If you’re looking for a festive day out near London this winter, few places capture the magic of the season quite like a small town in Kent. Just over an hour from the capital by train, this medieval market town transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland each December – complete with charming stalls, glowing lights, Christmas carols, and even a pair of friendly donkeys.
For Londoners craving a countryside Christmas without the long journey, this town’s one-weekend-only Christmas market running Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December, is one of Kent’s most enchanting seasonal events.
Faversham – a medieval market town turned festive celebration
Faversham’s historic Market Place becomes the heart of the celebration, its timber-framed buildings and cobbled streets setting the stage for a truly traditional Christmas experience. Over the course of three days, stallholders from across Kent will gather to showcase local produce, handmade crafts and unique gifts ideal for anyone looking to avoid the usual high-street rush.
Christmas in Faversham – three days, three distinct markets
Each day of the weekend offers something different:
🎄 Friday: Festive Food Market
A showcase of Kent’s finest food and drink businesses. Expect artisanal cheeses, local bakes, small-batch spirits, seasonal chutneys and plenty of hot treats to enjoy as you explore.
🎁 Saturday: Bumper Charter Market & Best of Faversham Artisan Market
Perfect for gift hunters, this day brings together makers, artists and independent producers selling everything from jewellery and candles to woodcraft, ceramics and textiles.
✨ Sunday: Christmas Gift Market
The final day is dedicated to stocking fillers and one-of-a-kind presents. It’s the ideal moment to finish your Christmas shopping before heading back to London with bags full of local treasures.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors can enjoy live Christmas carols and seasonal music throughout the weekend. A special surprise and highlight for families is the appearance of the Happy Endings donkeys, who will be on hand for gentle petting and feeding – a rare countryside delight so close to the capital.
Faversham’s big Christmas lights switch-on
If you’re planning your festive outings early, the town’s Christmas celebrations begin even before the markets. The Faversham Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Saturday 29 November at 5pm, illuminating the town centre in vibrant colours while crowds gather in the historic square.
From 4pm to 8pm, Preston Street also hosts a Festive Night Market, packed with craft stalls and delicious street food – ideal for a cosy evening out.
Why it’s a perfect London day trip
Fast trains from St Pancras take around 1 hour 10 minutes. No need for a car – everything is walkable from Faversham station.
Between the medieval setting, the unique rotating markets, the abundance of Kentish produce and the cosy atmosphere, Faversham offers something genuinely special. Whether you’re heading down for festive food, family fun, or a picturesque Christmas shopping spree, this is one festive weekend near London worth marking on your calendar.