Elham Christmas Market celebrates 20 years of festive fundraising
The much-loved Elham Christmas Market will return on Thursday 30 October 2025, 6pm – 9pm (with a special preview for disabled visitors from 5.30 – 6.00pm), marking a very special milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
What began in a small church hall with just eight traders and a fundraising total of £600 has now grown into one of the community’s most cherished festive events, attracting more than 35 traders and raising over £40,000 in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
The market was founded by local businesswoman Carol Stevens, who was inspired by the magical atmosphere of traditional German Christmas markets. Alongside running her own successful home décor and gifts business, Hearts Deco, Carol has dedicated two decades to organising and growing the event, even keeping it alive during the pandemic years by running a virtual market.
Visitors to this year’s market can enjoy a wonderful festive atmosphere, with Elham Village Hall transformed into a winter wonderland of greenery and fairy lights. There will be over 35 stalls offering unique gifts you won’t find on the High Street, including jewellery, ceramics, lino cut prints, glass art, wooden crafts, linens, accessories, Christmas cards, decorations, garden gifts, and delicious local produce.
A highlight each year is the fabulous raffle, organised with support from local resident and Pilgrims Hospices colleague Gill Ramsay. The raffle features generous donations from local businesses and individuals across the community. There is a further luxury prize hamper to be won in a prize draw on the the Elham Christmas Market website. Entries for this can be made by donating through the justgiving.com/page/elham-christmas-market.
The event is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and local businesses, with long-standing contributions including Tesco’s Community Champion donation of wine for the much-loved mulled wine, Seasoned Pioneers’ spices, which make the wine so delicious (seasonedpioneers.com) and Simpsons Wine Estate’s generous percentage of sales towards hospice care.
Carol said:
“It’s a real labour of love every year and so wonderful to see the community come together around the festive season and support the hospice. I’m so grateful to the army of volunteers and local businesses who help make it possible – from donating prizes to serving mulled wine. It’s incredible to see how the market has grown over 20 years, and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Rachael Edmed, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager, added:
“The Elham Christmas Market is such a special event, and it’s incredible to see the support it has generated for Pilgrims Hospices over the past 20 years. We’re so grateful to Carol for her amazing dedication and the huge amount of work she puts in each year to make it happen. The evening always has a wonderful festive atmosphere, and I’m really looking forward to being there to celebrate this milestone with the community.”
Event details:
Elham Christmas Market
Thursday 30 October 2025, 6pm – 9pm
(Preview for disabled visitors: 5.30 – 6.00pm)
Elham Village Hall, Elham, Kent CT4 6SX
Entry: £1.00 minimum (children under 10 go free) – cash required please. Please bring cash for smaller purchases, though many traders can also take card payments.
Parking: Please use the field in Park Lane (opposite the village hall), weather permitting, or park in the village itself, leaving the main car park for those less able.
To find out more, visit: elhamchristmasmarket.co.uk
