Give the high street shopping headaches a swerve this Christmas at the county’s festive fairs.

As of Saturday, November 19, there are only 35 days until Christmas.

As children tap their fingers in anticipation of their VIP’s arrival, grown ups are getting set for a hectic period of turkey-buying, decoration-hanging and helping out a certain big man in a red suit with some gift wrapping.

Rather than leaving it until Christmas Eve or a few days beforehand, a number of Christmas fairs across the county are on hand to help the more organised among us get ahead with our festive duties.

So go on – get the hard work done early for a change and allow yourself to put your feet up with a few mince pies and sherry on Christmas Eve.

Chiddingstone Castle’s Christmas fair

Friday, November 25

This relaxed shopping affair sees a variety of stalls selling toys, home accessories, children’s clothes and hand-crafted decorations. There will also be a choice of handbags, scarves and home-made jewellery for gents looking for something individual to get for their other halves.

Look out for the bargain pottery, vintage china, textiles, picnic hampers, cushions, cards, seasonal decorations and cosmetics.

After shopping there is the chance to relax in the Victorian tea room for a coffee break or light lunch with cakes and mince pies. Visitors can also wander the grounds, including the orangery.

Open 10am to 4pm. Admission £2.50. Details on 01892 870347 orwww.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk.

Hempstead Valley Christmas gift fair

From Monday, November 21, until Sunday, December 4

Get some decoration ideas and the best linen to dress the table for Christmas dinner at the traditional stalls taking root at the shopping centre for a fortnight.

There is a free competition to win a Christmas hamper running throughout. Hempstead Valley manager Mark Rumfitt said: “The Hempstead Valley Christmas gift fair is always popular with our customers due to the choice and quality of the Christmas gifts on offer. The fair transforms the mall and includes handmade produce, crafts and gifts from local exhibitors in Medway and Kent.”

Details on 01634 387 076 orwww.hempsteadvalley.com

Leeds Castle’s Festive Fair

Saturday and Sunday, November 19 to 20

Come what may with the weather, there will be no need to pile on the extra layers with the fair taking place inside a heated, carpeted marquee on the Cedar Lawn.

Stalls will be selling jewellery, clothing, art and local produce perfect for Christmas hampers. By avoiding the queues and stress of the high street, visitors can also sidestep a night of arduous wrapping as presents get wrapped up at the event.

Fair-goers can complete the day by visiting the castle and checking out the World of Wings free-flying bird show near the maze at 1.30pm, with a collection of species from five continents.

Guided tours will also run around the aviary at 2.15pm, giving visitors a glimpse into the castle’s modern conservation and captive breeding programmes.

Admission £18.50, seniors and visitors with disabilities £16 (carers go free), children £11, under fours free. Details on 01622 767823 or www.leeds-castle.com

Rochester’s Dickens Christmas market

Wednesday, November 30, to Sunday, December 18

In the grounds of Rochester Castle, just a few steps from the city’s picture-postcard Victorian High Street, you’ll find the South East’s largest Christmas market.

The German-style chalets, giant Christmas tree and carousel will be lit up by Chatham’s panto star Vanilla Ice on the opening day.

The smell of roasted chestnuts and glühwein will fill the air around the huts selling hand-crafted goods and festive treats.

Street entertainers and Dickensian characters will mingle among the revellers, while Christmas carols welcome visitors to the market at this KM Group sponsored event.

Admission free. Details atwww.dickenschristmasmarket.com

More Christmas gift hotspots this week

Biddenden Vineyard’s Christmas shop

Open daily until Christmas Eve, choose from a selection of Kentish jams, chutneys, beers, honeys, liqueurs and biscuits. Everyone gets a free mince pie and complementary glass of the spiced mulling cider Monk’s Delight. Call 01580 291726.

Canterbury’s traditional Christmas market at Whitefriars Shopping Centre

Open daily until Christmas Eve, the centre of the city is turned into a Yuletide market, where visitors can relax with a glass of German mulled wine while listening to festive songs and soaking up the bustling atmosphere. There are lots of tasty festive treats to try while you shop including German bratwurst sausages and chocolate-coated waffles. Call 01227 826760.

Kent Life’s Christmas shopping weekend

There will be festive savings in the gift shop, Paint-a-Pot Studio and on the attraction’s Adopt-an-Animal scheme just in time for Christmas. The weekend takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20. Call 01622 763936.

St George’s Church Christmas fair, Gravesend

Crafts and face painting will keep children happy and there will be a chocolate tombola, raffle, bottle stall, books, and a nearly-new sale. A good spot for a bargain. The event is on Saturday, November 19, from 10am to 2pm. Call 01474 337600.

Westgate Hall Christmas craft and gift fair, Canterbury

Just off Canterbury High Street is this Aladdin’s cave of modern and traditional crafts, open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20. Call 01843 823307.

Whitstable Castle and Gardens

Wander the gift stands while listening to carol singing at the Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 19, from 11am to 5pm. The day is rounded off with the lighting of the castle’s 50-foot Christmas Tree. Call 01227 281726