Christmas lights and light trails in Kent
Winter light trails have become one of the most popular evening outings of the season. These are the illuminated trails and light events in Kent we have been able to confirm for 2026.
Most run timed entry slots after dark, so dress for cold, uneven ground and book a slot that suits young children's bedtimes.
8 events we have checked
- 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 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
- 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 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
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit a light trail?
Earlier slots and weekdays are usually quieter. Late slots in the week before Christmas are the busiest.