Phoebe Shipton
With nights drawing in, fires being lit and leaves turning golden, it’s time to start planning the perfect Christmas getaway. From colourful landscapes and fairytale castles to enchanting light displays and festive markets, Kent is a true winter wonderland. We’ve put together a list of Christmas things to do in Kent, so that you can enjoy embracing the festive spirit.
So, what are you waiting for? Browse our full list of cottages in Kent with availability over Christmas.
Christmas Activities in Kent
Magical Polar Express train rides, gift shopping at the coast and even the chance to meet the main man himself – Kent is teeming with Christmas activities for all the family to enjoy. Find the perfect ones for you below!
Christmas Markets
Dates: Throughout November & December
Location: Various throughout Kent – see more in the guide.
From German-themed bazaars complete with bratwurst and wooden chalets to seafront artisanal experiences, we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas markets in Kent here.
Spa Valley Railway: The Polar Express
Dates: Saturday 8th November – Tuesday 30th December
Location: Trains depart from Spa Valley Railway West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5Q.
Put on your finest festive pyjamas and prepare to experience the magic of a timeless Christmas tale. An immersive, 1-hour train ride experience, The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway is a heartwarming festive extravaganza with music, storytelling and a visit from Santa himself. You’ll also enjoy delicious hot chocolate and a tasty treat, just like in the film. Book your space now.
Festive Fun at Walmer Castle
Dates: Weekends from 29th November to 21st December 2025
Location: Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kingsdown Road, Deal, CT14 7LJ
Gather with friends and family at Walmer Castle this Christmas. Explore its eight acres of award-winning gardens and look out for enchanting illuminations, take part in festive activities and simply soak up the sights and sounds of Christmas past and present.
Find out more information here.
Christmas Magic at Port Lympne Reserve
Dates: 28th November to 23rd December 2025
Location: Port Lympne Reserve, Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR
Port Lympne is home to not just one but two major Christmas attractions this year. Little ones will love the storybook grotto, where Santa (and a small keepsake) await, while all family members will enjoy the illuminated light show. A sensory experience designed to awaken the festive spirit, the light show is set to be a glittering wonderland of twinkling canopies and illuminated animals inspired by those who call the reserve home. Book your visit here.
Ice Skating in Tunbridge Wells
Dates: 5th December to 4th January 2026
Location: Calverley Grounds, Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1SJ
It can’t possibly be Christmas until you’ve laced up some skates and swirled around an ice rink. Promising flushed cheeks, plenty of laughter and beautiful settings in the town’s Calverley Grounds, SKATE Tunbridge Wells is one of Kent’s best Christmas activities. Find out more and book your slot here.
Christmas Events at Hever Castle
Dates: 21st November to 2nd January
Location: Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
A bonafide winter wonderland, Hever Castle bursts to life at Christmastime, with both daytime and evening activities to enjoy, along with fabulous food, drink and shopping. Along with their classical castle tours (all dressed up for Christmas,) there are fairground rides, illumination trails, character experiences and the chance to meet Father Christmas. This year, you can an adventure into the Land of Oz, where Dorothy’s house marks the starting point of a joyous journey!
Elf Express at Quex Park
Dates: Some December tickets still available
Location: Quex Adventure Farm Park, Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington, CT7 0BH
If it’s all-out extravaganzas you’re looking for, another fantastic option is Christmas at Quex Park, one of Kent’s largest Christmas Experiences this Festive Season.
Following the previous years’ success of Elf Express, Quex Park is hosting Father Christmas and his Elves again this festive season, with meet & greet experiences for everyone – including the dog! During your visit you can enjoy the spectacular Christmas lights during a tractor-trailer ride as well as exploring on foot. There is also goat walking, highland cow experiences and a reindeer petting farm – you can’t get much more enchanting than that!
Christmas at Leeds Castle
Dates: 21st November to 4th January 2026
Location: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
Set to be an enchanting affair, Christmas at the historic Leeds Castle will include everything from spectacular illumination experiences to Casino and Murder Mystery nights for the grown-ups! For a festive family adventure, don’t miss Neverland Christmas, an immersive journey into the world of Peter Pan, where you can explore the Lost Boys’ hideout, the shimmering Mermaid Lagoon and even meet characters from the beloved Children’s novel.
Explore all events & book your visit here.
Mission Christmas at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Dates: 29th November to 24th December
Location: The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ
Mission Christmas at The Historic Dockyard Chatham invites families into a magical, elf-powered festive adventure, where children and grown-ups help fix the elves’ inventive holiday gadgets during a delightful 45-minute interactive story experience. After the mischief and merriment, every group enjoys a private meet and greet with Father Christmas, complete with a special wrapped gift for each child and a complimentary professional photo to remember the enchanting moment. There’s also an incredible range of flavoured hot chocolates available onsite at Mess Deck Restaurant.
Christmas at Bedgebury
Dates: 21st November to 31st December – Selected evenings
Location: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Bedgebury Rd, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ
At Christmas, the Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest transforms into a glittering winter wonderland, with millions of festive lights illuminating the world-famous conifer collection. As you explore the trail, expect dazzling new displays like ‘Light as a Feather,’ floating candles, and singing trees, plus a chance to spot Father Christmas along the way—dogs are welcome to join the festivities too. 2026 marks Bedgebury’s 100th Birthday, making this an extra-special year to go. Warm up with spiced drinks, marshmallow toasting, and seasonal treats from handpicked food stalls as you stroll beneath the twinkling stars. Timed entry, ticketed parking, and relaxed sessions make this on-foot event accessible and enjoyable.
Santa Specials on the Kent & East Sussex Railway
Dates: 29th November to 24th December
Location: Trains depart from Tenterden Town Station, Station Rd, Tenterden TN30 6HE
Santa Specials 2025 at the Kent & East Sussex Railway offer a magical 75-minute festive steam train ride where Santa visits each family in their carriage – you can choose between Bronze, Silver and Gold experiences, and all parts of the train will be adorned in festive decor. Expect classic treats and on-board magic shows, with first-class services including fizz, festive cakes, and encounters with Santa’s elves. Winter Wonderland activities, complimentary refreshments, and the option to ride a special ‘quiet train’ for a less intense experience make it a joyful holiday treat for children and adults alike. All aboard – book your tickets here!
Christmas Panto in Kent
Could it be Christmas without a classic panto trip? Oh no, it couldn’t. If your idea of a picture-perfect Christmas is all about family fun and laughter, don’t miss a trip to one of the local theatres. This time of year, every theatre holds a pantomime and Canterbury’s Marlowe theatre is known for being quite the show – in 2024, its Aladdin production was nominated for a record-breaking eight awards by the UK Pantomime Association in their annual Pantomime Awards, including Best Pantomime.
This year, the Marlowe is playing host to Sarah Hadland (Miranda, Strictly Come Dancing, original cast of Horrible Histories), childrenʼs favourite Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker) and its very own talents to put on spectacular showings of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Elsewhere in Kent, Ramsgate’s Granville Theatre and Folkestone’s The Tower Theatre are also bringing family favourites such as Aladdin and Jack & The Beanstalk to the stage.
Christmas Light Switch-On Events in Kent
The Christmas lights in Kent offer a perfect evening of festive enchantment. We’ve listed a range of Christmas light switch-on events in Kent below:
- Canterbury Christmas Lights Switch-On: Let It Snow! – 14 November 2025, 5 – 8 pm.
- There will be 12 different themed locations throughout the city with activities, attractions and more to enjoy. Find out more here.
- Deal & Walmer Christmas Lights – 22 November 2025, 5:30 pm onwards
- A special event for locals and visitors alike, the Deal & Walmer Christmas light switch-on will take place on the High Street outside of the beautiful St George’s Church, with special guests including Father Christmas himself!
- Maidstone Christmas Lights – 20 November, 4:30 pm – 7 pm
- Held in Jubilee Square, the Maidstone xmas lights switch-on is a popular event that little ones will love. See more details here.
- Whitstable’s Lantern Lit Parade – 29 November, all-day event, switch on at 4:30 pm.
- The ultimate festive experience organised by WhitSparkle, this enjoyable day will include music performances at the harbour along with craft workshops, culminating in a lantern parade and Christmas tree switch-on starting at 4:30 pm.
- Sevenoaks Switch On – 29 November 2025, 3 pm to 5:30 pm.
- A high-street special with live entertainment, fairground rides, a Father Christmas Grotto, stalls, food and drink, as well as street entertainment.
- Sandwich Christmas light Switch On – 29 November 2025, 12 pm to 6:30 pm.
- Another community event with food, live entertainment and a parade. Held at the Sandwich Guildhall.
- Westgate-on-Sea Switch On – 30 November 2025, 11 am – 5 pm.
- A community favourite with music, food, shopping stalls, rides and a visit from Santa! Keep your eyes peeled on the Facebook page for more info.
- Dover Winter Light Up 2025 – 6 December 2025, 10 am – 7:30 pm
- A day-long event allowing you to make your own lantern before joining the evening parade! More info here.
