insideKENT Magazine Issue 68 - November 2017 | Page 46

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
Christmas Markets cont.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN KENT
Rochester
Rochester Castle Gardens is the scene
for this most traditional and
heartwarming of Christmas markets.
As you wander around the stalls selling
all manner of gorgeous and unique
gifts – including handmade items and
tasty treats – nibbling roasted chestnuts
as you go, you’ll be able to take in the
view of the 12th-century Norman keep
too. The market is set out like a Bavarian
village to really keep the idea of
Christmas alive and it incorporates the
Dickensian Christmas Festival (2nd-
3rd December) where you can step
back in time and meet some of the
great author’s most famous characters.
Leeds Castle
With a huge array of gorgeous gift
ideas, as well as some locally produced
food and drink items, the Leeds Castle
Christmas Market is always a joy to
attend. But what makes it even more
fun are the traditional fairground rides
that everyone can enjoy. Pop along and
meet the reindeer, find out whether
you are on Father Christmas’s ‘nice’ list,
and sample some festive delights as
you listen to live music under the
majestic watch of Leeds Castle itself.
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Whitefriars
The Christmas market at Whitefriars in
Canterbury consists of over 35 different stalls
housed in British-made traditional wooden
sheds. Unique gifts and dazzling decorations
sit side by side with Christmassy treats such
as gingerbread and mulled wine. Sample some
on the day and take the rest home for your
Christmas guests; it will add a definite delicious
sparkle to the big day itself. There are also
many events to enjoy as you shop including
a lovely and utterly memorable grotto where
Father Christmas will be happy to meet the
children and give them a pre-Christmas gift.
Tenterden
Tente rden is one of the prettiest Kentish
villages, so it should come as no surprise that
the Christmas market it holds every year is
just as lovely. Local artisan food producers and
crafters will be there selling their wares and
offering samples so you can choose the perfect
products for your Christmas table. And, if
you’re feeling more than a little peckish, there
will be street food stalls too, so you can up
your energy levels ready for the next round of
Christmas shopping. With live music from
choirs as well as street entertainers this is as
festive as it gets.