Christmas in Kent 2023! There are plenty of Christmas events in Kent happening this year. From Kent pantomimes for some great festive fun, to plenty of family days out and activities with those extra special Christmas touches.
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Christmas Events In Kent
Hever Castle Christmas
Dates: 18th November 2023 – January 1st 2024
The gardens at Hever Castle are decorated so when the light fades, you are treated to twinkling Christmas trees and lots of colour.
Related post – Best Christmas light trails in the UK
Kent And East Sussex Railway Santa Train
Dates: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 22nd – 24th December 2023. November 26th is the quiet day date.
The Santa train experience in 2023 includes a 70 minute festive train journey with complimentary refreshments. There is a magician providing on-board entertainment and at Tenterden station. Children receive a gift on board the train from Santa as he travels up and down the train.
Babies under the age of 18 months are free of charge and receive a small gift.
Christmas Lights At Leeds Castle
Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 1st January 2025
After the introduction of the new Christmas trail in 2022, it’s back for 2024. Featuring enchanting illuminations and Christmas music at Leeds Castle.
There will be sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees in many different colours.
Leeds Castle also has great easter events in the Spring
A Narnia Christmas At Leeds Castle
Dates: 25th November 2023 – 1st January 2024
The whole family will embark on a magical journey through the wardrobe as they take in the wonder of Christmas in Narnia.
Wander through the snowy landscapes. Witness breathtaking scenes from the book come to life. Indulge in the magic of Christmas in a way only Narnia can deliver.
Christmas At Bedgebury
Dates: 17th November – 31st December 2023
Enjoy Christmas lights in Kent at an after-dark trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum this winter. There are over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds that will surround you along the illuminated trail.
Skate Tunbridge Wells
Dates: 1st December 2023 – 1st January 2024
The outdoor ice rink in Kent and festive stalls are only a five-minute walk from the train station and town centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Ruxley Manor Ice Skating
Dates: 10th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
Outdoor ice skating is back at Ruxley Manor for 2023. Prices start from just £5 and there are plenty of different sessions including little skaters and SEN ice skating sessions too.
Spa Valley Railway Polar Express
Dates: November, 9th, 10th, 15th – 17th, 22nd – 24th, 28th – 30th / December 1st, 5th – 8th, 11th – 15th, 18th – 23rd – 2024
Location: The train departs from West Station in Tunbridge Wells on the Spa Valley Railway.
Parking: There are a choice of car parks near the railway. All are pay and display, with the recommended car park being Meadow Road Car Park – TN1 2EN. There are free shuttle buses between here and the railway.
Prices: Polar Express train tickets vary in price according to your travel dates.
Duration: The whole Polar Express experience lasts for between two and two and a half hours.
Christmas At Reuthes
There are plenty of family friendly activities and events happening at the Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks in Kent this year.
Breakfast with Santa
Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th December 2023
Children’s Christmas Disco
Dates: 2nd, 9th, 16th December 2023
SEN Children’s Christmas Party
Date: 23rd December 2023
Christmas At Walmer Castle
Dates: 1st December 2023 – 1st January 2024
Experience the past in a spectacular new light trail this December. Explore the grounds and gardens of Walmer Castle & Gardens to discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour.
Christmas At Kent Life
Dates: selected dates between 25th November and 24th December 2023
Part of your visit at Kent Life Heritage Farm will be to meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto. Children will be invited to select a gift of choice from the well stocked toy shop. You can also graduate from Elf School and help Mrs Christmas decorate gingerbread men in her kitchen.
Winterland Bluewater
Dates: 11th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
You can expect a host of rides, games, attractions and festive treats at Winterland Bluewater. Winterland is open every weekend from 11th November and then every day from 27th November
Mission Christmas At The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Dates: 25th November – 24th December 2023
This December you’re invited to step into the centre of this secret world and help Mrs Claus save Christmas from catastrophe. The elves are shy and hide from sight yet they are excited that humans will be passing through the sub station.
Some of them have been up to mischief, so it’s up to you to crack the code and graduate from Elf Academy.
Christmas At Ightham Mote
Dates: 18th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
From 18th November, when you visit Ightham Mote National Trust in Kent, you will be immersed into a Tudor Christmas.
Both the floors in the house will be open for you to admire, and there are also plenty of festive activities happening throughout including carols and craft workshops.
Father Christmas will be appearing at Ightham Mote on 18th and 19th December 2023.
Magical Laser Light Show
Date: 16th December 2023
Visit Herne Bay Pier for a magical laser show this Christmas. There will be seasonal songs, DJ, Santa, fun fair rides and plenty more.
Christmas At Quex
Dates: selected dates in December
There are plenty of festive activities happening at Quex Activity Centre. These include the Elf Express which takes you to the Elf Forest. There are stunning Christmas lights along the way on your journey to see the real reindeer and Santa.
Elf Express Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 24th December 2023
You can also visit Santa’s farm which is designed for under 5’s. See the animals on the farm and learn how they get ready for Christmas.
Santa’s Farm Dates: 4th – 8th, 11th – 15th December 2023
There’s also the opportunity to try some Christmas goat walking. Perhaps if you’ve enjoyed walking with alpacas in the past, you’ll love this unique goat walking experience in Kent.
Dates: 27th – 31st December 2023
Even though Christmas might be over, why not visit Quex Illuminations for a festive night time trail. You can explore the Elf Woods which also includes a projection mapping light show at the Round Tower.
Pantomimes In Kent
Orchard Theatre – Beauty & The Beast
Dates: 9th – 31st December 2023
The Marlowe – Aladdin
Dates: 24th November 2023 – 7th January 2024
The Brook Theatre – Aladdin
Dates: 8th – 31st December 2023
Christmas Markets In Kent
Hever Christmas Fair
Date: 7th November 2024
On 7th November 2024, Hever Castle will be hosting a one day Christmas Fair. You’ll discover gifts, gadgets, textiles and decorations.
Whitstable Christmas Fair
Date: 2nd – 3rd December 2023
Why not visit the two day traditional Christmas Fair with stalls outside and inside the castle. There will be a Santa’s Grotto, and plenty of stalls selling Christmas gifts, holly wreaths and more.
Canterbury Christmas Market
Dates: 10th November – 24th December 2023
Canterbury Christmas Market can be found in various locations around the City. There will be festive food and drink offerings, live characters, and also live music at the weekends.
Faversham Christmas Market
Dates: 9th – 10th December 2023
On Saturday Faversham market will see a special Christmas Best of Faversham Market in Preston Street. Then on Sunday the town centre will host a Christmas market with stalls from across all three of Faversham’s regular markets.
Rochester Christmas Market
Dates: 25th / 26th November – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th December 2023
Location: Rochester Castle Gardens
Enjoy the Bavarian food village, fun fair and Christmas stalls this festive season in Kent.
Chiddingstone Castle Christmas Artisan Fair
Date: 25th November 2023
Shop locally and sustainably finding unique and special items for your home, for gifts, for the Christmas table and for you.
Reuthe’s Christmas Market
Date: 2nd December 2023
The Christmas market will be open between 10am and 2pm for all your Christmas shopping needs. You can also expect some festive entertainment too.
Where To See Santa In Kent
Breakfast With Santa At Harvester Restaurants
Dates: December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th 2025
Why not enjoy breakfast with Santa at your local Harvester. He’s making his way on his sleigh from the North Pole specially to spend time with you and your little ones and he can’t wait to see them and enjoy a breakfast together.
Santa is a busy man, so he’ll be appearing on selected dates in December. Pre-booking is essential.
A Christmas to remember from £11.99 per child and £12.99 on Christmas Eve. Find your nearest Harvester in Kent.
Breakfast With Santa At Toby Carvery Restaurants
Dates: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th – 24th December 2025
For just £10.99 (£12.99 on Christmas week), your little one’s can meet Father Christmas, and enjoy a cooked breakfast and a juice!
Santa’s sleigh will be visiting on selected dates in December from 9:30am. Pre-booking is essential.
Find your nearest Toby Carvery in Kent.
Ember Inns Breakfast With Santa
Join Santa for breakfast on selected dates in December.
Dates: 13th – 14th December 2025
All children receive a small gift from Santa as well as enjoying their breakfast. The cost is £11.99.
Hever Castle Christmas Grotto
Dates: 18th, 19th, 24th – 26th November / 1st – 3rd, 6th – 24th December 2023
You can enjoy the decorated Christmas rooms at Hever Castle as well as visiting Santa himself.
Ruxley Manor Father Christmas
Dates: 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 23rd – 30th November / 1st – 23rd December 2023
Father Christmas has visited Ruxley Manor every year since as long as anyone can remember and will once again be returning from the 11th of November. Both Father Christmas and Mother Christmas, along with their Elves cannot wait to meet you!
Santa Safari At Fenn Bell Conservation Project
Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 21st – 24th December 2023
Climb aboard the Santa Safari, where you will be taken through the zoo and down to the magical winter wonderland where you can meet Father Christmas. Your Santa ticket also includes entry to the zoo.
The Reindeer Centre Christmas Grotto
Dates: 18th November – 24th December 2023
Father Christmas is arriving at the Reindeer Centre on selected dates from 18th November. Each family will enjoy meeting with Father Christmas in his magical Christmas cabin. You can also walk through to the Christmas barn to see the animals.
Bewlwater Santa
Dates: November 18th – December 24th 2023
Visit Santa in his grotto and take part in some very festive activities during your pre booked visit.
Breakfast With Santa At Canterbury Christmas Market
Dates: 10th November – 24th December 2023
Your breakfast with Santa experience includes breakfast, Christmas-themed activities and the elves. Taking place at the Real Eating Company and lasts around 1.5 hours.
Father Christmas Experience At Bredgar And Wormshill Railway
Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th December 2023
This steam train in Kent will take you to visit Father Christmas in his magical grotto. The Winter woodland offers a special experience to see Santa and receive a gift from him. There’s also the chance to have your photo taken with mulled wine and mince pies for the adults.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials
Dates: 25th November – 24th December 2023
Santa Specials have been running at the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway for over 40 years. Your festive train journey includes a return train journey from New Romney to Hythe. There are refreshment and also a visit to see Santa in his grotto.
Santa’s Quiet Train is running on November 27th.
A North Pole Adventure At Betteshanger Park
Dates: from 25th November 2023
At Betteshanger Country Park, you take take a magical North Pole Adventure to see Santa. Enjoy the Christmas light trail on your journey to meet Santa. You can even walk through the North Pole snow and toast marshmallows.
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