Things to do in Kent in December 2026

Running for weeks

Events and seasons that are on for most of the month. Check each listing for the days it runs.

1. 19 Jul to 20 DecNature recording WalkMilton Creek Country Park, SittingbourneSee website for prices
2. 26 Sept to 28 DecFun for the kids at The Glass HouseThe Glass House, AshfordFrom £4
3. 1 Oct to 31 OctCall the Midwife Official Location TourThe Historic Dockyard Chatham, ChathamFrom £27
4. 1 Oct to 31 DecCheese FondueBalfour Winery, StaplehurstFrom £40
5. 3 Oct to 31 JanCommons – A Film by David BlandyThe Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, CanterburySee website for prices
6. 12 Oct to 30 JanTales from the High Street: Leonards of RochesterMedway Archives Centre (MAC), StroodFree
7. 15 Oct to 19 DecSpotlight ToursThe Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, CanterburyFrom £3
8. 16 Oct to 31 DecDrawing Tour: Sophie Calle: Something Missing?Turner Contemporary, MargateFree
9. 16 Oct to 18 DecKnole Fawns baby and toddler groupKnole (National Trust), SevenoaksFree group. Normal admission applies: pre-book an Outdoor and Tower ticket for each adult and child (free for National Trust members). Parking is free with any admission ticket.
10. 16 Oct to 31 DecOld Castle ToursScotney Castle, LamberhurstSee website for prices
11. 16 Oct to 31 DecPygmy Goat Experience at Betteshanger ParkBetteshanger Country Park, DealFrom £7.50
12. 16 Oct to 31 DecThe Heritage Trail: The Colliers' WayBetteshanger Country Park and Kent Mining Museum, DealSee website for prices
13. 17 Oct to 31 DecFamily Highlight Tour: Sophie Calle: Something Missing?Turner Contemporary, MargateFree
14. 17 Oct to 20 DecThe Story of the Westerham Foundlings - An Exhibition at Quebec House in collaboration with CoramQuebec House (exhibition in the Coach House), WesterhamFree
15. 19 Oct to 14 DecToddler Mondays at KnoleKnole (National Trust), SevenoaksFree. Normal admission applies; an Outdoor and Tower ticket per person is the minimum (free for National Trust members). Parking is free with any admission ticket.
16. 20 Oct to 22 DecFree Mother & Baby sessions (dads welcome too)The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies, MargateFree
17. 20 Oct to 15 DecWellbeing Walk: Cuxton ViewsCuxton Library, CuxtonFree
18. 1 Nov to 19 DecPlotting Room Experience Timed ToursThe White Cliffs of Dover, DoverFrom £10
19. 1 Nov to 31 DecSanta's GrottoFort Amherst, ChathamSee website for prices
20. 5 Nov to 3 JanThe Ice Rink at BluewaterBluewater Shopping Centre, GreenhitheSee website for prices
21. 7 Nov to 23 DecTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideSpa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells West station, Tunbridge WellsFrom £37.95
22. 7 Nov to 10 JanWinterland at BluewaterBluewater, GreenhitheSee website for prices
23. 12 Nov to 24 DecCanterbury Christmas MarketCanterbury city centre and Cathedral Precincts, CanterburyFree
24. 13 Nov to 24 DecFestive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour ArmFolkestone Harbour Arm, FolkestoneFree
25. 13 Nov to 24 DecThe Pantiles Boutique Christmas MarketsThe Pantiles, Tunbridge WellsFree
26. 14 Nov to 24 DecThe Enchanted Cabin: meet Father ChristmasRoyal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge WellsFrom £15
27. 14 Nov to 20 DecThe Magic of Christmas with Mrs Christmas & Jovie the ElfRoyal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge WellsFree
28. 14 Nov to 24 DecWindow Wonderland at Royal Victoria PlaceRoyal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge WellsFree
29. 14 Nov to 19 DecZip in the DarkSt Andrews Lakes, HallingSee website for prices
30. 19 Nov to 3 JanI Follow the Fox festive family trail at ChartwellChartwell (National Trust), WesterhamFrom £3.50
31. 20 Nov to 20 DecA Woodland Realm: Christmas at Quebec HouseQuebec House (National Trust), WesterhamNormal admission applies (National Trust members free).
32. 20 Nov to 31 DecChristmas at BedgeburyBedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, GoudhurstFrom £13
33. 20 Nov to 2 JanChristmas at Hever CastleHever Castle and Gardens, EdenbridgeFrom £15
34. 20 Nov to 3 JanChristmas Lights at Leeds CastleLeeds Castle, MaidstoneSee 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.
35. 20 Nov to 3 JanWild Lights at Wingham Wildlife ParkWingham Wildlife Park, WinghamTickets and further details coming soon
36. 21 Nov to 23 DecA Christmas Woodland Wonder at KnoleKnole (National Trust), SevenoaksFree event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
37. 21 Nov to 3 JanA Fairytale Christmas at Scotney CastleScotney Castle (National Trust), LamberhurstFree event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
38. 21 Nov to 3 JanA Jolly Woodland Christmas trail at KnoleKnole (National Trust), SevenoaksFree trail. Normal admission to Knole applies (National Trust members free).
39. 21 Nov to 3 JanChristmas at Ightham MoteIghtham Mote (National Trust), Ivy Hatch, near SevenoaksIncluded with normal admission (National Trust members free).
40. 21 Nov to 20 DecChristmas Falconry ExperienceHever Castle and Gardens, HeverSee website for prices
41. 21 Nov to 24 DecFather Christmas at Leeds CastleLeeds Castle, MaidstoneFather 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).
42. 21 Nov to 3 JanGingerbread Man trail at Scotney CastleScotney Castle (National Trust), LamberhurstFree trail. Normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
43. 21 Nov to 3 JanWallace & Gromit – A Cracking Christmas CaperLeeds Castle, MaidstoneIncluded with your daytime admission ticket
44. 23 Nov to 26 DecFestive Events at Great Comp GardenGreat Comp Garden, PlattPrice not stated on the page; tickets via the Book tickets link
45. 26 Nov to 3 JanIcescape Tunbridge Wells ice rink at Calverley GroundsCalverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge WellsFrom £10
46. 27 Nov to 3 JanChurchill's Colourful Christmas at ChartwellChartwell (National Trust), WesterhamNormal admission applies (National Trust members free). The family trail costs £3.50. Guided tours are an extra £9.50 and must be pre-booked.
47. 27 Nov to 10 JanThe All New Adventures of Peter Pan (pantomime)The Marlowe Theatre, CanterburySee website for prices
48. 28 Nov to 23 DecA Truly Magical Christmas at the Rare Breeds CentreRare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, near AshfordCheck the Rare Breeds Centre booking page for prices.
49. 28 Nov to 31 DecBeauty and the Beast (pantomime)The Hazlitt Theatre, MaidstoneSee website for prices. Family and school offers are listed on the booking page.
50. 28 Nov to 24 DecChristmas at Bewl WaterBewl Water, LamberhurstFrom £62
51. 28 Nov to 3 JanChristmas at SissinghurstSissinghurst Castle Garden, CranbrookSee website for prices
52. 28 Nov to 24 DecSanta SpecialsRomney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, New Romney station, New RomneySee website for prices. Under 1s travel free, or £15 with a gift from Santa.
53. 28 Nov to 24 DecSanta's Grotto with talking letterboxSt George's Street by the big tree (opposite McDonalds), CanterburyFrom £13
54. 28 Nov to 19 DecSanta's HouseDartford Borough Council, DartfordSee website for prices
55. 29 Nov to 24 DecMission ChristmasThe Historic Dockyard Chatham, ChathamFrom £8.50
56. 29 Nov to 24 DecSanta SpecialsKent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, TenterdenFrom £100
57. 1 Dec to 31 DecChristmas Lunches in Coach House Tea-roomScotney Castle, LamberhurstSee website for prices
58. 1 Dec to 23 DecFREE entry when wearing a Scalextric or Airfix Christmas JumperThe WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies, MargateFree
59. 1 Dec to 31 DecRob Biddulph Festive Family Activity Trail at ChartwellChartwell, WesterhamSee website for prices
60. 1 Dec to 31 DecTunnel ToursFort Amherst, ChathamSee website for prices
61. 3 Dec to 18 DecChristmas Lunches 2026The Friars Aylesford Priory, AylesfordSee website for prices
62. 4 Dec to 19 DecChristmas Masquerade Ball in the CastleLeeds Castle, MaidstoneSee website for prices
63. 4 Dec to 31 DecThe Christmas Elf and the Impossible Wish at KidsburyKidsbury Play, Royal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge WellsEveryone attending needs a ticket, adults included; babies under 6 months free. Prices are shown when booking.
64. 5 Dec to 24 DecChristmas at BetteshangerBetteshanger Country Park, DealFrom £10
65. 5 Dec to 24 DecChristmas at Betteshanger: trail and Father Christmas grottoBetteshanger Country Park, DealFrom £10
66. 5 Dec to 18 DecChristmas Parties in Fairfax HallFairfax Hall, Leeds Castle, MaidstoneSee website for prices
67. 5 Dec to 20 DecFather Christmas at Dover CastleDover Castle (English Heritage), DoverFrom £12
68. 5 Dec to 19 DecFather Christmas's Fireplace at Maidstone MuseumMaidstone Museum, MaidstoneFrom £15
69. 5 Dec to 20 DecFestive fun at Dover CastleDover Castle (English Heritage), DoverIncluded in standard entry: a standard day booked online is £27.03 adult and £13.51 child (5 to 17), before the optional donation, and prices vary by day. Booking ahead saves 15%. Free for English Heritage members. Meeting Father Christmas costs extra.
70. 5 Dec to 20 DecFestive fun at Walmer Castle and GardensWalmer Castle and Gardens (English Heritage), Walmer, DealIncluded in standard entry. A standard day booked online is £15.38 adult and £7.65 child (5 to 17), before the optional donation, and prices vary by day. Free for English Heritage members. Booking ahead saves 15% and guarantees entry.
71. 5 Dec to 23 DecThe Christmas Cavity Calamity mini pantoPenshurst Place and Gardens, PenshurstSee website for prices
72. 6 Dec to 21 DecSanta on TourDartford Borough Council, DartfordSee website for prices
73. 10 Dec to 24 DecGroombridge Place Christmas Day EventGroombridge Place, GroombridgeTickets on sale now; canal boat £2 for children and £2.50 for adults, face painting and other activities at additional cost
74. 10 Dec to 24 DecGroombridge Place Christmas Twilight EventGroombridge Place, GroombridgeTickets on sale now; numbers very limited
75. 11 Dec to 3 JanRobin Hood (pantomime)The Stag Theatre, SevenoaksSee website for prices
76. 12 Dec to 31 DecCinderella (pantomime)Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge WellsFrom £20
77. 12 Dec to 3 JanCinderella (pantomime)The Orchard Theatre, DartfordFrom £21.50
78. 12 Dec to 30 MayJason and the Adventure of 254The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, CanterburySee website for prices
79. 16 Dec to 31 DecCinderella – Christmas Pantomime 2026Leas Cliff Hall, FolkestoneSee website for prices

1 to 6 December

1. 2 Nov to 7 DecThe Big Cat Sanctuary Art Competition and Auction 2026 - exhibition opening and finalists announcedThe Big Cat Sanctuary, SmardenSee website for prices
2. 21 Nov to 13 DecA Cosy Quex House ChristmasQuex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton Museum, BirchingtonFrom £7
3. 21 Nov to 9 DecWillow Star WorkshopSissinghurst Castle Garden, CranbrookSee website for prices
4. 27 Nov to 13 DecRochester Christmas MarketRochester Castle Gardens, RochesterFree
5. 27 Nov to 13 DecTonbridge Christmas FestTonbridge Castle, TonbridgeFree
6. 28 Nov to 13 DecCharles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Eastgate HouseEastgate House, RochesterFrom £12.50
7. 1 Dec to 2 DecNiffing Rose Workshops with Niff BarnesDoddington Place Gardens, DoddingtonSold out. Email enquiries@doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk to join the waiting list
8. 3 DecBublé All the WayThe Coastguard, St Margaret's BayFrom £55
9. 3 Dec to 5 DecChristmas Wreath WorkshopsCastle Farm, ShorehamSee website for prices
10. 3 Dec to 4 DecYule! A Feast Through the History of ChristmasTurner Contemporary, MargateFrom £80
11. 4 DecAdvent Concert: The Sound of the Screen 4EM Forster Theatre, TonbridgeSee website for prices
12. 4 DecShell Bauble WorkshopShell Grotto, MargateFrom £35
13. 4 Dec to 6 DecSleeping BeautyDreamland Margate, MargateSee website for prices
14. 5 DecChristmas Craft FairKenward Place, YaldingSee website for prices
15. 5 DecCreative Learning Community FairOrchard Theatre, DartfordFree
16. 5 Dec to 6 DecDickens Festival Carol ServicesRochester Cathedral, RochesterFree
17. 5 DecDover Winter Lantern FestivalDover town centre, DoverNo charge is listed; free lantern-making workshops are planned.
18. 5 DecFolkestone Christmas HoedownHawkinge Community Centre, HawkingeSee website for prices
19. 5 Dec to 6 DecRochester Dickensian Christmas FestivalRochester High Street and Castle Gardens, RochesterFree
20. 5 DecSlay Bells: A Christmas Murder Mystery DinnerLeeds Castle, MaidstoneSold out
21. 6 DecCarols on the FarmBore Place, ChiddingstoneTickets must be pre-booked; child tickets for ages 3 to 16 and free entry for under 3s; tickets non-refundable
22. 6 DecPaint Jock the cat: festive family painting workshop at ChartwellChartwell (National Trust), WesterhamFrom £30

7 to 13 December

1. 9 DecChristmas Afternoon Tea & Festive MelodiesKenward Place, YaldingSee website for prices
2. 10 Dec to 18 DecCollective Christmas PartyBalfour Winery, StaplehurstFrom £65
3. 11 Dec to 19 DecAlice in WonderlandOast Theatre, TonbridgeSee website for prices
4. 11 DecChristmas Party Evening BrunchBALLIN Maidstone, MaidstoneSee website for prices
5. 11 DecCreative Coven Presents: Yule Wreath Making WorkshopIwade@TheBarn, IwadeSee website for prices
6. 12 DecA Christmas Carol: one-man immersive show at Penshurst PlacePenshurst Place and Gardens, PenshurstFrom £22
7. 12 DecA Very Freddie ChristmasThe Coastguard, St Margaret's BayFrom £55
8. 12 DecChristingle ServiceRochester Cathedral, RochesterSee website for prices
9. 12 DecChristmas Carol ConcertRochester Cathedral, RochesterSee website for prices
10. 12 DecChristmas Wreath Making with BLOOM Fabulous3 Riddlesdale Ave, Royal Tunbridge WellsSee website for prices
11. 12 DecDraw with Rob Biddulph festive family workshop at ChartwellChartwell (National Trust), WesterhamFrom £7
12. 12 Dec to 13 DecGravesend Christmas MarketCommunity Square, GravesendFree
13. 12 Dec to 21 DecLate Nights & Lights at Scotney CastleScotney Castle, LamberhurstSee website for prices
14. 12 DecThe Commissioner's House Christmas Party NightThe Historic Dockyard Chatham, ChathamSeparately ticketed
15. 13 DecChocolate Making Workshop with AtelierBalfour Winery, StaplehurstFrom £60
16. 13 DecChristmas Carol ConcertRochester Cathedral, RochesterSee website for prices
17. 13 DecFestival of Carols at Canterbury CathedralCanterbury Cathedral, CanterburyFree

14 to 20 December

1. 15 DecBig Pink Christmas QuizManor Farm Barn, SouthfleetSee website for prices
2. 19 Dec to 22 DecBreakfast with Santa at The WonderWorks, MargateThe WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies, MargatePrice not shown on the events calendar; check with WonderWorks.
3. 19 Dec to 2 JanChristmas HolidaysWillows Bird of Prey & Wildlife Trail, Knockholt, KentSee website for prices
4. 20 DecFestive Syndale WalkCar Park Faversham Station | APCOA, FavershamSee website for prices
5. 20 DecKent Christmas Cracker 2026Betteshanger Country Park and Kent Mining Museum, DealSee website for prices
6. 20 Dec to 23 DecStorytelling with Victorian Father ChristmasEastgate House, RochesterPrices not yet published; check the venue.

21 to 27 December

1. 21 DecThe Winter Solstice GatheringLake House Kent, HothfieldSee website for prices
2. 22 DecBrunch with Santa 2026Bradbourne House, East MallingSee website for prices
3. 25 DecChristmas Day Lunch and Vineyard WalkBalfour Winery, StaplehurstFrom £165
4. 26 DecBoxing Day Tour, Tasting & Festive PlatterBalfour Winery, StaplehurstFrom £80
5. 26 Dec to 3 JanCrimbo Limbo at Folkestone Harbour ArmFolkestone Harbour Arm, FolkestoneNo entry charge is listed; you pay for food and drink.

28 to 31 December

1. 31 DecNew Year's EveThe Cricketers Inn, MeophamFrom £39.95
2. 31 DecNew Year's Eve at The Pantiles 2026The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge WellsSee website for prices
3. 31 Dec to 1 JanSteam into the New Year on the Kent and East Sussex RailwayKent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, TenterdenFares are shown on the booking page.
4. 31 Dec to 1 JanThe Rock Lodge's New Years PartyThe Rock Lodge, WhitstableSee website for prices