suit for the dash and an exclusive Santa Dash medal. All child participants will be entered into a draw to win a football signed by all members of the Maidstone United First Team.
Smarden Christmas Tree Festival
St Michaels Church, The Street, Smarden, Ashford, Kent TN27 8QB
Friday 13th December to Sunday 15th December 2019, 11am – 6pm, free entry.
A wonderful village event, where over 30 clubs, societies, families and businesses compete to be awarded the 'best in show' with their decorated Christmas Trees. These are decorated in a variety of ways, from the beautifully designed and crafted - to the weird and whacky. Come along and vote for your favourite tree!
While you are there, enjoy the live music, imbibe in a glass or two of mulled wine and some mince pies, buy some raffle tickets, buy something from the Christmas Craft stall or from the Christmas Produce stall, and enjoy this wonderful way to start the Christmas Season.
Christmas at the Castle
Whitstable Castle & Gardens Kent CT5 2BW
Sat 7 Dec 2019 and Sun 8 Dec 2019, free entry, parking limited.
Join in for a traditional Christmas Fair in the beautiful castle – there will be over 50 stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, wreaths, chutneys, and more. The magical Santa's grotto will be open from 10-4pm with Santa arriving in style at 10am - perfect opportunity for a photo with Santa! The Orangery Tearooms will also be open all day serving festive lunches, mince pies, mulled wine and more.
Wherever you choose to go this Christmas season, wrap up warm, take part, and start feeling Christmassy!