Photo: Marathon, CC BY-SA 2.0Christmas in Kent 2026
33 festive events we have checked across Kent, from Father Christmas and woodland light trails to markets, steam trains and pantomimes. Each one links to the organiser's own booking page.
All Christmas events, by date
Not sure? Ask Doodle →- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Mission Christmas
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham · 1 November to 31 December 2026
A guided, story-led adventure in which families help an elf called Elfenezer recover his Christmas spirit by travelling through his past, present and future. After solving challenges to unlock the Golden Ledger, each family has a private meeting with Father Christmas and children receive a wrapped gift. The guided part takes about 45 minutes, and the venue suggests allowing around two hours in total.
- Price:
- From £8.50
- Ages:
- Best suited to ages 4 to 10
- Dates:
- Selected dates in November and December 2026; the venue has not published a full date list, so check the booking page. Quiet sessions on Sunday 29 November at 2.30pm and 3pm
- BookIce skatingFamily days out
The Ice Rink at Bluewater
Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe · 5 November to 3 January 2027
A covered seasonal ice rink outside The Village at Bluewater, open from early November into the new year. Sessions last 45 minutes and penguin and seal skating aids help younger or nervous skaters. It is an easy add-on to a Christmas shopping trip.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- 5 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, in 45-minute sessions
- BookHeritage railwaysMeet Father Christmas
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells West station, Tunbridge Wells · 7 November to 23 December 2026
A theatrical train ride from Tunbridge Wells West based on the much-loved film, with characters performing on board and the story read aloud. Hot chocolate and a cookie are served during the journey, and Santa hands each child a silver sleigh bell. Families are encouraged to come in pyjamas.
- Price:
- From £37.95
- Ages:
- Under 2s travel on an adult's lap
- Dates:
- Selected dates from 7 November 2026, with several departures a day. The official ticket site lists departures into late December (at least 23 December); check it for the full calendar
- BookChristmas marketsShopping
Canterbury Christmas Market
Canterbury city centre and Cathedral Precincts, Canterbury · 12 November to 24 December 2026
Canterbury's Christmas market fills the city's streets with wooden huts selling gifts, decorations and seasonal food, with stalls reaching into the Cathedral Precincts. Families can book a Santa's Grotto, breakfast with Santa or VR experiences, and live music runs through the season. The city's lights are switched on across four stages on Friday 13 November.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Daily from 12 November to 24 December 2026 (the organiser lists 12 November; Visit Canterbury lists the market and light switch-on together on Friday 13 November). City light switch-on is Friday 13 November from 5pm
- DetailsChristmas marketsShopping
Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm
Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone · 13 November to 24 December 2026
Folkestone Harbour Arm's festive market runs on weekends from mid November and every day in the final week before Christmas, with stalls along the harbour and its food and drink traders. It opens with the Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 13 November. After Christmas, Crimbo Limbo keeps things going from 26 December to 3 January.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays from 13 November, then daily from 18 to 24 December 2026. Usually 11am to 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11am to 6pm on Sundays (opening night 13 November 4pm to 8pm). The Christmas lights switch-on is on 13 November at 7pm.
- Christmas marketsShopping
The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Markets
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells · 13 November to 24 December 2026
Wooden chalets line the Georgian colonnade of the Pantiles on weekends through November and December, selling gifts from independent makers. Live musicians, community choirs and local theatre groups perform, including mini pantomime shows. The market runs every day in the final week before Christmas.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays from 13 November, then daily from 18 to 24 December 2026. 11am to 8pm (6pm on 24 December)
- DetailsChristmas marketsShopping
Christmas Gift Market at the Rare Breeds Centre
Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, near Ashford · 14 November to 15 November 2026
A two-day Christmas gift market in Benson Barn at the Rare Breeds Centre, beside the car park, with free entry. It is a low-key place to start Christmas shopping, and the farm is open for a day out too.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026, 10am to 3.30pm, in Benson Barn next to the car park.
- Christmas marketsShopping
Christmas Market at Chartwell
Chartwell (National Trust), Westerham · 19 November to 22 November 2026
Local makers and food producers sell handmade gifts in a covered marquee at Chartwell over four days in late November. The estate shop, one of the largest in the National Trust, is open for Churchill-themed presents. Buy a garden ticket if you want to hear the live carols in the grounds at the weekend.
- Price:
- Normal admission or membership applies for the garden, grounds and studio, including the weekend carols. Parking is paid unless you validate a membership card.
- Dates:
- Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am to 4pm. Carols in the grounds at the weekend
- Christmas lightsMusic
Maidstone Christmas Light Switch On
Jubilee Square, Maidstone · 19 November 2026
Maidstone's town centre lights are switched on in Jubilee Square, organised by the One Maidstone business group. A stage hosted by KM features a line-up of acts, the Mayor attends and Santa makes an appearance. Times are still to be announced, so check the organiser's page nearer the date.
- Price:
- Cost not stated by the organiser; check the event page before you go
- Dates:
- Thursday 19 November 2026. Start and switch-on times not yet published
- BookFamily days outFood and drink
A Woodland Realm: Christmas at Quebec House
Quebec House (National Trust), Westerham · 20 November to 20 December 2026
General James Wolfe's childhood home in Westerham is transformed into a woodland world, with trees and hidden creatures telling a winter story room by room. Volunteer cooks prepare 18th-century treats in the Coach House across the garden. It is a short, gentle visit that combines easily with Chartwell nearby.
- Price:
- Normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays, 20 November to 20 December 2026, 11am to 3pm, last entry 2.30pm
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, Maidstone · 20 November to 3 January 2027
An after-dark illuminated trail through the grounds of Leeds Castle, set to Christmas music. Returning favourites include the Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden, alongside a Laser Garden and a water fountain show. Father Christmas may appear along the way, and hot food and drinks are sold on site.
- Price:
- See website for prices. This is a separately ticketed third-party event: annual admission tickets and gift vouchers are not valid, and castle entry is not included.
- Dates:
- Evenings on selected dates from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Christmas at Bedgebury
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst · 20 November to 31 December 2026
An evening light trail beneath the giant conifers of the national pinetum, reworked for 2026 with new installations. Look out for the Christmas Cathedral, a new Laser Garden and the tall trees lit against the night sky, plus a possible glimpse of Father Christmas. Food stalls sell hot drinks and treats, and you can toast marshmallows over fire pits.
- Price:
- From £13
- Ages:
- Child tickets cover ages 3 to 16; under 3s free
- Dates:
- Selected evenings: 20 to 22 and 27 to 29 November, 2 to 6 December, 9 to 24 December and 26 to 31 December 2026. Timed entry roughly every 15 minutes from 4pm to 8.15pm
- BookChristmas lightsMeet Father Christmas
Christmas at Hever Castle
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge · 20 November to 2 January 2027
Anne Boleyn's childhood home is dressed for Christmas, with decorated rooms and log fires inside and a Nutcracker-themed trail through the grounds. From 4pm on twilight dates the castle, gardens and lake are lit up, and Father Christmas can be added as an extra. Daytime and twilight tickets are sold separately.
- Price:
- From £15
- Dates:
- Open most days from 20 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. Closed 23 and 24 November and 25 and 26 December. Evening twilight entry from 4pm on many dates; hours vary by day
- BookFamily days out
A Christmas Woodland Wonder at Knole
Knole (National Trust), Sevenoaks · 21 November to 23 December 2026
Knole's courtyards are hung with trees and garlands, and the Great Hall is laid with nature-inspired woodland decorations around a large sparkling tree. Families can pick up a free spotter trail in the showrooms and follow a winter trail out in the deer park. Climb the Gatehouse Tower for views and a 1930s-style festive setting.
- Price:
- Free event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- Decorated house and courtyards 21 November to 23 December 2026, 11am to 4pm. The winter family trail in the parkland runs on to 3 January 2027
- BookFamily days outChristmas lights
A Cosy Quex House Christmas
Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington · 21 November to 13 December 2026
New for 2026, Quex House is dressed for a traditional Victorian and Edwardian Christmas, with trees, decorated rooms, period music and sparkling lights. Families can try traditional games and hands-on activities, then warm up with hot chocolate and a mince pie before a winter walk in the gardens. The museum galleries are included.
- Price:
- From £7
- Ages:
- Aimed at families of all ages, including grandparents.
- Dates:
- Weekends from 21 November to 13 December 2026, timed entry 10am to 3pm (last entry 2pm).
- BookFamily days outChristmas lights
A Fairytale Christmas at Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle (National Trust), Lamberhurst · 21 November to 3 January 2027
The Victorian mansion at Scotney is decorated with scenes inspired by favourite fairytales, and a gingerbread trail runs outdoors for children. On selected late nights the gardens are lit with twinkling illuminations. Scotney is just outside Lamberhurst, so it combines easily with other festive outings in the area.
- Price:
- Free event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 4pm, plus selected late-night illumination evenings
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Father Christmas at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, Maidstone · 21 November to 24 December 2026
A daytime grotto visit at Leeds Castle where children help solve a festive mystery before meeting Father Christmas. It runs alongside the castle's Wallace and Gromit Christmas trail, which is included with admission from 21 November. Grotto tickets do not include entry to the castle, so budget for both.
- Price:
- Father Christmas ticket price not shown on the event page; see website. Castle admission is required and sold separately (Explorer ticket from £34.50 adult and £24.50 child online, valid for a year).
- Ages:
- Ideal for ages 3 to 10
- Dates:
- Selected dates from 21 November to 24 December 2026
- BookFamily days outMusic
Churchill's Colourful Christmas at Chartwell
Chartwell (National Trust), Westerham · 27 November to 3 January 2027
Winston Churchill's family home is decorated with a theme inspired by his love of painting, with colourful trees, lights and displays through the rooms. Children can follow a festive trail based on Rob Biddulph's picture book I Follow the Fox. Live carols are performed in the garden on selected weekends.
- Price:
- Normal admission applies (National Trust members free). The family trail costs £3.50. Guided tours are an extra £9.50 and must be pre-booked.
- Ages:
- Under 5s free
- Dates:
- 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 4pm, last house entry 3.10pm. Closed 24 and 25 December
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan (pantomime)
The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury · 27 November to 10 January 2027
The Marlowe's big-budget panto this year is Peter Pan, written and directed by Paul Hendy. The cast includes Janette Manrara, Phil Gallagher and Ben Roddy. The run continues into January 2027.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- 27 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Audio-described performances on Sunday 6 December and Sunday 3 January
- BookChristmas marketsMeet Father Christmas
Tonbridge Christmas Fest
Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge · 27 November to 13 December 2026
A free festive market at Tonbridge Castle across three long weekends, with a market village of handmade gifts, a food village and a Christmas lounge. Families can book a grotto visit, shows and character meet and greets, while 18-plus evenings cater for adults. Santa's Post Office and a Christmas tree parade add to the atmosphere.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Three weekends: 27 to 29 November, 3 to 6 December and 10 to 13 December 2026. Weekdays 1pm to 7pm, weekends 10.30am to 7pm, early close on Sunday 29 November
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
A Truly Magical Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre
Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, near Ashford · 28 November to 23 December 2026
The Rare Breeds Centre turns its Cattle Barn into a glittering winter wonderland walk-through leading to Father Christmas and his elves. Every child receives a gift from Santa, and there is festive snowball throwing and a craft activity to make a keepsake. SEN grotto sessions are offered alongside standard ones.
- Price:
- Check the Rare Breeds Centre booking page for prices.
- Dates:
- Weekends from Saturday 28 November, then daily from Saturday 19 to Wednesday 23 December 2026. Check booking for session times.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Beauty and the Beast (pantomime)
The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone · 28 November to 31 December 2026
Maidstone's town-centre theatre stages Beauty and the Beast as its 2026 pantomime, with the story of the cursed prince told in classic panto style. The show runs for just over two hours including a 15-minute interval. Two relaxed performances are scheduled for families who prefer a calmer setting.
- Price:
- See website for prices. Family and school offers are listed on the booking page.
- Ages:
- All ages welcome; under 16s must be with an adult. Contains innuendo typical of panto
- Dates:
- 28 November to 31 December 2026 on selected dates and times. Relaxed performances on 1 December at 10.30am and 11 December at 6pm
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Eastgate House
Eastgate House, Rochester · 28 November to 13 December 2026
Dickens' A Christmas Carol is performed inside Eastgate House, the Rochester townhouse whose garden holds the chalet where Dickens wrote. Several short performances a day suit families exploring Rochester in the run-up to Christmas, and the Dickensian Christmas Festival weekend falls in the middle of the run.
- Price:
- From £12.50
- Dates:
- Selected dates from 28 November to 13 December 2026, including Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November and Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December. Performances at 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm.
- BookHeritage railwaysMeet Father Christmas
Santa Specials
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, New Romney station, New Romney · 28 November to 24 December 2026
A return ride on the famous miniature steam railway from New Romney to Hythe, with a meeting with Father Christmas included. Every child up to 17 receives a quality, age-appropriate gift, and seasonal refreshments are part of the ticket. Advance booking is essential and popular services sell out.
- Price:
- See website for prices. Under 1s travel free, or £15 with a gift from Santa.
- Ages:
- Gifts for children aged 0 to 17
- Dates:
- 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, and 22 to 24 December 2026
- BookHeritage railwaysMeet Father Christmas
Santa Specials
Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden · 29 November to 24 December 2026
A 75-minute return steam train ride from Tenterden in decorated carriages, with Santa coming to your seat to hand over a present addressed to your child by name. Adults get a mulled wine or hot drink, and higher packages add refreshment packs and on-board entertainment. Back at the station there are free unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers.
- Price:
- From £100
- Ages:
- Babies under 18 months travel free
- Dates:
- 29 November, 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, and 22 to 24 December 2026. The 11.15am train on 29 November is a quiet train
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Father Christmas at Dover Castle
Dover Castle (English Heritage), Dover · 5 December to 20 December 2026
Children meet Father Christmas inside Dover Castle on December weekends and each receives a wrapped present to open. Sessions are timed throughout the day and must be booked ahead. Pair it with exploring the castle, which non-members need a separate admission ticket for.
- Price:
- From £12
- Dates:
- Weekends only, 5 to 20 December 2026. Sessions at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm and 3pm
- Christmas marketsFamily days out
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
Rochester High Street and Castle Gardens, Rochester · 5 December to 6 December 2026
Historic Rochester turns Victorian for a weekend, with costumed Dickens characters, parades and street performers filling the town centre. A Christmas market runs at Rochester Castle alongside a Bavarian-style food village and a funfair, and the organisers promise snow. Parking in the centre is limited, so the organisers recommend public transport.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, 10am to 6pm
- BookPantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
The Christmas Cavity Calamity mini panto
Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst · 5 December to 23 December 2026
A short, 20 to 25 minute pantomime in Penshurst Place's Garden Room, where Mother Christmas and her mischievous twin threaten to spoil the festivities. It is a good fit for younger children who might struggle with a full-length theatre panto. Quiet sessions have softer music, BSL signing where possible and time to meet Father Christmas.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- Selected performances from 5 to 23 December 2026. Two quiet sessions for children with SEND, 10am to 11am, between 5 and 12 December
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Robin Hood (pantomime)
The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks · 11 December to 3 January 2027
The Sevenoaks Panto team returns to the Stag with Robin Hood, led by local favourites Silly Billy and Dame Elaine Staige. The show runs for around two and a half hours. Tickets are sold through the Stag Theatre box office.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- 11 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Cinderella (pantomime)
Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells · 12 December to 31 December 2026
Tunbridge Wells' family pantomime for 2026 is Cinderella, produced by Little Wolf Entertainment. Buttons, the Fairy Godmother and two dames lead the comedy, and the show runs for roughly two and a quarter to two and three quarter hours. There are morning, matinee and evening shows across the run.
- Price:
- From £20
- Dates:
- 12 to 31 December 2026, no shows on 18 or 25 December. Signed performance 30 December at 1pm; relaxed performance 30 December at 5pm
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Cinderella (pantomime)
The Orchard Theatre, Dartford · 12 December to 3 January 2027
Joe Pasquale leads Imagine Theatre's Cinderella in the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre. Expect animated scenery, special effects and plenty of audience participation in a traditional family panto. Relaxed, chilled and audio-described performances are scheduled.
- Price:
- From £21.50
- Dates:
- 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Relaxed performance 17 December at 10am, chilled performance 19 December at 11am, audio-described performance 28 December at 1pm
- DetailsMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Storytelling with Victorian Father Christmas
Eastgate House, Rochester · 20 December to 23 December 2026
In the last days before Christmas, a Victorian Father Christmas tells stories at Eastgate House in Rochester. It is a gentle, story-led alternative to a busy grotto.
- Price:
- Prices not yet published; check the venue.
- Dates:
- Sunday 20 to Wednesday 23 December 2026. Check times with the venue.
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