Christmas In Kent – Illuminations & Light Displays
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Christmas In Kent: Illuminations & Light Displays Guide
Festive light displays are a cherished part of Christmas traditions, and this year, the Garden of England is glowing brighter than ever! Need to know what the best Christmas light displays are to visit in Kent? We’ve gathered the finest Christmas trails and illuminations in the county for our comprehensive guide, which features two spectacular new experiences for 2025 at Brands Hatch and Port Lympne. Alongside these thrilling debut trails, many traditional favourite Kent Winter lights have been wonderfully updated for this year with awe-inspiring new installations. These are just some of the wonderful illuminations and light Christmas experiences Kent has to offer. Explore the many family-friendly Christmas lights in Kent, rounded up in one easy-to-use guide.
Find where to see Christmas lights in Kent, and don’t miss the chance to wander through these wonderful Winter Wonderlands. It’s the perfect Christmas experience in Kent to create truly memorable moments!
Start planning your magical visit now, explore the full guide below and book your tickets today!
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Illuminations & Light Displays
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✨✨Quick Guide: Illuminations & Light Displays 2025 ✨
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This list is sorted by opening date for a chronological overview.
✨ Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle, Maidstone (21st Nov to 31st Dec 2025)
✨ Winter Lights Spectacular at Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks (21st Nov to 31st Dec 2025)
✨ Christmas at Bedgebury at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Tunbridge Wells (21st Nov to 31st Dec 2025)
✨ Christmas In The Land of Oz at Hever Castle, Sevenoaks (21st Nov to 24th Dec 2025)
✨ Port Lympne Illuminated at Port Lympne, Hythe (28th Nov 2025 to 3rd Jan 2026)
✨ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Drone Show at Kent Event Centre, Maidstone (6th Dec 2025)
✨ Christmas Lights Show, at Quex Park, Birchington (6th – 24th Dec 2025)
✨ Late Night & Lights at Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells (13th
✨ Christmas Lights Trail at Betteshanger Country Park, Deal (13th, 14th, and 19th to 22nd December 2025)
Quex Illuminations at Quex Park, Birchington (27th Dec 2025)
Full Guide: Illuminations & Light Displays 2025
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT LEEDS CASTLE
Maidstone
For Christmas in Kent, Illuminations & Light displays discover the exciting new installations for 2025: marvel at the mesmerising Neon Tree, the proud Peacock Promenade, and the enchanting Ribbon Tunnel. Spot Father Christmas during his special visits to the castle, and enjoy a festive fairground to complete your memorable Christmas experience. Don’t forget the food and drink stalls too!
Dates & TImes
21st November to 31st December 2025
Selected Dates
From 4.15pm, and last entry 8.30pm.
Closed Christmas Day
Prices
Carer: Free. Adult: £18-£28
Child – 3 to 16 years: £13-£20.50
Child: 0 to 2 years: Free
Family – 2 adults +2 children: £59-£92
Carer: Free
Fairground Ride Voucher
£3 each
Dogs
🦮 Guide dogs only
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this event and Christmas experiences at Leeds Castle, Quiet session date, and to book tickets, see our listing HERE ⭐ 🎟️
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THE RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER DRONE SHOW
Kent Event Centre, Maidstone
6th December
Experience a magical festive first for Kent as the Kent Showground hosts its spectacular Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Drone Show. With 600 drones illuminating the night sky, this open-air event brings Rudolph’s classic tale to life through an immersive blend of cinematic sound and light – a perfect, eco-friendly alternative for those who prefer to avoid fireworks. Alongside the show, visitors can enjoy a host of seasonal fun, including fairground rides, face painting, food stalls and festive activities, making it a charming Christmas outing for all ages.
Date & Time
6th December
2pm-6.30pm
Drone Show
25-30 minutes
Prices
Ticket and Parking Prices
Ticket
Adults: From £21
Child – 3-17 years: From £17
Child: Under 3 years: Free – do not need to book a ticket
Blue light/Student: 10% discount
Carer: Free
Parking
£7
Booking fees will apply
Please note that other activities may incur additional fees.
Good To Know
Parking charges apply, and the car park opens at 1pm and closes at 7pm.
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this event at The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Drone Show and to book tickets, see our listing here
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WINTER LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks
New for 2025
Take the illuminated trail that weaves through the Southbank woods, alive with sparkling lights and glowing installations. The Brabham Stewart building light show is the centrepiece of the trail, complemented by the magical talking tree, Elderwood, full of wisdom and wonder. Along the walk, share their special wishes by posting them to Elderwood. Don’t miss the funfair, a festive food court, and marshmallow toasting, plus the many photo opportunities. You can also download your wish template to fill in before your visit.
Dates & Times
21st November to 31st December 2025
Selected Dates
4.30pm to 8pm, closes at 10pm
Prices
Adult: £18
Child – 3 to 15 years: £12
Child – under 3 years: Free
Carer: Free – this must be booked in advance, not available at the gate
Good To Know
Some activities may incur an additional fee, such as the funfair and marshmallow toasting.
Parking
Free
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this event at the illuminated trail at Brands Hatch and to book tickets, see our listing HERE ⭐ 🎟️
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See Kent, Know Kent This Christmas
For more festive events, see also our Seasonal category to find what’s on near you for Christmas, including festive family trails, Santa’s Grottos, Christmas Markets and Fairs and lots more activities over the Christmas holidays in Kent.
For great festive features, see our Ideas & Inspiration menu for great seasonal articles, including our Pantomimes in Kent and Christmas Markets in Kent guides.
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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SHOW
Quex Park, Birchington
Illuminations & light displays in Kent include the Christmas Lights Show at Quex Adventure Farm Park, featuring pixel effects, projections, lasers, and a few fun surprises. You can also enjoy a BBQ on-site, perfect for grabbing some food and a drink while you enjoy in the show.
Dates & Times
6th to 24th December 2025
Runtime
15 minutes
Selected Dates
Price
£5
Good To Know
Free Parking, and a 50% discount if adding a booking for their ice skating or an animal activity.
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this event and others at Quex Park for Christmas, and to book tickets, see our listing here ⭐ 🎟️
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CHRISTMAS IN THE LAND OF OZ
Hever Castle, Sevenoaks
Christmas Lights and Illuminations at Hever’s festive experience, enjoy their Twiglight Christmas trail, with the Land of Oz-themed displays and characters along the festive trail. Explore Kansas and Dorothy’s house, marvel at the castle’s Christmas displays, meet Santa, and enjoy the festive funfair!
Dates & Times
21st November 2025 to 2nd January 2026
Father Christmas: 21st November to 24th December 2025
Selected Dates
Entry at 4pm, last exit 8.30pm.
Price
Twilight Trail
Adult: From £14.50-£30.50
Child – Child – 5 to 17 years: £7.25-£33.50
Child – under 5 years: Free
Father Christmas
Free-£33.50.
Dogs
🐶 Welcome on a lead at all times in the grounds. Except for assistance dogs, dogs are not allowed inside the Grotto, cafés, restaurants, shops, castle or play areas.
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this event and Christmas experiences at Hever Castle, SEN date, and to book tickets, see our listing HERE. ⭐ 🎟️
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PORT LYMPNE ILLUMINATED
Hythe
New for 2025
Port Lympne Illuminated is a unique, new Christmas experience for 2025 at the animal reserve. Explore the wooded walk where lighting installations magically appear, transforming the reserve into a glowing wonderland of holograms, dazzling projections, and interactive light shows. Meet holofan fairies, dance at the Orangery disco, and enjoy a vintage funfair with festive treats. Santa’s grotto visits and overnight packages are also on offer.
Dates & Times
28th November 2025 to 3rd January 2026
Selected Dates
Trail: Bookable slots 4.15pm-7.15pm
Closed 25th December 2025
Prices
Port Lympne Illuminated
Child – 3 to 15 years: From £10-£29
Child – up to 2 years: Free – no pre-booking needed
Adult: From £18-£35
Family – 2 adults + 2 children: From £56-£99 – not available at the gate
Student and OAP: £16-£33
Carer: Free
Additional Information
The admission prices at booking include a 10% donation to the park’s conservation work and enable it to claim Gift Aid. You can choose not to pay this donation before completing your booking
SEN Friendly Night – 1st December 2025
Adult: £18
Child: £10
Family: £56
Carer: Free
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this event and Christmas experiences at Port Lympne, and to book tickets, see our listing HERE ⭐ 🎟️
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CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAIL
Betteshanger Country Park, Deal
Follow the park’s festive trail, letting the season’s magic light up the landscapes. Capture perfect photo opportunities and enjoy a complimentary Christmas treat!
Dates & Times
27th and 28th December 2025
3pm-5.30pm
Prices
Child: £8 – includes 2 adults
Child – under 2 years: Free
Additional Adult: £4
Parking
Charges apply
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this event and Christmas experiences at Betteshanger Country Park, and to book tickets, see our listing HERE⭐ 🎟️
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CHRISTMAS AT BEDGEBURY
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Cranbrook, Tunbridge Wells
Now in its 10th year, discover the new, reimagined, family-friendly festive trail. Walk through the illuminated forest and enjoy new awe-inspiring installations like the charming Light as a Feather, the warming glow of Floating Candles, and the harmonious Choir of Trees. Keep a lookout for Father Christmas, and there are festive treats to enjoy along the way, and the chance to toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Dates & Times
21st November to 31st December 2025
Selected Dates
From 4pm at the earliest to 8pm at the latest
Price
Adult: £18-£26
Child – 3 to 16 years: £12-£18
Child – 0-2 years: Free – must book a ticket
Family – 2 Adults + 2 Children:£57-£84
Personal Assistant: Free – must book a ticket
Festive Treats: Separate charges apply
Parking
*Forestry England Member – one free parking space – must book
Non-Members: £8
Good To Know
Bedgebury have launched a new ticketing system. For your first booking only, you’ll need to create a new customer account.
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this festive event at Bedgebury, and to book tickets, see our listing HERE ⭐ 🎟️
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LATE NIGHTS & LIGHTS
Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells
While not an illuminated trail, enjoy the lights at Scotney Castle by starting with a walk along the illuminated path to the manor house. See the Christmas lights displayed around the exterior, and then step inside to view the beautifully decorated rooms. You’ll enjoy the cosy fireplaces, Christmas trees, and a warm, nostalgic atmosphere inspired by Scotney’s own book collection.
Dates & Times
13th, 14th, and 19th to 22nd December 2025
4pm to 7.30pm
Last entry to the house 7pm
Prices
National Trust Member: Free
Non-member
Adult: £6
Child – 5 to 17 years: £3
Child – under 5 years: Free
Family – 1 adult + 3 children: £9
Family – 2 adults + 2 children: £15
Family – 2 adults + 3 children: £18
Parking
Must be booked in advance
Member: Free
Non-member: £4.50
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this festive event at Scotney Castle, and to book tickets, see our listing HERE ⭐ 🎟️
QUEX ILLUMINATIONS
Quex Park, Birchington
For those looking for family fun in Thanet, visit the Quex Illuminations in Birchington. Wander at your own pace and spend some time with the reindeer nestled deep within the Elf Woods. See thousands of lights and illuminated installations, and the mapping light show at the Round Tower that brings the listed building to life after dark.
Date & Time
27th December 2025
4pm to 8pm.
Price
£5
Child – under 3 years: Free
Booking fees will apply
Good To Know
If you have a Quex Elf Express ticket, the Quex Illuminations are included.
⭐ 🎟️ For more information on this festive event and others at Quex Park, and to book tickets, see our listing here ⭐ 🎟️
See Kent, Know Kent This Christmas
