The Most Festive Christmas Events In Kent 2021
If you’re looking for festive things to do in Kent this year, you’ve come to the right place! There are lots of Christmas events in Kent this year – from glittering castles to festive Christmas markets, Santa’s Grottos and spectacular Christmas light trails.
The list of things to do in Kent at Christmas is seemingly endless with something for everyone so you won’t be disappointed.
We’re always looking for Christmas events nearby so that we can try something new each year (while we have two small believers at least)! After much research, this is a pick of the most festive things to do this year.
Not quite Christmas yet? How about finding out where to go pumpkin picking in Kent this year, get inspiration on Halloween days out in Kent or take a look at our favourite places to visit in Kent. Many of these Kent Christmas events are taking place in the fabulous castles in Kent.
So – what’s going on in Kent this Christmas?
**Not all of the Christmas events in Kent 2021 dates have been released yet so keep checking back for updates. This post contains affiliate links. If you book something using one, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you**
These are the best Christmas events in Kent in 2021
Santa’s Grottos in Kent
Looking for places to see Father Christmas in Kent? The great news is that there are lots of Santa’s Grottos and places to see Father Christmas. It’s one of the most festive things to do in Kent with kids.
Before that….if you’re going to be away on holiday over the festive season, you might be looking for a Santa’s Grotto further afield. We have a great post on 100+ Places to See Santa in the UK.
But here’s where to see Santa in Kent this Christmas:
Kent and East Sussex Railway
Address: Kent & East Sussex Railway Company, Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE.
Dates: Select dates from 4th to 24th December 2021. LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE.
Tickets: From £90.00 for a standard ticket for 4 and £235.00 for a first class compartment for 6.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Address: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney Station, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8PL.
Dates: Select dates from 27th November to 24th December 2021.
Tickets: £23.00 per person. The Royal Saloon is available for up to 8 people for an extra £70.00.
If you like the idea of a festive train ride, see our blog post on Santa Train Rides in the UK to see where else you can meet Father Christmas on a train.
Spa Valley Polar Express
Address: Wealden Railway Co. Ltd, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY.
Dates: Select dates from 27th November to 23rd December 2021.
Tickets: From £24.95 to £36.95 per person.
See here for a list of all of the Polar Express Train Rides in the UK.
Hever Castle
Father Christmas – tickets have now sold out.
Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Dates: 20th November to 3rd January 2022.
Tickets: £12.00 per child.
Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
Experience Christmas at Kent Life
Address: Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU.
Dates: Weekends from 27th November to 19th December and then 20th to 24th December 2021.
Tickets: Adult – £9.00, Child (1 – 15) – £15.00 and under 1 – £8.00.
Photo Credit: Kent Life
Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
Ruxley Manor Garden Centre Santa’s Grotto
Address: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5BQ.
Dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2021.
Tickets: Family tickets from £45.00.
The Reindeer Centre
The Reindeer Centre Christmas Grotto
Address: The Reindeer Centre, Capralama Farm, Pluckley Road, Bethersden, Kent, TN26 3EQ.
Dates: 13th November to 24th December 2021.
Tickets: Adults from £12.00 and Children from £15.00 (including gift).
Calverley Grounds
Address: Calverley Grounds, Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1SJ.
Dates: 27th November to 24th December 2021.
Tickets: Prices start from £21.50 for 1 adults and 1 child.
Photo Credit: Father Christmas in Kent
Polhill Garden Centre
Santa’s Grotto Experience 2021
Address: Polhill Garden Centre Ltd, London Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7AD.
Dates: 13th November to 16th December 2021.
Tickets: Adults from £2.00 and Children from £12.50.
Hop Farm
Father Christmas at The Hop Farm
Address: The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.
Canterbury Christmas Market
Address: Canterbury Christmas Market, Whitefriars Shopping Centre, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2TF.
Dates: 27th November to 24th December 2021.
Tickets: From £7.50.
Bluewater Shopping Centre
Address: Bluewater Shopping Centre, Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST.
Dates: 12th November to 3rd January 2022.
Tickets: From £3.00 per person.
Christmas lights and Christmas light trails in Kent
There are a couple of exciting Christmas light trails happening in Kent this year. You can also wander around some of the towns and villages in Kent and check out their light displays. If you happen to be heading into London, here is where you can find the Christmas light displays in London.
We love a Christmas light trail. There are loads happening all over the country (see more Christmas light trails here).
If you are thinking of heading further afield, we can highly recommend the Blenheim Palace Christmas lights.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Address: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 2SJ.
Dates: 19th November to 3rd January 2022.
Tickets: (Non member prices) Adult with parking – £28.00 / without parking – £20.00. Child (3-16) – £13.50. Under 2 – FREE.
Hever Castle
Christmas Light Trail (see also their Pinocchio Trail).
Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Dates: 20th November to 3rd January 2022 (after 4pm).
Tickets: Adult – £19.00, Child (5-17) – £11.50. Under 5 – FREE.
Glow Illuminations
Glow Illuminations at Cobtree Manor Park
Address: Cobtree Manor Park, Aylesford, Maidstone, Kent, ME20 7AG.
Dates: 15th to 31st December 2021.
Tickets: Adult – £14.00, Child (3 – 16) – £9.00. Under 3 – FREE.
Walmer Castle
Address: Walmer Castle, Kingsdown Rd, Walmer, Deal, Kent, CT14 7LJ.
Dates: Cancelled for 2021 – but see Eltham Palace for a similar event.
Tickets: NA
If you like visiting English Heritage properties, we would recommend getting an English Heritage membership. Just a couple of visits to English Heritage properties will cover the cost of the pass and will get you into many of the special events for free.
Also keep an eye out for Christmas lights in the following towns as they are pretty special:
- Canterbury
- Tenterden
- Maidstone
Photo Credit: Hever Castle
Christmas markets in Kent
We love a Christmas market. We usually try to go to one of the European Christmas markets each year but there are also some fantastic Christmas markets in the UK. They are a great place to pick up some handmade Christmas gifts. We usually grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, select a decoration for the Christmas tree and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Here are the Christmas markets in Kent worth a visit this year:
Canterbury Christmas Market
Address: Canterbury Christmas Market, Whitefriars Shopping Centre, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2TF.
Dates: 12th November to 24th December
Tickets: FREE.
Hever Castle
Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Dates: 11th November 2021.
Tickets: £3.00 per person.
Sissinghurst Castle
Address: Sissinghurst Castle, Biddenden Road, Near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB.
Dates: 27th & 28th November 2021.
Tickets: Event is free but normal admission prices apply.
The Pantiles
Address: The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TN .
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.
Tenterden
Address: Zion Baptist Church, High Street, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6BB.
Dates: 26th November 2021 (4pm to 8pm).
Tickets: Free.
Rochester
Address: Rochester Castle, Castle Hill, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SW.
Dates: 27th November to 12th December 2021.
Tickets: Free.
If you like Christmas markets, you might like to read about the best Christmas markets in London or the best Christmas markets in the UK or even the best Christmas markets in Europe!
Photo credit: Medway Council
Christmas shows, carols and pantomimes in Kent
One of our favourite things to do at Christmas in London with kids is to visit one of the big Christmas Pantomimes and we’ve also visited a fair few local pantomimes too. Here are the shows to look out for in Kent this Christmas.
The Marlowe Theatre
Address: The Marlowe, The Friars, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2AS.
Dates: 26th November to 9th January 2022.
Tickets: From £15.00 to £47.50.
See here for more pantomime performances in Kent.
The Central Theatre
Address: Central Theatre, 170 High St, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4AS.
Dates: 9th to 31st December 2021.
Tickets: From £16.50.
The Orchard Theatre
Address: ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS.
Dates: 11th December to 2nd January 2022.
Tickets: From £16.00 to £67.50.
Assembly Hall Theatre
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Address: Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU.
Dates: 17th December to 3rd January 2022.
Tickets: From £19.50 to £45.00.
Canterbury Cathedral
Address: Rochester Cathedral, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SJ.
Dates: 23rd December 2021.
Tickets: Free (first come, first served).
See also 20th December 2021 (Celebration of Christmas) – Ticket hotline 0300 365 3653.
Rochester Cathedral
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Address: Rochester Cathedral, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SJ.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.
Photo Credit: The Orchard Theatre
Christmas Afternoon Tea in Kent
Having afternoon tea is such a British thing to do – but have you tried a festive afternoon tea? It’s one of the best Christmassy things to do in Kent after a day of Christmas shopping at the Christmas markets.
The Falstaff (Canterbury) – Through December. £18.50 per person.
Winter Wonderland at the Twig and Spoon (Sevenoaks) – through December 2021. £24.95 per person.
You might also like to check out our posts on the best places to have afternoon tea in London and the best afternoon tea in London for kids.
Festive breaks in Kent
If you feel like getting away for Christmas and having everything taken care of for you, here are a couple of suggestions for hotels to spend Christmas at in Kent.
Port Lympne
Christmas at Port Lympne – a 2 night packages starts from £2200.
Chilston Park
Festive breaks start at £1,585 per room for a 3 night stay based on 2 adults sharing. See here to book.
For more inspiration if you are looking to get away this Christmas, check out our UK Christmas breaks post.
Other Christmas events in Kent
How about trying out some of these alternative things to do at Christmas in Kent?
Leeds Castle
Christmas at Leeds Castle – (see also our Leeds Castle review).
One of the most impressive castles in England – whilst it doesn’t have a Santa’s Grotto, there is plenty going on this Christmas.
Address: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL.
Dates: 27th November to 2nd January 2022.
Tickets: Adults – £28.00, children (4 – 15) – £19.50. Family – £90.00. Children under 4 – FREE.
Skate Tunbridge Wells
Address: Calverley Grounds, Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1SJ.
Dates: 19th November to 3rd January 2022.
Tickets: From £8.00 to £14.00. Seal hire – extra £4.00.
Dreamland
Address: Dreamland, 49-51, Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ.
Dates: TBC.
Tickets: TBC.
Scotney Castle
Address: Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JB.
Dates: From 27th November 2021.
Tickets: Adult – £12.00, Child – £6.00. Members – FREE.
Choose a Christmas tree
Go and pick out your own Christmas tree at Kingswood Christmas Trees in Maidstone or Kent Christmas Trees near Canterbury.
English Heritage
There are some lovely English Heritage properties in Kent with Christmas events this year. They are running Christmas days out for families with their Christmas Adventure Quest at:
Battle Abbey (nearby Sussex).
If you enjoy visiting English Heritage properties, we can highly recommend getting an English Heritage Membership. Just a few visits will cover the cost of the pass and will help them to maintain their properties.
National Trust
Equally, there is lots going on at the National Trust properties in Kent. Chartwell will be decorated with vintage Christmas decorations between the 4th and 19th December.
There is a Percy the Park Keeper’s Winter Trail at some of the properties.
If you enjoy visiting English Heritage properties, we can highly recommend getting an National Trust Membership. Just a few visits will cover the cost of the pass and will help them to maintain their properties.
See here for more general ideas for things to do at Christmas. And once you’re done with all of the Christmas days out in Kent and ready to settle down at home, take a look at these Christmas movies for kids.
We haven’t listed all of the things to do in Kent in December so if there’s something you’d like to add, please let us know.
Christmas events near Kent
These Christmas events near Kent are worth a mention if you don’t mind a short trip out of Kent.
Lapland UK
While Lapland UK is no longer in Kent, it is not that far away in Berkshire so we’ve put it in here because it is billed by so many as the best Santa experience in the UK.
Address: Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BD.
Dates: 13th November 2021 to 3rd January 2022.
Tickets: From £65 to £135 per person. The FINAL booking window is open from 27th September 2021.
Talking about Lapland, if you are considering a trip to Finland for the ultimate Father Christmas experience, take a look at our guide to booking a DIY Lapland trip for some tips on how to book Lapland on a budget.
Tulleys Farm
Address: Tulleys Escape Rooms, Unit 4 Turners Hill Rd, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE.
Dates: 27th November to 24th December 2021.
Tickets: From £39.95 per child (1 – 13), from £14.95 per adult (14+) and from £9.95 under 1.
Legoland Windsor
Address: Legoland Windsor, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY.
Dates: 26th – 27th November, 3rd – 5th and 10th to 23rd December 2021.
Tickets: From £469 for family of 4 (1 Night/2Day).
See also our guide to visiting Legoland with young kids and our guide to the best Santa Sleepovers in the UK if you like the sound of visiting Father Christmas at a theme park or holiday village.
Chessington World of Adventures
Address: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.
Dates: 27th November to 3rd January 2022 (meet Father Christmas available until 24th December 2021).
Tickets: From £20.00 per person.
You can also book a Santa Sleepover. If you are looking to get away for a night or two over Christmas, take a look at our post on Family Christmas breaks in the UK for more ideas.
You might also like…
Christmas events in Essex and Christmas markets in Essex
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