insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 129

DAYSOUT

christmas shopping

I N

K E N T

Christmas is just around the corner, but there is still time to find the perfect gift for
your loved one, or to stock up on some delicious food and drink for your festive feast.
To ensure your Christmas shopping is a joy, Visit Kent has a roundup of some fantastic
festive shopping experiences happening in the county this month.

Bluewater

Whitefriars Christmas Market

Shop 'til you drop

Festive produce and unique gifts

Canterbury has plenty to offer any shopper, and
the Whitefriars Christmas Market is the icing on
the Christmas cake. In the open-air square amid
60-plus stores, this traditional market features
more than 35 wooden cabins selling a wide range
of unique festive gifts, decorations and produce.
The market will be open from 20th November to
23rd December, with late night shopping on
Thursdays.
www.whitefriarschristmasmarket.com

Stock up on delicious Kentish produce and choice
goodies at Macknade Fine Foods in Faversham.
The farm shop and food hall will be open for late
.
night shopping on 4th, 11th, and 18th December
Guests will have the chance to grab some
speciality food and drink, try the products and
meet the suppliers, with exclusive offers just for
late night shoppers. A pop-up shop will also be
open on 11th December, which will sell clothing
and home goods from local designers.
www.macknade.com

You can also visit Fremlin Walk in Maidstone as
it is transformed into a winter wonderland,
complete with a traditional German
Christkindlmarkt. There will be free entertainment
every week in the lead up to Christmas, including
stilt walkers, face painters and events hosted by
your favourite Fremlin Walk stores.
www.fremlinwalk.co.uk
Bluewater will once again ensure its thousands
of shoppers have plenty to do when not snapping
up last minute gifts. The shopping centre will
feature a winter wonderland with a 6,000-sqft
indoor ice rink that promises great skating for all,
and Santa’s grotto will welcome the little ones.
Winter Wonderland will be open from 27th
November to 4th January 2015.
www.bluewaterwinterwonderland.co.uk
From Friday 28th November to Sunday 30th
November, Ashford Designer Outlet's loyal
customers will be treated to a full VIP experience
while doing their Christmas shopping. Expect a
deluxe red carpet, winter wonderland setting,
complimentary beverages and canapés, live
pianist, photo booth and a raffle. Shoppers can
register for the event via the Privilege Club online
at www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com

Remember there are plenty of great festive
farmers’ markets taking place across the county
on the run up to Christmas. Find out about your
local farmers’ market at www.kfma.org.uk
Can’t find the perfect Christmas hamper to give
as a gift? Then make up your own over at
Biddenden Vineyards. The wine- and cider-makers
are filling the shop with plenty of festive treats on
the run up to the big day with Christmas offerings
,
from local producers, chocolates, and chutneys,
as well as seasonal ciders and apple juice. You
can find a hamper or tray to suit any taste or
budget, and they will even wrap it for you.
www.biddendenvineyards.com

Step back in time
Sample the delights of the Ightham Mote
Christmas market this season. The 14th-century
manor house, near Sevenoaks, is open seven
days a week throughout December (except
Christmas Day) and will be decorated in festive
splendour from various decades. Visit its special
opening weekend on 29th-30th November from

Discover many more things to do and see in Kent this winter at
www.visitkent.co.uk.

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11am-3pm, when there will be a market of local
producers and seasonal refreshments.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote
Enjoy a Dickensian Christmas and see the streets
of Rochester transformed into a feast of Victorian
delights on 6th and 7th December. Packed with
shopping stalls, there will be lamp-lit parades,
carol concerts, and even guaranteed snowfall,
framed by Rochester’s fairytale cathedral and
castle. You’ll also see some familiar, fabled
characters from Dickens’ much-loved stories as
you browse for goodies.
www.rochesterdickensfestival.org.uk
Leeds Castle Christmas Market

From 6th to 23rd December, visitors to Leeds
Castle will experience a spectacular festive day
out at the 900-year-old castle, near Maidstone.
In addition to the delicious gingerbread theme
running throughout the house, the onsite
Christmas market will offer an array of seasonal
gift ideas, toys, decorations, and delicious local
food and drink. Enjoy a warming hot chocolate
or mulled wine and a ride on the carousel or ferris
wheel while there.
www.leeds-castle.com/events