Faversham Christmas Market and light switch on - dates, times, and changes for 2024

Kent is famed far and wide for its wonderful selection of Christmas Markets, from the iconic Rochester festivities to Canterbury’s newly expanded offering which will transform the city’s cathedral in 2024. Another choice that proves a hit year after year can be found in the market town of Faversham, which sees the town centre brought to life with beautiful lights and charming artisan stalls.

This year, Faversham Christmas Market will take place on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, running between 9am and 3pm each day. Different stallholders will take part across the festive weekend so it's well worth a visit on both days if you can.

On the Saturday, the Faversham Charter Market will join the Christmas iteration of the Best of Faversham Market. Expect to see an expansive selection of gifts, clothes, handmade trinkets, fresh produce, delicious seasonal foods and gorgeous plants from some of Kent’s finest local designers, creatives and producers.

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Then on Sunday, the Christmas Market will continue on the holiday cheer, ideal for grabbing those last minute gifts and stocking stuffers while enjoying the beautiful decorations and a warming drink. There will be live music and plenty of festive entertainment to help set the atmosphere as well.

Plus, the festive donkeys courtesy of Happy Endings Rescue will also be making a return on both days for visitors to meet and feed. You can always go beyond the main market for your Christmas shopping as Faversham is regarded for its wonderful selection of independent shops and businesses found throughout the town.

Attendees are advised that there will be some changes for this year’s iteration to make note of. Due to forecast high winds on the weekend of the market, traders from the Charter Market and Best of Faversham Market will be hosted in the Market Place, Court Street and upstairs in the Guildhall.

There are to be no stalls held in Preston Street as a result. A selection of the Best of Faversham Market sellers will be found in the Guildhall, where you can also get a good look at the beautiful Christmas lights, or pick up a copy of Faversham Monopoly.

This is not the only festive Faversham celebration to jot in your calendar either, as on Saturday, November 30 the town will host its fabulous Christmas lights switch on and night food market. Guests are invited to the Market Place and Court Street for the grand switch on at 5pm before the Faversham Charter Market begins from 6pm, running until 9pm.

Again, a curated selection of local businesses will be selling a bespoke range of food, produce, gifts and more. Sip a mulled wine or a Christmas cider while you peruse the various wares and take in the spellbinding light displays throughout the town centre.

Joined by live onstage entertainment from Musica Band UK, this will certainly be a night to remember. That’s not all, as the night will host carol singers, face painting and even a visit from Santa Claus so the little ones can make sure he receives their wish lists this year.

In terms of getting to the Christmas markets and lights switch on, there are regular train services to Faversham every hour, with the railway station less than a 10 minute walk from Market Place. The following car parks can also be found in the town centre, but are likely to be very busy during the festivities:

• Central Car Park, Leslie Smith Drive, Faversham ME13 8PW - paid parking

• Partridge Lane Car Park, Partridge Lane, Faversham ME13 7DX - paid parking

• Queens Hall Car Park, Forbes Road, Faversham, ME13 8QE - paid parking

• Institute Road Car Park, Institute Road, Faversham ME13 8AE - paid parking

• Ospringe Road Car Park, Ospringe Street, Faversham, ME13 8TW - free parking

Find out more on all of the exciting Christmas markets happening around Kent in 2024 here.