As the festive season approaches, Kent is set to sparkle and shine with an array of enchanting Christmas events that promise to bring joy and magic to families across the county! From charming Christmas markets overflowing with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats to dazzling light displays illuminating historic streets.
Experience the warmth of community spirit at festive fairs, catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in his winter wonderland, or indulge in delicious festive feasts with loved ones. With sounds of carolers and the scent of mulled wine filling the air, Kent invites you to embrace the holiday cheer and create lasting memories throughout December.
There's no place like Hever
Step into a world of festive magic this year as Hever Castle transforms into the Land of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road through beautifully decorated grounds and interiors inspired by the classic tale, with dazzling light displays bringing the gardens to life after dark! Inside the castle, discover enchanting scenes that capture the wonder of Oz, paired with traditional Tudor Christmas decorations for a truly unique seasonal experience.
Keep an eye out for the Wicked Witch, but don’t worry, there are no flying monkeys to chase you! Whether you’re clicking your heels together for a day visit or exploring the illuminated trail in the evening, it’s a Christmas adventure perfect for families, friends and anyone needing a little extra sparkle in their festive season.
Book your journey down the yellow brick road at Hever Castle this Christmas…
Light up your Christmas at Leeds Castle
Experience the Christmas magic as Leeds Castle transforms with its spectacular Christmas Lights trail. Kids (and big kids) will love wandering through glowing tunnels, spotting giant illuminated sculptures, and exploring twinkling pathways that wind around the castle and moat. We’re still waiting for confirmation on what to expect, but think fire gardens, dancing lights, and breathtaking immersive installations, creating the perfect setting for a family day out full of Christmas cheer.
For the grown-ups looking to celebrate in style, Leeds Castle also hosts glamorous Christmas Casino Nights in the castle itself, complete with roulette, poker and blackjack tables, plus DJs to keep the party going! Or gather friends and colleagues for a classic Christmas Party in Fairfax Hall, where delicious dinners and dancing await in true fashion.
Don’t miss out, gather the family and book your Christmas adventure at Leeds Castle…
Elf secrets and festive missions await at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Get ready for a festive mission like no other at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this Christmas. Hidden within the Dockyard is a secret sub-station where ingenious elves help Father Christmas with sleigh troubles and Santa-Nav glitches. This year, families can join a 45 minute interactive Christmas story to help fix the elves’ inventions and save Christmas! Cheeky elves have been causing mischief so you’ll need your best problem solving skills and at the end, children will meet Father Christmas and receive a special wrapped gift as thanks.
After your mission, warm up with a festive hot chocolate from the Mess Deck Restaurant, with flavours like Baileys Dream and Candy Cane Twist, and browse the Dockyard’s shop for unique handmade gifts.
Craft your Christmas with wreath making at Powell-Cotton Museum
Get into the festive spirit this year with wreath-making at the Powell-Cotton Museum. This is a perfect way to add a personal touch to your Christmas décor. These workshops will guide you through creating a beautiful wreath to take home. This is a wonderful way to spend time with friends or family and embrace the season, surrounded by the museum’s unique and inspiring setting. Keep your eyes open for more details coming soon on how to book your place.
Panto mischief and Christmas magic all at Penshurst Place
Get ready for a Christmas pantomime packed with laughs and festive chaos at Penshurst Place this December. This year’s show, The Last N.O.E.L, sees Naughty Old Elves Limited plotting to take over the North Pole and start charging families for their presents. With Mother Christmas under their hypnotic spell and Neville the Elf convinced that rapping is far better than wrapping, Father Christmas is in desperate need of help. Will you and your family be the heroes who save the workshop, free Mother Christmas and Neville, and make sure Christmas magic stays for everyone? Expect plenty of giggles, festive cheer and panto fun in the stunning Baron’s Hall, perfect for getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Please note: Tickets are available to book from Monday, 1st September
Ready for a Christmas that's truly wild?
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is going full sparkle mode this winter with their brand-new Port Lympne Illuminated event from 28 November 2025 to 3 January 2026. As the sun sets, the forest fairies take over sprinkling their magic dust across the woodland walks and gardens, creating a dazzling illuminated celebration for their beloved animal friends.
Expect a twinkling light trail, a vintage-inspired fun fair to unleash your inner child (or your actual children!) and plenty of delicious food and drink straight from the fairy's kitchen.
Get ready to wander through fairyland with a lion roaring somewhere in the distance. Now that’s Christmas with a wild twist.
Christmas lights, giant trees and marshmallows all at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest!
Christmas at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is back for 2025, and this year it’s bigger, brighter and more magical than ever as they celebrate 100 years of the National Pinetum. Imagine wandering through world-leading collection of conifers all dressed up in their festive best with millions of twinkling lights turning the forest into a real-life winter wonderland. Expect brand-new awe-inspiring installations like the delicately enchanting Light as a Feather, the warming glow of Floating Candles and the harmonious Choir of Trees that will make you want to burst into a Christmas carol!
Keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas himself who will be popping up along the trail and the best part... dogs are welcome too! So your four-legged friends can join in on the festive fun. Top tip! Warm up with a spiced winter drink, toast marshmallows over an open fire, and treat yourself to some indulgent festive goodies from the food stalls, perfect to fill your bellies and keep you warm.
Gab your tickets now and get ready to dance through Bedgebury’s glittering forest...
Festivities by the sea
This year Hythe Imperial Hotel are offering a full calendar of festive experiences, from elegant Festive Afternoon Teas in the Windsor Tea Parlour to indulgent festive lunches and private dining for groups. Guests can enjoy tribute shows and party nights featuring acts like Michael Bublé, ABBA Chique, Billy Ocean and Soul & Motown, alongside Coast Restaurant Party Nights and grand Ballroom Party Nights with delicious gourmet dinners and dancing.
Enjoy a tasty traditional four-course lunch on Christmas Day, while Boxing Day continues the festivities with a relaxed lunch offering!
Looking for a seasonal escape this year? Christmas Stay Packages are available, combining luxury accommodation with festive dining, creating a truly special way to celebrate the season right by the coast.
Discover the full festive line-up and book your Hythe Imperial Christmas experience today…
Feel like you're at home this Christmas in a Bloom Stays' cottage
Make this Christmas that extra special with a stay in one of Bloom Stays' beautiful Kent holiday cottages. From cosy countryside retreats with roaring fires to grand homes with hot tubs and space for family feasts, there’s a perfect festive escape waiting for you.
Many cottages welcome dogs, so your four-legged friends can join in on the festivities and enjoy a cosy Christmas getaway too.
Wake up on Christmas morning to beautiful Kent views and the peaceful surroundings before spending your days exploring winter walks, local pubs and festive markets before ending your evenings curled up by the fire in your very own Christmas home from home.
Explore Bloom Stays’ Christas cottages and book your festive getaway now…
Swap the chaos for cosy this Christmas
Looking to escape the usual Christmas madness this year? Keepers Cottages has you covered with their gorgeous collection of festive holiday homes across Kent. Think crackling fires, twinkling lights and waking up to sea views or rolling countryside instead of wrapping paper chaos in your living room.
Whether you’re after a snug little cottage for two, a sprawling celebration house for the whole extended family or a spacious seafront apartment where you can sip your morning coffee to the sound of crashing waves, Keepers has got it all! And good news... many of their cottages are dog-friendly too so no pup gets left behind this Christmas.
Make festive memories somewhere far more magical than your sofa...
Christmas sparkle and seaside cheer in Thanet
Thanet is bursting with festive cheer this Christmas, offering events to delight the whole family. Wander through the Broadstairs Christmas Market at Pierremont Hall filled with gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats to kickstart your Christmas shopping. Watch Westgate on Sea light up with its magical Christmas lights display, adding sparkle to winter evenings.
Over at the Granville Theatre, enjoy a double dose of panto fun with A Fairytale for Christmas and the classic Aladdin, both promising songs, laughs and plenty of festive mischief. Little ones can meet Santa himself at RAF Manston History Museum for a memorable festive day out, or cheer on Dick Whittington and his cat at the Sarah Thorne Theatre for a traditional panto adventure.
Whether you’re after markets, lights, pantos or a visit to see Father Christmas, Thanet has everything you need to make this season merry and bright.
Festive magic with historic charm at Dover
Dover is ready to sparkle this Christmas with festive events for all ages. Head to Dover Castle to meet Father Christmas in his magical medieval grotto or enjoy festive fun throughout the castle with traditional crafts, historical decorations, and seasonal treats to bring history to life. Over at Walmer Castle, the celebrations continue with beautifully festive activities including storytelling and music, perfect for a winter day out. The town will be glowing during the Dover Winter Light Up, filling the streets with colourful illuminations and Christmas cheer.
For more family fun, Crabble Corn Mill is hosting Breakfast with Santa, the perfect way for little ones to start their day with festive excitement, as well as its cosy Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift. Take a look at Crabble Corn Mill’s events calendar for more information.
Whether you’re exploring historic castles, wandering under winter lights, or making magical memories with Santa, Dover is bursting with Christmas joy this season…
Tinsel, treats and theatre all in Canterbury
Canterbury is set to come alive with festive cheer this Christmas season. Wander through the city’s Christmas Markets from 12 November to 24 December, where twinkling stalls fill the streets with gifts, crafts and delicious seasonal treats, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit (and ticking off your shopping list).
On 14 November, don’t miss the magical Canterbury Lights Parade as it fills the city with music and dazzling displays to officially switch on the Christmas lights. For classic family fun, catch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Marlowe Theatre between 28 November 2025 to 11 January 2026 for plenty of laughs, boos and festive sparkle.
To find out about even more events happening across the city this season, take a look at Canterbury Bid’s events calendar for all the details.
Steam ahead for Christmas magic with Kent & East Sussex Railway
Climb aboard the Kent & East Sussex Railway this Christmas for a truly magical family day out. Their much-loved Santa Special are back, taking you on a festive steam train journey through the beautiful countryside where little ones can meet Father Christmas himself. Each child will receive a special named gift, and families can enjoy festive treats, activities at Tenterden Town Station and a complimentary family photo to remember the day. Running from 29 November to 24 December, it’s the perfect way to add a touch of Christmas magic and adventure to your celebrations this year.
Book your Santa Special tickets now for a festive journey your family won’t forget…
Your Christmas wish granted
Soar into a world of magic and laughter this Christmas as Aladdin comes to Orchard West in Dartford. Running from 13 December to 4 January, this fun-packed pantomime features Linda Robson and West End star Cleve September as Aladdin, and plenty of songs, jokes and festive chaos to keep the whole family entertained. Expect flying carpets, cheeky laughs and that classic panto sparkle, perfect for getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Book your tickets now for a magical festive adventure in Dartford…
