Tenterden, Kent – The popular Tenterden Christmas Market is set for its biggest expansion yet. This year, the event will grow from a festive weekend into a full ten-day market. It will feature more than 100 stalls. This significant increase comes as a direct response to the record number of visitors seen in recent years. Organisers needed to address concerns about overcrowding in the charming Kent town.
The 2025 market will run from Friday, 14th November, to Sunday, 23rd November. It will transform a major part of the historic High Street. The longer duration should spread visitor traffic out more evenly. This will make the experience better for shoppers, residents, and traders. Already one of the largest Christmas events in the county, the market is poised to become an even bigger destination. Visitors come here for seasonal goods, artisan crafts, and festive food.
Kent’s Festive Kick-Off Expands
Planning for the new ten-day format was detailed and thorough. The event is split into two distinct phases to manage its scale. The market will start with a focus on a dedicated Marquee Market area.
Phase One: Weekday Shopping in Marquees
The first week runs from Friday, 14th November, through Thursday, 20th November. During this time, the market will operate in one specific section of the High Street. Organisers will primarily use marquees installed between Ozgur’s Restaurant and Station Road. This setup is designed to offer a solid weekday shopping experience. It also allows the rest of the town centre to operate with less disruption.
This initial phase is perfect for dedicated shoppers. They can look for the unique, high-quality artisan gifts that the Tenterden market is famous for. Weekday opening hours generally run from 9 am to 6 pm. This gives people who want to avoid the peak weekend crowds plenty of time to enjoy the festive feel and browse the many stalls.
Phase Two: The Grand Final Weekend
For the final three days, the market will grow dramatically. This is from Friday, 21st November, to Sunday, 23rd November. Over this weekend, the market will reach its full size. It will stretch along the High Street all the way to East Cross.
This extended area will make space for the full number of over 100 traders to set up. This includes many new stalls alongside returning favourites. Expanding the final weekend shows the commitment of the organisers, Market Square Group/Zoom Events. They want to accommodate the growing interest from both traders and the public. Staggering the market’s size over ten days is a clever strategy. It eases pressure on local services while boosting the local economy.
Artisan Goods and Festive Food
The high-quality selection of independent stallholders remains the central focus of the Tenterden Christmas Market. Their products promote local and ethical trade. The market has become a key platform for Kent and East Sussex businesses. It allows small producers and crafters to show off their goods to a huge audience.
Shoppers can expect a wide variety of items. These range from handcrafted jewellery and accessories to custom-made arts and crafts. These are perfect for unique Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. Traders selling home furnishings and seasonal decorations will also be prominent. They cater to people looking for unique touches for their festive homes.
Food lovers will find the market very appealing. The culinary selection is a major draw. Stalls will offer an international mix of street cuisine, as well as artisan grocery foods. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats. These include warm mulled wine, gourmet hot chocolate, and various seasonal baked goods. The focus is on quality produce. This means the food and drink section is a destination itself, not just a place for a quick bite.
Supporting dozens of independent businesses in one place is a major reason for the market’s popularity. It offers a clear alternative to national high street shops during the crucial festive shopping season.
Community and Entertainment
Besides the shopping, the market offers a busy schedule of festive entertainment. This is designed to create a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. One of the town’s most anticipated events traditionally marks the market’s start.
Launching with the Lights Switch-On
The opening day is Friday, 14th November. It happens at the same time as the traditional Tenterden Town Christmas Light Switch-On. This event brings in huge crowds. It officially starts the town’s festive season. The market’s evening opening hours are timed to benefit from the excitement and increased foot traffic. The ceremony, choir singing, and illuminated stalls create a truly magical start to the ten days.
Live Performances Programme
Live entertainment will be a continuous feature. It will focus mainly on the weekends and Friday evenings. Performances will take place on dedicated stages along the High Street. They will showcase local musical groups, bands, and performers. This provides a community focus and keeps the atmosphere bright and lively all day long.
More activities are planned across the ten days for all ages. These include practical displays, like wood-turning, and family fun, such as magic tricks and children’s activities. The market works alongside other local events. For example, the Christmas Tree Festival is held at the Zion Baptist Church. This encourages visitors to explore everything the town offers. Organisers have also confirmed that street performers will wander through the market, adding spontaneous festive cheer.
Visitor and Travel Information
Detailed planning is crucial for an event of this size. This ensures a smooth visit for the thousands of people expected to attend.
Access and Opening Times
The market’s location on the Tenterden High Street means public transport links are good. Bus stops are nearby. There is no charge to enter the Christmas Market. This makes it an affordable day out for everyone.
The opening times change significantly over the ten days to suit the different phases and visitor patterns:
- Friday, 14th November: 12:00 to 20:00 (Starts with the Lights Switch-On).
- Saturday, 15th November: 09:00 to 18:00.
- Sunday, 16th November: 10:00 to 16:00.
- Monday 17th – Thursday 20th November: 09:00 to 18:00.
- Friday, 21st November: 09:00 to 20:00.
- Saturday, 22nd November: 09:00 to 19:00.
- Sunday, 23rd November: 10:00 to 17:00.
Parking and Getting There
Council car parks will likely be busy due to the number of visitors. People are strongly advised to use all available parking. They should also consider taking public transport if they can.
The Kent and East Sussex Railway Company is kindly offering its car park at Tenterden Town Station for market visitors. This usually involves a set daily fee from Fridays to Sundays. This provides valuable extra parking that’s just a short walk from the main High Street. Visitors should remember that while town car parks are available, some have charges and time limits. Local authorities encourage checking parking information ahead of time. This will help ensure an easy arrival and departure.
Economic Boost
Extending the market to ten days is expected to give a significant boost to Tenterden’s economy. Spreading the event out over a longer period helps more than just the temporary market stallholders. It also supports the many independent permanent shops, cafés, and restaurants along the High Street. The market brings in thousands of potential customers. Many of these people might not otherwise visit the area. This helps the town’s life and reputation year-round. Local businesses will have a great opportunity to benefit from the sustained increase in foot traffic during the festive shopping season.
The expansion signals a new era for the market. It is becoming a major regional event and ensuring Tenterden stays a highlight of the Kent Christmas calendar.