Christmas is indeed not cancelled in Kent. The Garden of England is open and welcoming you all with open arms. It has been a difficult year for all of us. Kent’s greatest attractions have put on the most festive events this year for you to enjoy the Christmas season. If you are reading this- you’re alive- which is enough to celebrate. What’s great is there is something for everyone, across all different prices. So let me stop yapping so you can start planning.
East Kent
Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet
Christmas Mini Session
10 minute festive session by Hannah Dougal at The House Meadow. £5 Session Fee taken on booking.
Date
8 November now only available
Time
9.20 am, 1.40 pm
Location
Biddenden, Kent
Price
Reindeer Rally £50 – Three Festive images for direct download
Robin Red Breast £60 – Five Festive images for direct download
Silly Snowman £70 – ALL Festive images in gallery for direct download
Website
https://dougal-photography.co.uk/christmas-2020
Christmas Grotto
Visit Kents favourite Christmas Grotto and meet Santa before he has to deliver his presents on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to feed our real Reindeer too.
Date
14 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
Mon – Fri 10 am – 4 pm, Sat & Sun 10 am – 6 pm
Location
Bethersden, Kent
Price
Adult £9 – 16
Child (including gift) £12 – 21
Under 1s FREE
Website
https://www.reindeercentre.co.uk/christmas-grotto/
Santas a the House Meadow by Let’s Enjoy The Little Things
A magical grotto! The barn doors were opened the first time for Christmas 2019 and Father Christmas loved it so much, as did the guests, they just had to make plans to bring some well needed festive joy back to 2020.
Date
28 & 29 Nov left now
Time
10 am – 3.30 pm
Location
Biddenden, Kent
Price
£20 per child (no charge for adults)
Website
https://letsenjoythelittlethings.co.uk/christmas-grotto/
Santa Specials at Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been running its popular Santa Specials since 1981. Although a lot has changed in the past 39 years the core of the experience remains the same- steam trains and Santa Claus.
Date
5 – 24 Dec
Time
10 am – 3.30 pm
Location
Romney, Kent
Price
Admission £22
Under 1s FREE
Website
https://www.rhdr.org.uk/special-events/santa-special-december_1-2/
Home Alone and Elf Christmas Drive-in Double Bill
Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour, are delighted to be hosting Martha’s Christmas Drive in Cinema on Sunday 6th December here in the fields of The Dairy, Ripple, Deal, CT14 8JL.
Date
6 Dec
Time
3.30 – 10 pm
Location
Deal, Kent
Price
Car £30
Website
https://billetto.co.uk/e/home-alone-and-elf-christmas-drive-in-double-bill-tickets-475533
Nurse Nellie Saves Panto
Don’t miss this fun-sized, socially-distanced festive family treat. Starring the award-winning Marlowe pantomime legend, Ben Roddy, alongside four phenomenal panto performers, this joyous, funny and uplifting show promises to be the perfect antidote to 2020.
Date
11 Dec – 3 Jan
Time
12 – 8 pm, 1 hr. 10 mins.
Location
Canterbury, Kent
Price
£15 – 29.500
Website
https://marlowetheatre.com/shows/nurse-nellie-saves-panto/
Christmas at Dobbies Garden Centres
With the festive season in sight, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its Christmas events offering for 2020.
Santa’s Grotto
Santa’s Grotto is one of our most popular festive experiences at Dobbies. Bring your little ones along to explore our Winter Wonderland. They will be welcomed by Santa and receive a special gift.
Early booking is advised – don’t miss out!
22 Nov – 24 Dec, 11 am – 4.40 pm
Child £11.99 (no charge for adults)
https://www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/dobbies-ashford
Dobbie’s Christmas Party
A festive party for your little ones with Dobbie the Reindeer. This family event includes a hot meal, dancing and games with Dobbie the Reindeer. Finish the party with a visit and gift from Santa.
22 Nov – 23 Dec, 4pm
Adult £5.99
Child £13.99
https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=2145&v=2&r=v&f=20201201
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy breakfast as a family with a magical morning meeting with Santa. The popular family event includes a choice of breakfast for everyone followed by fun activities, games and a gift from Santa for every child. This is a popular event so don’t miss out.
28 Nov – 24 Dec, 9 am
Adult £6.99
Child £13.99
https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=2150&v=2&r=v&f=20201201
Santa’s Arrival Lunch
Visit your local store on 22nd November to experience Santa’s arrival. Your family can join in to give him a warm festive welcome. There’ll be a magical arrival, music and lots of fun activities! Why not make a festive day of it, and book in for a delicious breakfast or lunch from the Christmas menu.
22 Nov, 12 pm £5.25 – 8.75
https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=2144&v=2&r=v
Little Seedlings Christmas Stories
Join a fun-filled Christmas storytelling session for your little ones.
Settle down and listen to some Christmas themed stories with your children whilst enjoying a treat and hot drink for yourself. For families with children aged 5 and under.
19 Nov – 16 Dec, 10.30 am
Adult £6 An adult ticket for this family event is inclusive of a regular tea or coffee, plus choose from a cake or breakfast roll. Each adult ticket also includes entry for one child who will receive a pot of carrot and cucumber sticks.
https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=2140&v=2&r=v&f=20201201
Snow Globes
Experience your own Winter Wonderland in our magical Snow Globes. The whole family can jump in and have fun in the snow.
22 Nov – 24 Dec, 9.30 am – 4.15 pm
Child £3 (no charge for adults)
https://events.dobbies.com/event-detail/?e=2153&v=2&r=v&sid=896902
West Kent
Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells. Plus the bordering Borough of Bromley and Bexley
Father Christmas’ Grotto
A magical 20-minute experience where you will:
- Wander through the icy entrance
- Join Mother Christmas in her kitchen to make a secret recipe of reindeer feed
- Meet Father Christmas privately in his Grotto and receive an extra special gift to take home and treasure. Not forgetting the all-important photo with Father Christmas which this year will be included in the ticket price
Date
14 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
Multiple slots from 9 am
Location
Sidcup, Kent
Price
£45 family ticket (includes a free photo). Each family ticket can have a maximum of five attendees
Website
https://www.ruxley-manor.co.uk/christmas-at-ruxley-manor/father-christmas-grotto
BRAND-NEW Virtual Reality Magical Sleigh Ride Simulator
Brand new for 2020, take a ride on the VR Magical Sleigh Ride!
Date
14 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
TBC
Location
Sidcup, Kent
Price
TBC
Website
https://www.ruxley-manor.co.uk/christmas-at-ruxley-manor/virtual-reality-sleigh-ride
Skate Tunbridge Wells | Ice Skating In Calverley Grounds
Skate Tunbridge Wells is celebrating its 10th Anniversary! Skate Tunbridge Wells is a fun activity for the whole family whether you are grabbing a seal for the kids, perfecting your moves with your friends or having a romantic night out.
Of course you could just watch the action sipping a mulled wine or drinking a hot chocolate from the Calverley Café or the Polar Bar. If you fancy something to eat they have their usual burgers, hot dogs, donuts, crepes and sweet treats for all the family!
Date
13 Nov – 3 Jan
Time
10 am – 8 pm
Location
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Price
Parent & Toddler 9.15 am Session (inc. seal skate aid) £12.50
Adult £15
Child £10
Seal Skating Aid (2 – 8 years old) £4
Website
Twilight Christmas at Hever Castle
For a magical after dark experience, wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars at Twilight Christmas at Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent.
Date
21 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
4 – 8.30 pm
Location
Edenbridge, Kent
Price
Adult £19
Child £11.50
Under 5s FREE
Website
https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/twilight-christmas-hever-castle/
Christmas at Bedgebury
The magical, after-dark, illuminated trail. Surround yourself with sparkle this Christmas as the after dark trail at Bedgebury lights up for it’s third year in 2020.
Date
20 Nov – 31 Dec
Time
4.15 pm – 8 pm
Location
Goudhurst, Kent
Price
Adult £19.50
Child £13
Under 2s £0
Website
https://christmasatbedgebury.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options
Father Christmas in Kent
The Father Christmas in Kent experience is back at Tunbridge Wells Ice-rink from late November 2020. Three NEW Father Christmas options have been launched, a Home Visit option, a street visit option and a ZOOM appointment option. All tickets are now on sale for Christmas 2020. One of the most authentic Father Christmas experiences in Kent which captures those priceless moments between a child and Father Christmas.
Father Christmas in Kent Home Visit
A 15-20 minute, personal, private visit from Father Christmas in your wonderful home or on your doorstep if you prefer. Adult £3 / Child £18.50
https://www.fatherchristmasinkent.co.uk/father-christmas-at-home-2020/
Father Christmas via Zoom
A 10 minute, private and personalised call with Father Christmas directly via ZOOM from his cosy Log Cabin.
All appointments are £20.00 per booking (max 5 children, no limit for adults)
https://www.fatherchristmasinkent.co.uk/father-christmas-via-zoom/
Father Christmas to your street – Tunbridge Wells only
A 10 minute, private and personalised meeting with Father Christmas in your home.
Adult £3 / Child £14.50 + £10.00 fuel surcharge applies per street booking.
https://www.fatherchristmasinkent.co.uk/in-your-street-2020/
Father Christmas Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink
For the 12th successive year, the open-air Ice-rink is returning to Royal Tunbridge Wells with a visit from Father Christmas on certain dates.
1 Adult & 1 Child £21.50
https://thelittleboxoffice.com/darrylcurcherevents/book/event/126410/20
Santa Specials at Spa Valley Railway
Take a ride on the Santa Specials for a festive memorable family day out this Christmas. The impressive steam engine will take everyone on a picturesque journey through the Kent and Sussex countryside from Eridge to Tunbridge Wells with the opportunity to see Santa Claus himself from the comfort of your seats whilst on board the train.
Date
28 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
10 am – 3 pm, 2 hour experience
Location
Departure from Eridge Station, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Price
Adult £18
Child £16
Baby £5
Website
https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/245/santa-specials-father-christmas-tunbridge-wells
A Peter Rabbit™ winter adventure activity trail at NT Sites
Date
23 Nov – 3 Jan
Time
Further information and booking details will be available soon.
Location
Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent
Chartwell, Westerham, Kent
Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks, Kent
Price
£2 per Trail in additional to admission fees, where applicable
Website
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/christmas-in-kent
Father Christmas at The Hop Farm
Father Christmas at The Hop Farm in Kent is always very popular, and he only has limited time to meet children and their families before he sets off on his very busy night delivering presents on Christmas Eve, so don’t delay book today!
Date
5 – 23 Dec
Time
10.30 am – 4.40 pm
Location
Tonbridge, Kent
Price
Child £18 (includes up to 2 free adults per booking and gift)
Extra Adult £2
Under 1s £15 (includes up to 2 free adults per booking and gift)
Website
https://thehopfarm.co.uk/events/father-christmas-at-the-hop-farm
Christmas Quiz Trails
Explore the parks with a self-led Christmas walking trails. Find the clues and test your knowledge about the countryside. Trail sheets will be available from the leaflet racks near the flagpoles during the Christmas and new year holiday period. Free of charge.
Date
5 Dec – 1 Jan
Time
10 am – 1 pm
Location
Haysden Country Park, Tonbridge, Kent; or
Leybourne Lakes Country Park, Aylesford, Kent.
Price
FREE
Website
Jack and the Beanstalk
This Christmas producers of the much loved pantomime season at the Stag will return for their 12th consecutive year, with a Covid-safe staging of Jack And The Beanstalk!
Silly Billy (aka Ant Payne) will be back to bring some much needed merriment to the proceedings. He’s be joined by the hilarious Britain’s Got Talent magician and comedienne Mandy Muden, who will play the wicked Fleshcreep. This year’s panto fairy will be flying in direct from the West End, as Rosie Glossop, star of Kinky Boots and Pricilla Queen Of The Desert, will be sprinkling some magic over those iconic beans. Fellow West End performer Jacob McIntosh (Kinky Boots, Beautiful) who formerly appeared in Peter Pan at the Stag, returns to Sevenoaks to play Jack Trott, and completing the cast of five, panto writer Jamie Alexander Wilson will be frocking up for the very first time to play Jack’s mum, Dame Trott.
Date
18 Dec – 3 Jan
Time
Various times, see specific dates for times, 90 mins (no interval)
Location
Stag Sevenoaks , Kent
Price
£15
Website
https://stagsevenoaks.co.uk/film/pantomine-2020-2021-jack-and-the-two-metre-beanstalk/
Robin Hood and his Socially Distanced Merry Men
The hilarious duo Michael Fenton Stevens and Tom Swift return to play Dame Tuck and Silly Willy Scarlett alongside Tonbridge Favourites Ed Wright as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham and Amanda Swift making a welcome return as Maid Marion. David Young returns as Little John. Making his Tonbridge debut ‘From CBBC’s (Andy and the Odd Socks) Stewart McCheyne plays the leading role of Robin Hood.
Date
18 Dec – 3 Jan
Time
11 am – 6.30 pm
Location
Tonbridge, Kent
Price
£19
Website
https://emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173604596/events/428296796
Jack and the Beanstalk
It’s not the Festive Season without a panto (and an Ice Rink) so they have pulled out all the stops to bring you a Pop-Up Panto!
- Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs didn’t have their say,
- Fear not as Miss Corona-Virus hasn’t won the day,
- After all her efforts they’ve brought a panto back,
- Albeit a little smaller, let’s all welcome Jack!!!
A panto replacement for all the family, socially distanced, face paced and full of Fun. Smaller than usual but perfectly formed and still packs a punch
Date
18 Dec – 3 Jan
Time
12 pm , 2 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm or 8 pm, 70 mins (no interval)
Location
Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells , Kent
Price
From £12.75
Website
https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/jack-and-the-beanstalk
Christmas Panto-Style Storytelling at Penshurst Place
Join in for a Christmas Panto-Style Storytelling as we welcome Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas and a very naughty elf for a fantastic festive tale!
Date
Further information and booking details will be available soon.
Time
Further information and booking details will be available soon.
Location
Tonbridge
Price
Further information and booking details will be available soon.
Website
https://www.penshurstplace.com/whats-on/events-and-activities
North Kent
Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone and Swale, and Medway
Bluewater Ice Rink
The popular outdoor, undercover Ice Rink is back!
Located outside The Village and near the brand-new Christmas experience, Believe, the outdoor rink is under a clear roof, making it the perfect activity come rain or shine!
Offering plenty of fun for guests of all ages, the Ice Rink at Bluewater offers quiet sessions, as well as parent and toddler sessions for budding skaters. Back by popular demand are party nights with KMFM – what better way to show off your skills than with classic party anthems – running every Friday night from 20th November until Friday 18th December.
While things will be a little different this festive period, guests can still expect a fun-filled experience at Bluewater’s Ice Rink. In line with government guidance, they have implemented measures to ensure that guests can visit the Ice Rink with confidence. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones as well as bob skates to help guests stay steady on the ice.
Date
12 Nov – 3 Jan
Time
10 am – 9 pm, 45 mins session
Location
Greenhithe, Kent
Price
Adult £14
Child £12
Family of 4 £42
Website
https://bluewater.co.uk/ice-rink
Christmas at Bluewater
Visit Bluewater this Christmas for the brand-new 30 mins immersive festive experience, Believe. Embark on an enchanting festive journey, illuminated by Christmas spirit and glowing magical moments of wonder.
Date
20 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
30 mins slots from 10.10 am
Location
Greenhithe
Price
Adult £5
Child (including gift) £12.50
Under 1s FREE
Website
https://bluewater.co.uk/christmas-bluewater-0
Christmas Grotto at Hawley Garden Centre
Christmas is coming, the magic has begun! The Elves are eagerly awaiting your arrival at the Hawley Garden Centre Grotto and extra safety precautions have been put in place.
Date
28 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
9 am – 5.30 pm
Location
Dartford, Kent
Price
Adult £2
Child £10
Baby £5
Website
https://www.hawleygardencentre.co.uk/event/santas-grotto-2020/
Christmas Family Tea
Enjoy a delicious Christmas Family Tea in Leeds Castle’s Gatehouse. Experience sumptuous treats accompanied by family quizzes and prizes for the best Christmas costume! Fun for all ages!
Date
28 Nov – 31 Dec
Time
Further information and booking details will be available soon.
Location
Maidstone, Kent
Price
Further information and booking details will be available soon.
Website
https://www.leeds-castle.com/What%E2%80%99s+On/Christmas/Christmas+Family+Tea/
Christmas at the Castle
This Christmas Leeds Castle invites you to embrace the unexpected with a stunning display of alternative festive trees! Discover a dazzling array of bespoke Christmas trees made from materials themed to each of the glorious state rooms!
Date
28 Nov – 3 Jan 2021
Time
10 an – 5 pm
Location
Maidstone, Kent
Price
Included with the price of admission:
Adult £27
Child £18.50
Under 4s FREE
Remember Leeds Castle admission tickets grant free repeat visits for 15 months from the date of your donation (excluding promotional offers and group/education tickets).
Website
https://www.leeds-castle.com/What%E2%80%99s+On/Christmas/Christmas+at+the+Castle/
Experience Christmas at Kent Life
Date
28 Nov – 24 Dec
Time
10.15 – 4.45
Location
Maidstone, Kent
Price
Adult £8
Child £14
Under 1s £8
Website
https://kentlife.org.uk/event/meet-santa/
A HAIR-larious Socially Distanced Family Panto, Rapunzel
This Christmas it’s time to ‘let down your hair’ and join in the fun at our socially distanced family pantomime of ‘Rapunzel’. From the producers of last year’s smash hit Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel has all the best traditions of a fairytale, but with a new twist and written especially for the whole family to enjoy.
Date
11 Dec – 3 Jan
Time
10.30 am – 7.30 pm
Location
Gravesend, Kent
Price
£19
Website
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/rapunzel
Online
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair Online
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair 2020 is now being held as a virtual fair.
Date
12 – 15 Nov
Location
Online
