The Most Festive Christmas Events In Kent 2023
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 2023 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**
If you happen to be heading into London this Christmas – here are some of the best Christmas shows this year.
- The Snowman – an absolute must-see when in London at Christmas with kids.
- Elf – The Musical.
- Potted Panto – 7 classic pantos in 70 minutes.
- Jack and the Beanstalk – classic pantomime at the London Palladium.
See also our guide to things to do with kids in London at Christmas.
These are the best Christmas events in Kent in 2023
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.
Did you know that you can post your child’s letter to Santa at the giant Santa’s post box at LockMeadow Entertainment Complex for free?
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 3rd to 24th December 2022. LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE.
Tickets: See here for ticket prices.
See also our guide to Christmassy things to do in Sussex.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Address: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney Station, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8PL.
Dates: Weekends from 26th November and then 21st – 24th December 2022.
Tickets: See here for tcket prices.
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 17th November to 23rd December 2023.
Tickets: From £35.95 to £46.95 per person.
See here for a list of all of the Polar Express Train Rides in the UK.
Hever Castle
Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Dates: 19th November to 2nd January 2023.
Tickets: £14.00 per child (on top of normal entrance price).
Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
Experience Christmas at Kent Life
Address: Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU.
Dates: Select days from 26th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £10.00, Child (1 – 15) – £18.00 and under 1 – £8.00. (Non member prices).
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: From 12th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Family tickets from £50.00 (admits up to 6 people).
The Reindeer Centre
The Reindeer Centre Christmas Grotto
Address: The Reindeer Centre, Capralama Farm, Pluckley Road, Bethersden, Kent, TN26 3EQ.
Dates: 12th & 13th November and then 19th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Adults from £12.00 and Children from £18.00 (including gift).
Calverley Grounds
Address: Calverley Grounds, Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1SJ.
Dates: 3rd to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Prices start from £21.50 for 1 adult and 1 child.
Photo Credit: Father Christmas in Kent
Polhill Garden Centre
Santa’s Grotto Experience 2022
Address: Polhill Garden Centre Ltd, London Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7AD.
Dates: Weekends in November starting from 12th November and then 30th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: Adults from £2.00 and Children from £14.00.
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
Santa (no Santa’s Grotto in 2022 but you can have breakfast with Santa)
Address: Canterbury Christmas Market, Whitefriars Shopping Centre, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2TF.
Dates: Select dates between 3rd and 24th December 2022.
Tickets: From £9.95.
Bluewater Shopping Centre
Address: Bluewater Shopping Centre, Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST.
Dates: 12th November 2022 to 8th January 2023.
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: 18th November to 2nd January 2023.
Tickets: Check here for member and non-member pricing.
Hever Castle
Christmas Light Trail (see also their Festive Forest Trail).
Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Dates: 19th November to 2nd January 2023 (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: Through December 2022.
Tickets: Adult – £14.00, Child (3 – 16) – £9.00. Under 3 – FREE.
Leeds Castle
Christmas Lights 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: 25th November to 1st January 2023.
Tickets: Adults – from £27.50 with parking, children (4 – 15) – from £15.00. Children under 4 – FREE.
Walmer Castle
Address: Walmer Castle, Kingsdown Rd, Walmer, Deal, Kent, CT14 7LJ.
Dates: 2nd to 30th December 2022. See Eltham Palace for a similar event.
Tickets: From £19.00 per adult or £11.00 per child (non-members).
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: 11th November to 24th December 2022.
Tickets: FREE.
Hever Castle
Address: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG.
Dates: 10th November 2022.
Tickets: £3.00 per person.
Sissinghurst Castle
Address: Sissinghurst Castle, Biddenden Road, Near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB.
Dates: 26th and 27th November 2022.
Tickets: Event is free but normal admission prices apply.
The Pantiles
Address: The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TN .
Dates: 19th to 20th November 2022.
Tickets: Free.
Tenterden
Address: Zion Baptist Church, High Street, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6BB.
Dates: 25th & 26th November 2022 (4pm to 8pm).
Tickets: Free.
Rochester
Address: Rochester Castle, Castle Hill, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SW.
Dates: Select dates from 26th November to 11th December 2022.
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.
If you’re heading into London to catch a show, this is what is on this year:
London Christmas shows
- The Snowman – an absolute must-see when in London at Christmas with kids.
- Elf – The Musical.
- The Nutcracker
- Christmas Actually
- Peter Pan Goes Wrong
And 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: 25th November to 8th January 2023.
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: 8th to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £16.50.
The Orchard Theatre
Address: The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1ED.
Dates: 10th December to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £16.00 to £67.50.
Assembly Hall Theatre
Address: Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU.
Dates: 10th to 31st December 2022.
Tickets: From £19.50 to £45.00.
Canterbury Cathedral
Address: Rochester Cathedral, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SJ.
Dates: 23rd December 2022.
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. £22.50 per person.
Winter Wonderland at the Twig and Spoon (Sevenoaks) – through December 2022. £28.95 per person.
Romney, Hythe and Dimchurch Railway (New Romney) – 5th to 20th November 2022. £15.95 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.
Broadstairs
You could just book a lovely seaside getaway in Broadstairs and enjoy a festive break by the sea.
Other Christmas events in Kent
How about trying out some of these alternative things to do at Christmas in Kent?
Skate Tunbridge Wells
Address: Calverley Grounds, Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1SJ.
Dates: 18th November to 2nd January 2023.
Tickets: From £10.00 to £21.00. Seal hire – extra £4.00.
Dreamland
Elf The Musical at Dreamland Margate
Address: Dreamland, 49-51, Marine Terrace, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XJ.
Dates: 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th December 2022.
Tickets: From £21.00.
Scotney Castle
Address: Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JB.
Dates: From 26th November to 2nd January 2023.
Tickets: Child – £14.00.
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:
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: Mid November to 24th December.
Tickets: Currently SOLD OUT.
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: Select dates from 26th November to 24th December 2022.
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: Weekends from 25th November to 18th December and then 19th to 23rd December 2022
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.
Or see here for day tickets where you can book to meet Father Christmas.
Chessington World of Adventures
Address: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE.
Dates: Weekends from 25th November to 30th December 2023.
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.
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Christmas events in Essex and Christmas markets in Essex
