The whole county’s a-glow at this time of year, so follow our town-by-town guide – from Ashford to Whitstable – to find those shops to solve all your present-giving problems, and locations of Santa’s grotto
Christmas 2024 in Ashford
Carnival of the baubles
Head to Ashford Town Centre on Saturday, November 23 for a full day of family festive fun at Carnival of the Baubles. Join the team for the giant lantern parade, craft workshops, live music and all day entertainment. Even better, take part in the craft workshops that community organisation Made in Ashford (madeinashford.com) is hosting in the run up to the Carnival, to get the chance to have your creation as part of the parade. And if that’s not an option, £5 will get you a kit allowing you to make your own lantern at home. However you choose to take part, make sure you’re lining the pavement along the Carnival route at 5pm to witness the stunning parade – you won’t want to miss it. Head to LoveAshford.com for more information.
Revelation at Christmas
Right in the heart of Ashford, the 1000-year-old Church of St Mary the Virgin still functions as a centre for Christian worship, but doubles up as the town’s arts centre, Revelation. Check out the website for all sorts of events to get you into the festive spirit, but it’s the Dickens double bill from his great, great grandson Revelation Ambassador, Gerald Dickens that’s catching our eye. No, one of them isn’t A Christmas Carol – but instead you can enjoy two of what were once Charles Dickens’ most popular readings: the moving story of Doctor Marigold (in fact a trader named after the doctor who assisted at the hero’s birth) and The Signalman, a truly atmospheric ghost story.
Christmas with your feet up
Sometimes all you really want to do at Christmas time is to hand over the hard work to someone else. If that sounds like you, Ashford International Hotel and Spa is offering what sounds to us like a very well-priced three-day break. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a warm welcome with tea, coffee and mince pies before being treated to a Christmas Eve carol session. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine before dinner, then tuck into your evening meal – what you do after that is entirely down to you, though it’s worth noting that the hotel is home to a 20m pool. On Christmas Day, open your stocking, then enjoy a Bucks Fizz before tucking into a traditional Christmas lunch with all trimmings. Dinner will also be provided in the evening for anyone who still has room for it. And when it comes to Boxing Day: who says the celebrations are over? Treat yourself to a lazy day in the hotel as the talented in-house pianist work his magic while you enjoy even more delicious food. All this and no food shopping or washing up to do yourself. Prices start at £354 based on two adults sharing a room. Ashfordhotel.co.uk.
Christmas 2024 in Canterbury
Christmas Mode: activated
As mentioned on our xxx pages [DUNCAN Cross Ref to Visit Kent page], new for 2024 is The Artisan Market, an additional feature of the Canterbury Christmas Market that's located undercover in the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts. The 40-day market kicks off on November 15 and is the one-stop shop for all your Christmas gift shopping.
‘The Artisan Market is an area dedicated to makers, producers, artists and designers that will change every two weeks,’ says Christmas Market Director Nikki Casey, from Rockhopper Events. ‘The expansion into the Cathedral Precincts, which will include free entry for visitors throughout the Christmas Market, has allowed us to welcome new stallholders with a fantastic range of Christmas gift ideas on offer.
‘We work hard to ensure little repetition, so visitors won’t walk around the market seeing the same products over and over again, and we pride ourselves on including a range of affordable gift options on most stalls as well as local produce. It’s the perfect place for some serious Christmas shopping and a fun, family-friendly, festive day out.’
On this, Canterbury Christmas Market’s 16th year, The Artisan Market will be just one of many sections at the fair where visitors can buy handcrafted products.Three of our favourites that will be making an appearance are Nuts 4 Honey, Tucked Away Gallery and Trufflus.
Nuts 4 Honey’s (nuts4honey.com) apitherapy range makes the ideal present for honey maniacs. As well as tasting delicious, a spoonful a day of its Bee Fitness Cocktail should help keep the doctor away. It’s made with 100 per cent pure bee products only and contains 31 vitamins and minerals, ideal for ensuring the family remains happy and healthy throughout Christmas.
At Tucked Away Gallery (I: @tucked_away_gallery), artist Laura Swinerd transforms materials into unique sculptures - a fantastic, one-of-a-kind present for someone to liven up the home or garden of someone special.
And for those with a sweet tooth, you can’t beat the sumptuous handmade chocolate truffles from Trufflus (I: @truffl_us). If you want to make Father Christmas’ "Nice" list, gift wrap them to place under the tree, or if you don’t mind having your name added to the "Naughtly" list, keep them all for yourself to relish as a Christmas treat. From their delicious chocolate bars to mocha hazelnut ganache bonbons, selection boxes and tempting chocolate spreads, there’s no end of luscious delights to choose from.
Added to the shopping experience at the market is an array of local music performances, kids' activities including a ride on Santa’s magical virtual reality sleigh and marshmallow toasting, plus there's a host of fabulously festive food and drink offerings, including mulled wine and cider, crepes, schnapps cocktails and crumbles. ‘Visit the grotto and find a talking letter box, enjoy breakfast with Santa or take a spin on the carousel,’ Nikki shares. ‘There’s also a selfie point dedicated to your four-legged friends.
‘Guests can expect a warm welcome from stallholders and the Christmas team when they arrive in beautiful, historical Canterbury,’ canterburychristmasmarket.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Dover
Lights on!
Come December 7, from 1-7pm, social enterprise Future Foundry will again be leading the annual Winter Light-Up event that centres on Dover's Market Square, running a range of lantern-making courses and then leading the procession at which the results are shown off. Back at the Square itself, there'll also be a range of stalls to enjoy, offering festive gifts, food and drinks and live music and entertainment. futurefoundry.org.uk
Gifts from the Cliffs
Create Christmas dishes with a difference or book a new experience to enjoy these holidays with a gourmet foraging day or food event at The Wild Kitchen. Innovative wild food chef Lucia Stuart runs these bespoke experiences across Kent, helping individuals discover edible bounties from the county’s stunning array of natural landscapes. One day in The Wild Kitchen can inspire a lifelong passion for food you never knew existed, with a voucher making an ideal gift for food and nature-loving friends or family.
For wild spirits, a food adventure exploring the county’s meadows, cliffs and coast would make the ultimate Christmas present. Purchase tickets to Lucia’s Forager Easter event with Beach Hut Feast set to take place on April 21, 2025. After foraging the shore for mineral-rich seaweeds and the White Cliffs for fragrant flowers and tree food, guests will sit down for a wild food feast at a stylish beach hut at St Margaret's Bay, while soaking up views of the Channel.
Lucia will also be hosting various expeditions throughout winter including an all-encompassing foraging adventure hosted alongside Kent foodie Hetty Pound. The event is in homage to the Kent countryside and begins with a parkland foray and visit to a world-renowned oak tree. This is followed by a group cooking lesson with a focus on acorn flour dishes and herbal drinks. The botanical aperitif will be served in the kitchen garden, followed by a gastronomic wild food dinner.
Anyone eager to try out some of Lucia’s innovative dishes at home this Christmas can visit her Instagram (@luciathewildkitchen) for inspiration - or see our A Kent Cooks' Christmas pages.
A barn at Christmas
Lovely events venue Farthingloe Barn dates from the 16th century and, as you'd expect, has bags of rustic charm, making it the perfect place for a Christmas Fair, this year running from 10am - 3p on Nov 30 and Dec 1. You'll find a host of local creatives and suppliers here with stalls offering all sorts of gift ideas including photography children-portraiture sessions, plus snacks and drink options including mulled wine and hot chocolate. Who knows - Father Christmas might even be on hand to discover exactly what it is you really want to find in your stocking come Dec 25 - if he's not here, you'll just have to be sure to include whatever it is that you've spotted and desire in your Christmas note to him on Christmas Eve! farthingloebarn.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Faversham
Christmas creativity
At The Alex arts centre in town (thealex.org.uk) floral artist, Kim Barnicott from Tumbleweed and Honesty will be hosting Winter Wreath Workshops on selected dates in November and December. Learn how to create a traditional moss-based wreath using a variety of seasonal and locally and sustainably sourced materials. You'll be guided through each step of the process, with all tools, materials and refreshments provided. Sewers' paradise All Stitched Up (asufaversham.co.uk) sells everything you need for a crafty Christmas as well as some inspiring gifts. They’re known for their workshops, too, so keep a look out for what's going on: we know a popular Christmas Felted Fairies Workshop is taking place this December - better book soon!
Festive feasts and stays
Make a night of it this festive season at one of the area’s many places where you can wine and dine in style. First up is The Sun Inn (sunfaversham.co.uk), which dates back to the 14th century and is situated in Faversham’s conservation area. Popular with visitors and locals alike, it also has 12 bedrooms and there are various festive menu options for those staying in the town. From cocktails and carefully selected wines, plus winter dishes made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredient, you should find something to suit every appetite.
Dive into the festive spirit at Judd’s Folly Hotel (juddsfollyhotel.co.uk), where there’s a range of seasonal events to enjoy - an Afternoon tea with Christmas Classics courtesy of Faversham Mission Brass Band or Basil's Christmas Carol Dinner Show - a night of laughter and fine dining as Basil Fawlty and his crew deliver a hilarious twist on a Dickens classic. With residential Christmas packages also on offer, starting with with afternoon tea by the open fire on Christmas Even to a Boxing Day Dinner Dance, time spent at this festive retreat should leave you with lasting yuletide memories.
For a breath-taking experience not far from Faversham, Cave Hotel and Golf Resort (cavehotels.com) offers everything from firepit festive menus to parties at its lively Korean Cowgirl Restaurant. And, after dining and dancing, you can make a stay of it by heading to one of its 41 bedrooms.
Magical shopping.
With the Faversham Christmas lights switch-on taking place on November 30, a magical scene will be set for Christmas shopping. A choice of independent shops can be found throughout the town including No 77 (no77.co.uk), with its one-off jewellery, ceramics, homeware and stationery and Barlew Mow Gifts and Interiors in Court Street, where you'll find winning ideas such as a selection of pretty wheat pages - perfect for soothing aches or keeping recipients warm on chilly days, plus little construction kits for those who enjoy model-making as an alternative to jigsaws over the Christmas period and stocking-filler ideas, such as stickers, for children, too @barleymow.gift. Do take a stroll down to Standard Quay with its independent shops (as far as vintage and antiques are concerned, Aladdin's Loft really does live up to its name) and places to eat. It’s here you’ll find Harley's Place (harleybearscocobites.co.uk), the only shop dedicated to products for dogs in Faversham. Out of town, the food hall at Macknade (macknade.com), along with its butcher's, delicatessen, café and wine store, brings together some incredible produce for Christmas from our Kent doorstep, as well as a further afield
Christmas 2024 in Folkestone
Festive food and drink
Inventive, festive street-food offerings play a part of Folkestone Harbour’s foodie experience this winter. Take a break from Christmas shopping in the marketplace and cross the tracks of the historic Harbour Station to Brewing Brothers for pizza, pints and creative delights in the form of its ‘from the oven’ small-plates menu, using the searing heat of their Italian imported oven to add a smoky finish to a revolving menu of winter warmers.
Join the fast moving brunch queue at Sailbox for a menu of mid-morning classics to get you going or pop in on a Sunday afternoon to delight in the return of their crowd-pleasing roast menu - perfect before or after a bracing seaside walk. This year, the much-loved ‘Sunset Sessions’ at The Tasting Rooms, Folkestone's French/English Bistro, continue throughout the winter period. Here, you'll get a great night out that won't break the bank: £29.50pp gets you a welcome drink, three courses and an evening of live music, spanning jazz, folk, blues and more. What’s not to love?
folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk
Timeless tradition
If you’re from the south Kent coast or just a regular visitor to the area, chances are you’ve had a trip at one time or another on the The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Its Santa Specials have been running since 1981 and are, of course, back for 2024, offering as magical and experience as ever - that special mix of steam trains and Santa Claus.
The experience includes a return journey from New Romney to Hythe, seasonal refreshments, and the main event: a visit to see Santa in his grotto, with a quality, age-related gift for those who have booked. Families can also book a festive all-day breakfast before departure.
Pre-booking online is essential and do wrap up warm as queues may be possible due to popularity. The experience is suitable for children up to the age of 15.
The Santa Specials run on selected dates from November 23 to December 24 and ticket prices can be found on the website or see our [Visit Kent feature on page xxx.
rhdr.org.uk.
Independent shopping at its best
From the essential to the quirky, Folkestone has it all when it comes to shopping options, and many owners are busy prepping their window displays to bring festive cheer again this year. At the heart of the town is the Creative Quarter and the annual Christmas Lights switch-on promises to be a magical evening for all. Taking place on November 15, festive sparkle and those all-important twinkling lights are sure to bring out the Christmas spirit in everyone. The free event runs from 5.30pm. More about the event can be found at creativefolkestone.org.uk.
And, don’t miss Folkestone Harbour’s Festive Marketplace from November 15 until December 22. The decorated fisherman huts will be brimming with locally handmade crafts, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind gift ideas.
Christmas 2024 in Herne Bay
Shop til you drop
Offering that all-important seasonal veg for the Christmas table, Peter’s Produce (petersproduce.co.uk) has been a firm fixture in Herne Bay since 1981. Its reputation for offering quality fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from local farms and producers is second-to-none and despite the challenges facing high streets, the store has continued to thrive. For fashion and interior inspiration, drop in to Ivy May (ivy-may.co.uk), which sources clothing from both the UK and across the continent and is perfect for those wanting to model something that little bit different at those Christmas get togethers. Nothing beats music at Christmas and 2024 has been a year of celebration for the town's music shop, Music Bay (music-bay.co.uk), with its 40th birthday falling this year. Instruments-wise, from banjos to guitars, you'll find everything any budding musician needs to get started, plus essentials for pros, too. For a trip down memory lane, RAM Collectible Toys (ramcollectibletoys.co.uk) sells retro action figures to classic computer games and everything in between. Described as a 'hidden cave of wonders' it will take you right back to childhood and possibly win you the accolade of “best present buyer” from the happy recipient of any gift you buy for them here. And finally, every town needs a much-loved bookshop and The Little Green Book Shop (thelittlegreenbookshop.com) certainly fits the bill in Herne Bay. With its range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, local artwork, cards and homeware you're sure to find the answers to any present-buying dilemmas here.
Lighting up
Herne Bay is set to light up officially for Christmas on Sunday, November 17, with the event running from 2pm-7pm.
Having worked tirelessly since last year to fundraise and organise this year’s lights display, the Herne Bay Christmas Lights Team, operating as part of the Herne Bay Coastal Community Team, is a dedicated group of volunteers bringing festive cheer to the bay. Herne Bay Pier will also be playing host to some Christmas events of its own. including a Santa’s Grotto (selected dates from November 30) and a laser spectacular on December 14.
hernebaychristmaslights.co.uk
Winter walk
Nothing beats a winter stroll and Herne Bay is a great Kent destination for a seaside stroll to blow away the cobwebs - an alternative to tucking into leftovers and reaching into those chocolate tins! Reculver Country Park covers 26 hectares of beautiful space and is home to a large collection of plants and wildlife. The eroding cliffs provide an important habitat for a range of insects and birds and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Once you’ve reached the towers themselves, there are 180-degree views from Herne Bay to Margate, so it’s worth the walk! There’s also the Saxon Shore Trail that runs along the cliff-top grassland. Wrap up warm, then head off and explore!
Christmas 2024 in Maidstone
Distill, my beating heart
Located in a beautifully restored building, Maidstone Distillery is the perfect setting to enjoy yourself as a couple or part of a larger group. It offers several immersive experiences, there’s a small shop perfect for gift hunting and a bijoux bar serving specially curated cocktails and a selection of wines, beers and nibbles.
Get into the festive spirit with a stop by the multi-award-winning distillery for a gin-making experience where you can craft a botanical gin. In an intimate guided masterclass, you’ll learn the art of distillation and choose from over 60 exotic botanicals to perfect a gin recipe suited to your tastes, creating a 70cl bottle of it to take home. Alternatively, gather the girls or head for a Christmas work outing at one of the distillery’s Cocktail Masterclasses. Discover how to create three delightful classics and shake, muddle and stir your way to becoming a master of mixology.
For a broader history of alcohol in Maidstone, opt for the popular Distillery Tour and Tasting experience, where you can discover the fascinating story of distilling in Kent - one that spans over 235 years. The tour concludes with an expert-led tasting of three of the Distillery's award-winning spirits. If you prefer to go at your own pace, enjoy the distillery’s new self-guided tour, where guests can enjoy a tasting flight of spirits in the glorious setting of the Market Buildings.
Two favourite festive tipples Maidstone Distillery director Darren Graves recommends are the classic French 75 and indulgent Sharp’s Toffee Liqueur.
‘My recipe for The French 75 is a crisp, citrusy and effervescent serve,’ Darren says. ‘To make, add a generous amount of ice to your Boston shaker and fill with 50ml George Bishop London Dry Gin, 15ml of lemon juice and 5ml of sugar syrup. Shake vigorously and double-strain the mixture into a champagne flute.' Top up with one of Kent's wonderful sparkling wines, then, says Darren, 'stir gently and enjoy.’
Those who love the sweet side of life may prefer Sharp’s Toffee Liqueur. Celebrating Maidstone’s sweet making heritage, it's inspired by a real-life Willy Wonka, Edward Sharp, who once owned and ran the largest sweet factory in the world, right here in Maidstone. Today, the distillery has captured the toffee's flavour in a drink makes the ideal Christmas tipple, offering as it does a base of delicate spice, infused with hints of orange, vanilla and butter, all expertly blended with a secret toffee recipe. Serve it as a double measure, over ice in a rocks glass for a delectable and simple digestif.
If it's gifts you're after, consider a George Bishop London Dry Gin Deluxe Hamper – Maidstone Distillery’s most-awarded spirit, this bold and complex London Dry gin is bursting with exotic spice and Mediterranean citrus. Accompanied by two vintage gin goblets and a branded copper jigger, it’s the perfect gift for any spirit connoisseur. And don't forget that vouchers are available for any of the Distillery's tours, for an imaginative experiential adult gift. themaidstonedistillery.com
Christmas 2024 in Rochester
What’s going on
Don’t miss our feature on xxx for details of the fantastic Christmas Market and Dickensian Christmas Festival - two events that are guaranteed to leave you feeling as full of seasonal spirit as the reformed Scrooge (after his ghostly encounters, of course!)
Foodie favourites
Stocking up on Christmas foodie favourites is one of the pleasures of this time of year – and you can do just that Mockbeggar Farm Shop, Cliffe Woods. Look out for local turkeys, with meat and fruit/veg boxes available to pre-order. It’s not just food that you can get here but Christmas Trees, wreaths for you doors and flowers for your Christmas table. You’ll also find a wide variety of Christmas goodies available – perfect to pop into a bespoke hamper for a gift that never fails. A Christmas Themed Afternoon Tea will also be on offer in the Farm’s tearoom – so expect mince pies! Back in town, The Cheese Room on the High Street is something of a Rochester institution. In fact, it has two branches – the first is it’s Deli & Café, where you’ll find cheese (of course!) wine, bread, charcuterie and gifts. You can also eat here, in the main cheese room, cosy cellar and covered courtyard. There are plenty of gluten-free and vegan options on the menu, the café is dog-friendly and you just turn up – making it the ideal spot to pop into when you need a break from Christmas shopping. Further down the high street, you’ll find the more restaurant-like Cheese Room Botanicals, a restaurant and bar stocked with over 100 gins, plus a cheese-themed menu. Thecheeseroomrochester.co.uk
Treasure for the taking (or buying!)
Rochester is renowned for its wide range of independent shops, and its High Street is a treasure trove for anyone who likes winkling out off-beat antiques vintage homeware, jewellery, clothes and accessories for the sort of gifts you won’t find anywhere else. On the High Street, Fieldstaff Antiques – lovingly run for over 32 years by Jane Staff and Jim Field -is wonderfully atmospheric, and has frequently collaborated with local talent from Canterbury’s University for the Creative Arts, using the shop’s extensive collection of vintage clothing, antiques and collectables in various photo shoots and projects – the shop’s characterful listed building is rather special, too.Colourful Moorcroft pottery is another speciality – but in all honestly there’s no limit to what you might find during a visit here. fieldstaffantiques.com. Baggins Book Bazaar, meanwhile, claims to be the largest second-hand book seller in England. Its labyrinthine rows of books are sure to include something on almost any subject you can think of, both fact and fiction, and for children there are classics, annuals, hardbacks and paperbacks plus non-fiction titles to explore. For every sort of Christmas light and more (and throughout the year) Time Christmas (timechristmas.co.uk) at Lakeside Park is a Rochester institution. For wearable baubles, head for gorgeous Kaizen Antiques & Jewellery, back on the High Street. kaizenantiques.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Sevenoaks
Great for shopping
With its range of both independent and nationwide boutiques (Accessorize, Seasalt, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose), both on its high street and in the Bligh’s Meadow area, plus elegant cafes in which you can stop to recharge your batteries over coffee and cake or something more substantial, Sevenoaks makes great destination for Christmas shopping. Don’t miss the chance to browse at the brilliant award-winning Sevenoaks Bookshop, a town institution since the 1940s – not only a great selection of the latest titles, but staff recommendations, a café and regular events with top authors, too. Father Christmas has visited here in the past, so it’s likely he may well be back at the bookshop in 2024. Sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk. If you’re looking for something different, don’t miss the Artisan Christmas Gift Fayre on November 30 at the Stag theatre, where all sorts of hand-crafted items will be up for sale, from pottery to paintings, jewellery to textiles. Stagsevenoaks.co.uk
Concerts with a difference
Still at The Stag, celebrate the holiday season on the Big Screen with Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu's dazzling Christmas Concert, ‘Gold and Silver,’ which promises to bring over three hours’ worth of musical joy and warmth to cinema-goers. Under the sparkle of 150 chandeliers and 50 Venetian candelabras André Rieu is joined on stage by the Johann Strauss Orchestra, along with special guest artists and the talented Dutch singer Emma Kok to perform a host of Christmas favourites. All you’ll need to bring is your popcorn.
If you want to keep your music live and local, the wonderful Sevenoaks Philharmonic Choir will be performing the most celebrated work re-telling the life of Christ – one of choral music’s eternal masterpieces and a truly British start to the Christmas Season. What are we talking about? Handel’s Messiah, of course - composed in 1741 . When it was performed – in Dublin - so great was the sense of anticipation that gentlemen were asked not to wear swords and women to leave their skirt-hoops at home at home, to enable as many as possible to fit into the audience advice. The choir say they’ll be repeating that request to anyone planning to be in their 2024 audience, with the concert taking place on December 7 at St Nicholas Church. Be prepared to stand, as tradition dictates, for the Hallelujah Chorus! sevenoaks-philharmonic.org.uk
Walking in a winter wonderland
Most Sennockians will know and love the acres upon acres (around a thousand!) of Knole Park. The ideal spot at this time of year to spot (rein) deer, it’s an unmissable place for visitors to discover too. But there are other wonderful walking areas to explore: just two examples are the 73 hectares of Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve (with a visitor centre, too), where over two thousand species of creature have been spotted (though be aware that there are lakes here, so small children will need to be carefully watched and only assistance dogs are allowed) and the National Trust-owned One Tree Hill, outside Sevenoaks, near Underriver, with its lovely views across the Kentish Weald. nationaltrust.org.uk; kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
Christmas 2024 in Tonbridge
Craft a Christmas Creation
Making your own Christmas wreath to adorn your front door during advent is a super-fun thing to do at this time of year and fortunately Tonbridge has some great wreath-making workshops to try out. On December 12 you can huddle up in a cosy pub to create festive wreaths. All the essentials- including equipment, materials, cockle-warming mulled wine, good laughs, and the obligatory mince pies- will be laid on at the event, to be held at the Carpenter's Arms in Three Elm Lane. See website for prices and bookings (carpentersarmstonbridge.co.uk) The popular wreath-making workshop at historic Penshurst Place will also return for two evenings over December 4 and 5. Running from 6pm to 8pm in the Porcupine Pantry Café, some light seasonal refreshments and all the festive foliage and winter greenery needed will be provided- as will a floristry expert who will share tips and techniques on designing the perfect wreath that makes for a truly unique festive door decoration. £60 per person. Penshurtsplace.com
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Panto Magic
Head along to Penshurst Place as the decorated medieval Baron's Hall hosts a mini panto throughout the festive season - a great value alternative to more formal theatre shows or traditional grottos. Watch as The North Pole Elves help Mother Christmas to oversee the festive activities, with of course some help from a special man in the big red suit to delight you with a new story filled with songs and laughter. Don’t worry there will be plenty of chance to boo and hiss at the traditional pantomime baddie -the evil Ice Queen. The mini panto will be on selected dates throughout December. Meanwhile the EM Forster theatre in High Street, Tonbridge will be raising the roof with its seasonal showcase, Snow White. The musical pantomime will be on from December 13- January 5 and will see Tom Swift returning as the hilarious Muddles, Amanda Swift starring as the evil Wicked Queen and Rhys Whiteside, stepping into the dress as Dame Sarah Soggybottom for the first time. Tickets £19 to £29. emftheatre.com
Trail of light
The enchanting light trail returns to Tonbridge Castle for the Christmas season. Experience the awe-inspiring illuminations as the historic castle is lit up each evening by glorious lights. You can walk through a dazzling display of lights as they transform the winter landscape into a wonderland of colour and glow. The event is perfect for all ages and the trail around the castle and its grounds should take you around 45 - 60 minutes, allowing you time to see the castle in quite literally, a new light! Don't miss the marshmallow toasting station, which will be back by popular demand. The trail will be on from November 24 to December 29. Tickets from £13. illuminatetrails.co.uk
Christmas 2024 in Tunbridge Wells
Festive Fun
Georgian architecture, twinkling fairy lights, the fragrant aroma of chestnuts and hot chocolate in the air? Christmas in Tunbridge Wells is always an enchanting experience, and this year will be no exception. During the festive season the historic Pantiles bursts with festive cheer as an array of decorated market stalls adorn the iconic colonnaded walkway. As an added bonus each weekend from mid-November to Christmas Eve the Pantiles Christmas market will be set up. All across the town centre you’ll find unique shops and boutiques offering a variety of treasures and unique gifts, including handmade crafts, jewellery, locally produced artisanal foods, and delicious treats. You’ll also find a wide collection of charming boutiques and galleries line the high street and Chapel Place, and if you’re looking for big brand names, check out Royal Victoria Place and Calverley Road. After some retail therapy you can let off steam by gliding around a real ice rink, which as usual, will set up within the Calverley Grounds opposite the main railway station in Tunbridge Wells, until January 5. You can even try some Bavarian Curling, now that’s festive! Tickets £9 to £22. visittunbridgewells.com
Panto magic
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without taking in a pantomime – oh no it’s not. This year the annual seasonal showcase at the Assembly Hall Theatre promises to be genie-us- and what’s more it stars Strictly Come Dancing former winner Ore Oduba. Aladdin will see audiences getting whisked away this Christmas to the town of Shangri-La where the sorcerers are sinister, the caves full of surprises and the genies have been bottling things up for a bit. With spectacular sets, breathtaking special effects, gorgeous costumes and mountains of mayhem, the team behind last year's smash-hit at the theatre, Beauty and the Beast, return to grant all your festive wishes in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. Dame James Peake will be back by popular demand as Widow Twankey while CBBC favourite Stewart McCheyne also returns. The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, December 14 to December 31. Tickets £17 to £45. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Illuminating stuff
A real festive treat in the great outdoors awaits in the form of extraordinary light trail, which is set to transform Bedgebury National Pinetum into a sparkling, festive wonderland. Open from November 15 to January 1, the Grade II listed landscape- often considered one of England's best-kept secrets -and located just a 20 minute drive from Tunbridge Town Centre, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable seasonal outing. Among this year’s spectacular new illuminated artworks are Light a Wish by OGE Design Group, which visualises dandelion seeds floating through the air and a number of mesmerising dynamic colour-changing light installations. As you navigate the winding paths between towering redwoods and serene lakes, each twist and turn reveals a new glowing surprise. Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst, Cranbrook forestryengland.uk/bedgebury
Christmas 2024 in Whitstable
Party like it's Christmas
Dive right into party season at the WhitSparkle Ball, which is back for 2024. Packed with live music and a DJ and with headliners FNKHAUS - a band specialising in playing club classics and floor-fillers - it promises to be even bigger and better this year. Taking place on November 16, the annual community event goes towards fundraising for the Christmas lantern parade that take place in the town later in November. Take along your own drinks and nibbles and head onto that dance floor, all while soaking up the Christmas spirit of course! Whitstable Umbrella Community Support Centre, Tickets from £20. eventbrite.co.uk. Meanwhile you can immerse yourself in a plethora of yuletide hits at The Singin' Swingin' Christmas Show. The musical showcase on Sunday December 8, will be held at the Horsebridge Centre in High Street, Whitstable and will see the very best classic Christmas songs and carols performed, offering a warm traditional evening of glitz and glamour plus a little audience participation. This is one night that you won’t want to be silent. Tickets: £16. suecaroline.com
Banter with Santa…
Dine with Santa thanks to a special event at Whitstable Castle. From December 14 to December 24, Father Christmas will be at the castle to enjoy breakfast with guests in the Orangery Tearooms. Ticket prices include breakfast, a meet and greet with St Nic, a trip to his magical grotto, a hot chocolate cone and reindeer food and even a gift. Adults £12, children £18. From December 7 to December 8, the castle will also be welcoming in Santa Claus as part of its two-day traditional Christmas fair where there will be stalls inside and outside the castle selling gifts, decorations and artisan foods.whitstablecastle.co.uk
Enjoy a winter walk
Whitstable is glorious in the summer but it’s equally lovely in the winter and it makes for a lovely seasonal stroll to burn off those extra calories that we all tend to put on at this time of year. Get your walking boots and wander past the colourful beach huts and weather-boarded cottages on the shingle beach before stopping for a hot chocolate - or something stronger in the historic Old Neptune pub which is right on the beach front. After a bit more walking you can drop in for a bite at one of Whitstable’s gorgeous cafes and restaurants. At the Pearson’s Arms you’ll find cosy fireplaces, comfy chairs, festive cocktails and a mug of mulled wine to warm you up. pearsonsarmswhitstable.co.uk
Get your gifts
Whitstable is perfect for exploring when it comes to snagging some unique Christmas presents. Harbour Market (harbourmarketwhitstable.co.uk) is home to various independent businesses offering a diverse mix of artistic styles, with gifts for every budget. It’s a spot where you can browse, chat to local craftspeople and pick up some special Christmas presents. At the heart of the high street for more than 50 years, George’s Whitstable Stores is known as an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures, while you could drop into independent bookstore Harbour Books to pick up a classic novel - A Christmas Carol perhaps? Flory and Black in Harbour Street stocks unusual, interesting and above all beautiful gifts, including interior homewares and lighting, while The Cheese Box, also in Harbour Street sells wonderful varieties of British Artisan cheeses so you know where to go to buy something to top those Christmas tea-time crackers.
