🎄 Christmas Events in Kent 2025: Top Things to Do This Festive Season
- Kirsty Lavender
- Nov 6
- 16 min read
Updated: Nov 19
Looking for the best Christmas events in Kent 2025? From sparkling light trails and traditional markets to festive family days out, Kent is brimming with seasonal magic this year.
Whether you want to wander through a Christmas market with mulled wine in hand, take the kids to meet Santa, or soak up the glow of twinkling lights, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Kent this Christmas, so you can make the most of the festive season.
✨ Christmas Light Trails
✨ Port Lympne Illuminations
28th November – 3rd January 2026
Step into a world of wonder at Port Lympne’s very first Christmas light trail, where fairies have enchanted the secret gardens and woodland walks to create a dazzling illuminated celebration of their animal companions. Wander beneath twinkling lights, discover glowing creatures hidden in the trees, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
As well as the spectacular trail, visitors can enjoy a vintage-inspired funfair, delicious seasonal food and drink and even a visit to Santa’s grotto for younger guests. For an extra sprinkle of magic, book an overnight stay in one of Port Lympne’s luxury lodges, treehouses, or the grand hotel for a truly unforgettable festive escape.
Location: Port Lympne Reserve, near Hythe, Kent
Tickets: From around £18 per adult / £10 per child (Santa’s Grotto extra)
Website: Port Lympne Reserve
✨ Christmas at Bedgebury
21st November - 31st December
Christmas at Bedgebury returns for 2025 with a brand-new reimagined trail. The stunning collection of conifers will be illuminated by millions of twinkling lights and alive with the sounds of festive cheer. Wander through the forest with friends and family, soaking up the magic of Christmas in this breathtaking setting.
Keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas — he’ll be making surprise appearances along the trail! Bring the whole family, including your four-legged friends, as dogs are welcome. As you stroll under the stars, indulge in hand-picked festive food and drinks — sip a spiced winter warmer, enjoy a rich hot chocolate, or toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Location: Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Goudhurst
Tickets: From around £18 adult / £12 child
Website: Christmas at Bedgebury
✨ Winter Lights Spectacular at Brands Hatch
21 November – 31 December
A brand-new addition for 2025, Winter Lights Spectacular at Brands Hatch offers a truly unique experience set against the iconic backdrop of Kent’s legendary motor racing circuit. Follow an illuminated trail on foot that winds through the circuit grounds, filled with dazzling light displays — some with a motorsport twist — bringing winter nights to life.
Along the route, enjoy cosy catering spots serving hearty festive food and drinks, funfair rides, and attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
Location: Brands Hatch Circuit, West Kingsdown
Tickets: From around £18 adult / £12 child
Website: Winter Lights Spectacular
✨ Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
21 November – 31 December 2025
This Christmas, Leeds Castle will once again be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a sparkling world of light and colour, where every turn reveals something new.
As you explore, soak up the festive atmosphere with the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas all around you. Children will be delighted to spot Father Christmas making special appearances, while the festive fairground offers even more fun. To complete your magical evening, indulge in seasonal treats from local food and drink stalls — from steaming hot chocolate to traditional mince pies.
Location: Leeds Castle, near Maidstone
Tickets: From around £18 adult / £13 child
Website: Leeds Castle
🎅 Christmas Experiences & Activities
🎅 Kent & East Sussex Railway Santa Specials
29th November – 24th December
There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of a festive steam train ride — and the Kent & East Sussex Railway delivers one of the most magical Christmas events in Kent. Climb aboard a cosy heritage carriage for a 75-minute journey through the winter countryside, complete with twinkling lights, cheerful elves, and a special visit from Santa himself.
During the ride, Santa makes his way through the carriages, hand-delivering high-quality, age-appropriate gifts to every child, while adults can enjoy complimentary hot drinks and mulled wine. After the train ride, families can head to the Winter Wonderland marquee at Tenterden Town Station for unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers and a keepsake family photo to remember the day.
Location: Tenterden Town Station, Kent
Tickets: From £120 for 4 people
Website: Kent & East Sussex Railway
🎅 Mission Christmas – The Marvellous Elf Inventors, Historic Dockyard Chatham
29th November - 24th December
For a truly unique Christmas event in Kent, head to the Historic Dockyard Chatham for Mission Christmas: The Marvellous Elf Inventors — an immersive festive adventure like no other! Step inside the secret substation where a crew of inventive elves are hard at work working on marvellous new inventions inspired by the trades and history of the Dockyard. But someone has been tinkering, and none of the inventions are working properly. Can your family complete the mission and get everything running again?
This 45-minute interactive guided story experience is filled with hands-on activities, puzzles, and festive fun as you work together to complete your mission and save Christmas. At the end of your journey, you’ll be rewarded with a magical meeting with Father Christmas himself, who will thank your little helpers personally with a special gift to take home.
Price: From £24 per child / £16.50 per adult
Location: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham, Kent
Website: The Historic Dockyard Chatham
🎅 Christmas at Bewl Water
15th November - 24th December
This Christmas, step into a world of festive wonder as Christmas at Bewl Water returns with an enchanting new experience! Join Santa’s cheeky Elves on a theatrical journey through magical workshops, and festive treats designed to make the Cheerometer soar and bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
From personalised moments with Santa and immersive fun in the Elves’ Workshop to sweet treats in Mrs Claus’ Bakery, you will discover surprises and spectacular adventures around every corner. With captivating storytelling, show-stopping performances, across three hours of festive magic, this is a memory-making adventure for the whole family.
Price: From around £15 per adult / £40 per child
Location: Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, Kent
Website: Christmas at Bewl Water
🎅 Christmas at Hever Castle - The Land of Oz
21st November - 2nd January
This year, Hever Castle invites you to journey to the Land of Oz for a Christmas experience filled with colour, charm, and festive cheer. Begin your adventure in Kansas at Dorothy’s house, then follow the yellow brick road to meet beloved characters and explore beautifully themed displays that bring this classic tale to life.
Inside the castle, soak up the warmth of a traditional Christmas, adorned with twinkling trees, roaring fires, and seasonal décor. Little ones can make the day extra special with an optional visit to Father Christmas, while grown-ups can enjoy festive food and gifts from the charming Christmas stalls.
As evening falls from 4pm, the magic deepens — the castle, gardens, and lake are illuminated in a breathtaking light display, turning the historic grounds into a glowing winter wonderland.
Price: From around £24.50 per adult / £16 per child (Father Christmas extra)
Location: Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent
Website: Hever Castle
🎅 Winterland at Bluewater
8th November - 11th January
Located at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Winterland is one of Kent’s most exciting festive attractions — perfect for families looking to combine Christmas shopping with some seasonal fun. This dazzling event is filled with rides, games, and delicious festive food and drink to keep everyone in the Christmas spirit.
There are rides for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters and the glittering big wheel to gentle attractions perfect for younger children. Take a break from the excitement to enjoy tasty treats like burgers, German sausages, doughnuts, and churros, or warm up with a cup of mulled wine or a festive hot drink from one of the cosy bars.
Price: Free entry (rides and attractions priced individually)
Location: Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe, Kent
Website: Winterland Bluewater
🎅 Neverland Christmas at Leeds Castle
22nd November – 4th January
Leeds Castle is spreading extra Christmas magic in 2025 with Neverland Christmas, an enchanting festive experience included with your admission ticket. In collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital, this immersive adventure invites families to explore a world of wonder while supporting a great cause.
Explore the Lost Boys’ hideout, glide through the Mermaid Lagoon, and join Peter Pan on a quest to outwit Captain Hook. Climb to Hook’s lair and wander through a magical upstairs suite filled with glowing mushrooms, fairy dust, and blooming flowers, culminating in a special encounter with Tinker Bell and a photo opportunity inspired by the Jolly Roger pirate ship.
A generous portion of proceeds from Neverland Christmas will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH), helping to support seriously ill children.
Price: Included with Leeds Castle admission
Location: Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent
Website: Leeds Castle
🎅 The Elf Express at Quex
6th -24th December
Celebrate Christmas in Kent like never before with The Elf Express at Quex Adventure Farm Park in Birchington (Thanet) — a festive day out full of lights, fun, and family memories.
Hop aboard the tractor ride through the Magical Elf Woods and Elf Kingdom, meet playful elves, greet real reindeer, and enjoy a personal visit with Santa. Wander down Candy Cane Lane, explore Santa’s Toy Shop, and indulge in festive treats alongside hot drinks and a hearty German BBQ feast.
There’s plenty more to keep the whole family entertained, from ice skating and the Highland Cows Christmas Experience to Reindeer Experience, Santa Paws, and Goat Walking, making it a truly magical festive outing.
Price: From £14.95 per adult / £24.95 per child
Dates: 29 November – 24 December 2025
Location: Quex Adventure Farm Park, Birchington, Thanet, Kent
Website: Quex Adventure Farm Park
🎅 Christmas Trail at Betteshanger Park
6th - 24th December
Wrap up warm and take the family on a magical wander through Betteshanger Park’s enchanting Christmas Trail.
Little ones can follow the festive pathway through the wintery woodland, discovering sparkling decorations and fun photo opportunities along the way. At the end of the trail, every child receives a special Christmas treat — the perfect reward for helping to spread festive cheer!
For even more magic, families can upgrade their experience with a visit to Father Christmas in his cosy grotto (additional cost).
Price: £12 per child (includes up to 2 accompanying adults)
Location: Betteshanger Park, Deal, Kent
Website: Betteshanger Park
🎅 Cover to Cover: Christmas at Scotney
22nd November - 4th January
This festive season, Scotney Castle’s Victorian Mansion House will be transformed into a magical celebration of stories, with each room inspired by a much-loved book from the castle’s own collection. Step into the timeless wonder of Alice in Wonderland, feel the nostalgia of A Christmas Carol, explore the wild spirit of The Jungle Book, and enjoy nods to Peter Pan, Agatha Christie mysteries, and Jane Austen classics — every room reveals a new chapter of enchantment.
Wander through the cosy, atmospheric house where twinkling lights, handcrafted book-themed decorations, evocative music and seasonal scents bring the pages to life. From a whimsical book archway to a show-stopping rotating afternoon-tea-stand tree, this is a festive literary experience designed to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.
Price: Included in standard admission (free for National Trust members)
Location: Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst
Website: National Trust – Scotney Castle
🎅 SKATE Tunbridge Wells – Calverley Grounds
5th December – 4th January
One of Tunbridge Wells’ favourite festive traditions returns as the Calverley Grounds ice rink once again brings seasonal sparkle to the town centre. Set against the backdrop of twinkling trees and glowing parkland, SKATE offers the perfect winter outing — whether you glide like a pro or cling to the penguin aids with pride!
Open daily (excluding Christmas Day), it’s an easy five-minute stroll from the station and ideal for combining with Christmas shopping or a cosy hot chocolate stop. With festive stalls, music and plenty of atmosphere, it’s a brilliant way to get into the Christmas spirit with friends and family.
Price: From £15 per adult / £10 per child
Location: Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells
Website: SKATE Tunbridge Wells
🎅 Enchanted Grotto at Sussex Country Gardener
22nd November – 24th December
Step through the doors of the Sussex Country Gardener this Christmas and into a fully immersive festive adventure created by Once Upon a Wish Events. Little ones become part of the story from the moment they arrive, joining a cast of playful elves on a magical journey through the North Pole.
Their quest begins in the charming Elf Village, where Jovie, Juniper, and Jimbles lead giggles, games, and a dash of elf mischief. Recruits will tackle challenges at Elf Academy and help Artie Pinecone solve the all-important Postal Puzzle — all in the name of saving Christmas!
New for 2025, families will also explore the Kitchen of Wonder and Delight, and meet Mrs. Christmas herself before enjoying a special one-to-one moment with Father Christmas. Every child takes home a cuddly soft-toy gift, sealing the experience as a memory to treasure.
Key InformationPrice: Family tickets £80
Location: Sussex Country Gardener, near Tunbridge Wells
🎁 Christmas Markets
🎁 Canterbury Christmas Market
12th November – 24th December 2025
Set against the stunning backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral, this beloved market transforms the city centre into a Christmas wonderland. Explore rows of alpine-style chalets brimming with unique gifts, local produce, and handmade crafts. The air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, while live entertainment and sparkling decorations bring festive joy to all ages.It’s a wonderful spot for an evening wander — pick up artisan treats, enjoy a hot chocolate under the twinkling lights, and feel the magic of Christmas in one of Kent’s most iconic cities.
Location: Whitefriars Shopping Centre & Canterbury Cathedral Precincts
Website: Canterbury Christmas Market
🎁 Rochester Christmas Market
28th November - 14th December
Step back in time at Rochester’s famous Dickensian Christmas Market, held in the shadow of the historic castle. The cobbled streets and castle gardens are transformed into a Victorian winter scene filled with artisan stalls, handmade gifts, and festive entertainment.Sip mulled wine, listen to carol singers, and watch costumed characters from A Christmas Carol bring the market to life. It’s the perfect place to embrace Kent’s heritage and experience the warmth of a truly traditional Christmas.
Location: Rochester Castle Gardens
🎁 Folkestone Harbour Arm Festive Marketplace
14th November – 24th December 2025
For a seaside twist on festive shopping, head to Folkestone’s Harbour Arm. The Festive Marketplace features a collection of independent makers, street food vendors, and cosy bars along the beautifully illuminated harbour.
Enjoy coastal views as you browse for gifts, savour wood-fired pizzas and gourmet hot chocolates, or warm up with a locally brewed ale or mulled cider. With live music, family-friendly events, and twinkling lights reflected on the water, this is one of Kent’s most atmospheric markets.
Location: Folkestone Harbour Arm
Website: Folkestone Harbour Arm
🎭 Pantos & Festive Shows
🎭 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
28th November – 11th January
The Marlowe is back with another fabulous festive show! This year’s cast features Sarah Hadland (Miranda, Strictly Come Dancing, Horrible Histories), Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker), and Marlowe favourite Ben Roddy.
This magical family extravaganza promises an unforgettable mix of laughter, music, and festive fun. Expect dazzling costumes, lavish sets, toe-tapping tunes, and plenty of jokes that will have audiences of all ages in stitches — a true Christmas tradition for Kent families!
Location: The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Tickets: From £18
Website: The Marlowe Theatre
🎭 Sleeping Beauty – The Central Theatre, Chatham
11th December – 4th January
This Christmas, Sleeping Beauty returns to the Central Theatre for a magical family pantomime full of laughs, music, and spectacular effects! Follow the enchanting story of a princess, a heroic prince, mischievous villains, and a fairy or two as the classic tale comes to life in dazzling style.
Expect lots of laughs, toe-tapping live music, breathtaking special effects, and all the fun of a traditional pantomime — a festive adventure the whole family will love.
Location: The Central Theatre, Chatham
Tickets: From £18
Website: Sleeping Beauty - Medway Live
🎭 Sleeping Beauty – Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
13th –31st December
Panto season in Tunbridge Wells just got bigger! Sleeping Beauty takes over Assembly Hall Theatre with a fun-filled family adventure packed with comedy, chaos, and a touch of magic. Expect larger-than-life characters, a castle full of mischief, and plenty of audience giggles as Princess Rose, Nurse Nancy, and Mervin the Magician try to keep the kingdom safe from curses and calamity.
With sparkling costumes, energetic performances, and a few surprises along the way, this show is a brilliant festive outing for families looking to keep the Christmas excitement going right into the New Year.
Key InformationPrice: From £19 children / £29 adults
Location: Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
🎭 Cinderella – The Woodville Theatre, Gravesend
5th December – 4th January
Wicked Productions return to The Woodville for their eighth sensational year — and this time, they’re bringing the fairy godmother of all pantomimes, Cinderella!
Follow Cinderella as she dreams of escaping her endless chores and heading to the Royal Ball. With a wicked stepmother, two hilariously over-the-top stepsisters, and a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic, this festive favourite is packed with laughter, music, and sparkle.
Expect dazzling sets, laugh-out-loud comedy, show-stopping dance routines, and plenty of audience participation — all the ingredients for a magical family panto that promises festive fun for everyone.
Tickets: From £17
Location: The WoodvilleTheatre, Gravesend
Website: The Woodville Theatre
🎭 Sleeping Beauty – The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury
10th December – 3rd January
Pantomime returns to The Malthouse for its fifth festive season with the enchanting story of Sleeping Beauty! Join a talented West End cast as they bring the classic fairytale to life with sparkling sets, glittering costumes, and plenty of laughs for the whole family.
With magic, music, and side-splitting comedy around every corner, this is a perfect outing for children and adults alike — a charming way to kick off the Christmas season in Kent.
Location: The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury
Tickets: From £10
Website: The Malthouse Theatre
🎭 The Christmas Elf & The Toymaker – Kidsbury, Tunbridge Wells
5th - 30th December
Kidsbury is taking festive fun to the next level this year, transforming its role-play village into a mini theatre for a brand-new family show. The Christmas Elf & The Toymaker tells the story of a lonely toymaker whose quiet Christmas Eve is turned upside down when a well-meaning (but very clumsy!) elf appears. What follows is a joyful festive adventure filled with giggles, music, and the message that even the smallest act of kindness can make Christmas truly magical.
Created by multi-award-winning theatre maker Sean and composer Stephen Hyde (the genius behind the famous Kidsbury tidy-up song!), this intimate Christmas show is designed especially for little ones and their grown-ups. Each child also receives a small gift at the end — the perfect festive finishing touch.
Key InformationPrice: £15 per person
Location: Kidsbury, Tunbridge Wells
Website: Kidsbury
🎭 Dear Santa – The Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury
6th – 13 December 2025
If your little ones are a bit young for the full pantomime experience, Dear Santa is the perfect festive treat. Based on the much-loved book by Rod Campbell, this gentle, heartwarming show brings the classic story to life with colourful characters, festive fun, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic.
After the performance, children can visit Santa in his grotto and receive a special gift to take home — the perfect way to make the day extra memorable. A charming, feel-good experience that’s sure to become a treasured Christmas tradition.
Location: The Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury
Tickets: £15 per person
Website: The Gulbenkian Theatre
🎭 Mini Panto – The Last N.O.E.L, Penshurst Place
6th - 23rd December
Step into the medieval Baron’s Hall at Penshurst Place for a delightful dose of festive family fun with The Last N.O.E.L, a lively 25-minute mini pantomime bursting with laughter, music, and plenty of classic audience participation. Perfect for younger children and families, this bite-sized show is a charming way to celebrate the season.
After the performance, little ones can meet Father Christmas for a photo and receive a sweet chocolate treat to take home. There are also SEN-friendly sessions available, ensuring every family can enjoy the magic in a relaxed environment.
Tickets: £9 per person
Location: Penshurst Place
Website: Penshurst Place
Nativity! The Musical – Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
12th - 27th December
Nativity! The Musical brings festive fun to Trinity Theatre this December, bursting with big characters, cheeky humour, and all the joy of a school Christmas play gone wildly off-script. Follow Mr Maddens and the ever-enthusiastic Mr Poppy as they attempt to pull off the show of the year — especially once rumours start spreading that Hollywood might be watching! Featuring favourite songs from the film such as Sparkle and Shine and Nazareth, it’s packed with feel-good moments and plenty of laughs for the whole family.
With a brilliant community cast led by Trinity Youth Theatre, live music, and heaps of Christmas cheer, this much-loved story is guaranteed to get audiences smiling. It’s the perfect festive outing in Kent for families looking to start the season with a little sparkle — and a lot of heart.
Price: From £23.50
Location: Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
Website: Trinity Theatre
🍴 Food & Drink
🍴 The Orchard – Festive Brunch
Saturdays 29th Nov, 6th, 13th & 20th Dec; Sundays 7th & 21st Dec
Celebrate the season in style at The Orchard, which is opening its doors for a series of indulgent Festive Brunches this Christmas. Gather your friends or family and tuck into a festive sharing board brimming with seasonal treats — from Cumberland sausage and smoked bacon patties to tomato and halloumi shakshuka with poached egg.
There’ll also be freshly baked pastries, French toast dusted with cinnamon sugar, and a spiced apple and rhubarb compote to complete the feast. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your December weekends.
Price: £35 per person
Location: The Orchard, Maidstone
Website: The Orchard Festive Brunch
🍴 Borgyn & Bakes Harry Potter Festive Feast
From 8th November
In Westgate-on-Sea, the enchanting Borgyn & Bakes café brings a touch of wizarding magic to the festive season with its Hogsmeade Christmas Feast. This Harry Potter–inspired afternoon tea gets a Christmas makeover, featuring themed savoury bites like Neville’s Toad in the Hole and Weasley Mini Spuds with Dipping Gravy, alongside sweet delights including mince pies and Butterbeer mousse.
The café itself will be transformed into a twinkling festive wonderland, with magical decorations and a cosy Hogwarts feel. Visitors can also browse a selection of official Harry Potter merchandise — perfect for finding a few spellbinding stocking fillers.
Price: £29.95 per person
Location: Bogyn & Bakes, Westgate on Sea
Website: Borgyn & Bakes
🍴 Elf-Themed Festive Afternoon Tea – The Lane
25th November – 4th January
For a festive treat packed with fun, sparkle, and a dash of Christmas movie magic, The Lane in Deal is hosting an Elf-themed Festive Afternoon Tea inspired by everyone’s favourite holiday film.
Guests can enjoy a playful mix of savoury and sweet bites. Highlights include “Santa I Know Him!” turkey sliders, “You Smell Like Beef & Cheese” slow-cooked beef stew, Buddy’s New York Bite mini hot dogs, Syrup Surprisewaffles with maple bacon, Papa Elf’s Brie, and Snow Globe Crunch apple and walnut salad.
For sweet treats, there’s The Snowball Fight mini doughnuts, World’s Best Cup of Coffee cupcakes, Buddy’s Spaghetti Tart, Cotton-Headed Brownie Muggings, Buddy’s Sugar Cookie Hat, and The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer donut — all colourful, festive, and guaranteed to delight.
Price: children £22.50/ adults £40
Location: The Lane, 26 High Street, Deal
Website: The Lane Deal
🍴Chiddingstone Castle - Father Christmas Afternoon Tea
6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st December
Chiddingstone Castle is once again opening its historic doors this December for a truly magical Christmas experience in Kent. Families can follow a charming festive trail around the castle before gathering for cosy storytime with Father Christmas in one of the beautifully decorated rooms. Then it’s time to indulge in a delicious full afternoon tea, with sandwiches, sweet treats, and plenty of seasonal sparkle.
Every child will enjoy a personal moment with Father Christmas and receive a special goody bag to take home, plus the chance to get creative with fun Christmas craft activities. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season in a stunning and atmospheric setting.
Price: child £45/ adults £40
Location: Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge, Kent
Website: Chiddingstone Castle
Comments