Christmas shopping

Make Christmas shopping a relaxing and enjoyable experience in Kent this winter. There are so many opportunities available which suit all budgets and tastes, with late night opening hours at Kent's main shopping centres, exclusive Christmas Markets and Fairs offering unique gift ideas, and gift shops at Kent's leading attractions selling hand crafted Christmas decorations and presents.

Christmas Markets and Fairs

Kent's Christmas Markets are situated in the most charismatic areas of Kent and are perfect for quaint, quirky and original gift ideas. You will find delicious festive food and drink, hand crafted gifts, delicate ornaments and beautiful jewellery.

Canterbury's Traditional Christmas Market is situated in the heart of the bustling city centre at Whitefriars Square and runs from 18th November- 24th December. The Dickens Christmas Market at Rochester Castle is set within the stunning grounds of the castle, and provides a truly festive experience from 30th November until 18th December with carol singers, local bands and Dickensian characters! Relax with a glass of German mulled wine whilst listening to festive songs and soaking up the atmosphere of these fantastic Yule-tide markets.

Bluewater's Spirit of Christmas Fair offers over 250 stalls selling unique gifts, jewellery and hand crafted decorations and toys for the whole family between 30th November and 4th December. The Festive Food Fair on 8th-11th December encourages visitors to sample and take home their favourite Kent food and drink produce, including award winning wines and ales, speciality cakes and cheeses, chutneys and many more, making that Christmas dinner even more delicious!

You can also visit one of the many charming Christmas gift shop's at Kent's top attractions which are all selling unique gifts, decorations and mouth watering festive treats which can't be found anywhere on the high street.

Browse all Christmas Markets and events here.
 

Christmas Trees

Looking for the perfect Christmas tree this season? Take a trip to Wildwood near Herne Bay, Bedgebury near Goudhurst or Penshurst Place near Tonbridge.

Wildwood will be offering christmas trees once again this year, with top quality Nordman Fur and Norway Spruce trees on sale at the forest from 3rd December 2011. All proceeds go towards Wildwood's conservation work to save British wildlife. You can also find an excellent selection of Nordmann firs, Norway spruces and lodgepole pines plus festive wreaths and stands in Bedgebury's Walled Garden from 26th November this year. Proceeds from sales are channelled back into Bedgebury's important conservation work. Penshurst Place will be selling Christmas trees alongside estate grown mistletoe in the Plant Centre which is located next to the gift shop and open at the same times.
   

Unusual Christmas Presents

Want to give something a bit unusual this Christmas? Know somebody that's difficult to buy for? How about giving something special this year...

For the animal lover

Adopting an animal is a great gift as well as helping to support the conservation of some of the world's most endangered and Britain's rarest animals. Wildwood offer adoption packs for both adults and youngsters, offering the chance to adopt a British animal, such as a wolf or a beaver. Adoptions start from £25. Call 01227 712111 or e-mail info@wildwoodtrust.org to find out more.

At Howletts and Port Lympne you can choose from 19 endangered species such as gorillas, elephants, tigers, rhinos and monkeys to adopt. Adoptions start from £3 a month. If you adopt an animal at Howletts or Port Lympne before 30th November you will be in with the chance to win a Keeper Experience for two. Animal lovers can also enjoy unlimited entry into the parks for a whole year with the Port Lympne and Howletts Passports which can be purchased online at £22.95 per adult and £18.95 per child.

For food and drink lovers

Treat a loved one this year with a Shepherd Neame brewery tour gift package, which includes a personalised certificate for a brewery tour and tutored tasting (for two people), plus a presentation pack of different ales and beers to enjoy at home. Short breaks are also available. Alternatively, indulge someone with a Shepherd Neame luxury hamper, featuring speciality ales, local produce, gifts, and souvenirs. There are selections for every taste and budget with prices ranging from £23.50 to £69.00.

The Biddenden Vineyards Christmas shop is open from mid November until Christmas eve and allows shoppers to personalise a hamper or gift tray with their choice of jams, chutneys, beers, honeys, liquers, delicious cakes and biscuits and of course award winning ciders, wines and apple juice. Biddenden hampers are ideal for that 'hard to buy for' person.

Leeds Castle gift experiences

For that special person why not splash out on a once in a lifetime gift experience at the world famous Leeds Castle. In addition to hot air balloon flights and Go Ape and Segway vouchers, Heritage Events are offering fantastic gift packages for the Leeds Castle Open Air Classical Concert 2012 which includes 2 picnic style tickets plus a bottle of award winning Chapel Down wine for just £99 or 2 seated tickets with a bottle of Chapel Down wine for £120. Both packages will be delivered to your door with a personalised letter and beautiful carrying case. Book tickets online now

For something different

Go-karting: Buy that racing fanatic a Buckmore Park gift voucher, allowing that special person to plan their thrilling and action packed day just as they like. Vouchers can be purchased in multiples of £5 and can be used on merchandise or events.

Gardens and Historic Houses: National Trust membership allows free entry into some of the country's most beautiful houses and gardens. Membership can be purchased at your local property or online.

Buy a piece of the Cathedral: Help save Canterbury Cathedral by sponsoring a tile for the South Oculus Window. It will take £500,000 to conserve and restore this fabulous window, one of the finest examples of early medieval stained glass windows left in Britain.

Relax and detox: Perched above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Wallett's Court's new spa is the perfect place to relax and destress after the festive season. Treat a loved one or special friend to a spa pamper day, health club membership, 'glamping' in a tipi, spa relaxation days, golf and spa days, and much more. Visit the online store to buy gift vouchers, or telephone 01304 852424.