Make your Christmas both magical and eco-friendly by visiting one of Kent's best Christmas markets by train. With more than just presents and stocking fillers, you're sure to find something special and unique at these traditional winter markets.
Southeastern trains make it even easier to reach your favourite Christmas markets across Kent with their weekend, group and kid discount tickets!
Find the best Christmas presents for friends, family and loved ones, to sampling and enjoying some of Kent's best offerings, make the most of what Kent has to offer this festive season.
Christmas cheer at Rochester’s market
Hop off the train and straight into a Christmas fairy tale at Rochester Christmas Market, set in the stunning grounds of Rochester Castle. With over 120 festive stalls, this is Kent’s biggest free-to-enter Christmas market, and it knows how to put on a show! Expect everything from locally made gifts and artisan goodies to Bavarian village and enough mulled wine to warm your winter soul. There’s live entertainment on the bandstand, a funfair for the kids (and big kids) and serious festive vibes around every corner. It’s like stepping into a Christmas film.
Running across three magical weekends in late November and early December, it attracts visitors from all over, and it’s only a five-minute stroll from the station. So what are you waiting for? Grab your cosiest scarf, hop on the train, and let Rochester work its Christmas magic.
Cathedrals, history and Christmas magic
If you’re craving festive charm with a side of history, Canterbury delivers it all! The city comes alive from early November, with twinkling lights, carol services in its world-famous cathedral, and a huge traditional Christmas market nestled among medieval streets and independent shops. As you wander, you’ll find everything from handmade gifts to mulled wine stations and street performers spreading cheer as they go. Plus, with award-winning pantos and festive shows at one of three major theatres, you’re spoilt for seasonal entertainment.
All just under an hour from London and a short walk from the train station! Celebrations will begin early November; keep an eye on Visit Canterbury’s ‘what’s on’ page for more information. So wrap up warm, hop on the train, and let Canterbury charm your Christmas socks off.
Festive finds and furry friends all in Faversham
Mark your calendars for 13-14 December, because Faversham is going full festive for one magical weekend only! The town’s charming market square transforms into a cosy Christmas haven, with all your favourite stallholders from across Faversham’s three regular markets coming together for two days of seasonal sparkle.
Whether you’re after handmade gifts, festive bakes, Christmas cards or that one quirky present you won’t find anywhere else… this is the spot. Expect carol singing, joyful tunes and a special appearance from the Happy Ending donkeys.
Sea, songs and Santa… Christmas in Broadstairs
Looking for a Christmas market with a coastal twist? Broadstairs is bringing the festive cheer to Pierremont Hall, where twinkling lights meet sea air and seasonal magic. From 11am – 5pm, you can enjoy live music, soak up the atmosphere, and even say hello to Mr and Mrs Claus, who will be there to greet the whole family!
With festive tunes playing all day (11am – 4pm) and plenty of merriment to go around, it’s a feel-good day out by the sea that you won’t want to miss. Jump on the train, bring your Christmas spirit and let Broadstairs put a jingle in your step.
Treasures at Tonbridge Castle
On 27 July 2025, Tonbridge Castle isn’t just a historic landmark, it’s turning into a treasure trove of artisan delights. From handcrafted arts and crafts to luxurious beauty products, sweet treats, and unique gifts, this market is packed with finds you simply won’t stumble across on the high street.
Wander through the mix of indoor and outdoor stalls, sip on a hot drink, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere as you shop directly from passionate local traders. And when you’ve filled your bags, extend your Sunday with a riverside stroll and a browse around the town’s charming shops.
Best of all? It’s free entry, the only thing you’ll need to spend is on those irresistible goodies. So mark your diary, hop on the train, and make a day of artisan adventures at Tonbridge Castle.
Cosy stays and Christmas magic with Bloom Stays
Turn your festive trip into a dreamy getaway with Bloom Stays. Whether you’re planning a Christmas market crawl, Bloom Stay’s handpicked holiday homes across Kent are the perfect base for your festive adventures.
Some of their properties are just a short stroll from train stations, meaning you can go car-free, stress-free, and still be perfectly placed to explore Kent’s twinkling towns and markets. From crackling log fires to twinkling lights and beautiful views, their stays are made for mince pies, Christmas markets and winter walks. Book a Bloom Stay this Christmas and unwrap the gift of a magical Kent escape, no sleighs required.
Coastal cosiness with Keepers Cottages
If Christmas by the sea sounds like your kind of festive magic, Keepers Cottages have you covered. Their beautiful handpicked holiday homes around Deal, Walmer, and the Kent coast are perfect for cosy winter breaks. Think crisp seaside walks, twinkling lights along the promenade, and a glass of mulled wine waiting back at your cottage.
Many of their stays are just a short walk from the station, making it easy to swap the car for the train and still be at the heart of the action. Whether you’re after a romantic escape, a family gathering spot, or a seaside retreat with friends, these cottages are full of festive charm.
Sleigh the season with Southeastern
Ditch the traffic, skip the parking drama and let Southeastern take the reins this Christmas. With direct trains to Kent’s most festive towns, including Canterbury, Rochester, Broadstairs and Faversham, it’s never been easier to turn a winter day out into a magical memory.
Travelling by train means more time for mulled wine, market mooching and carol singing (we won’t judge), and with group discounts, family tickets and off-peak deals, it’s a jolly good way to save while you explore. Hop aboard and let Southeastern whisk you straight to the heart of Kent’s Christmas sparkle, no reindeer required!
