Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit with our Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions guide! From magical castle takeovers adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal cheer to heartwarming animal adventures perfect for the whole family, there’s something for everyone. Hop aboard enchanting Elf Express trains, step into spellbinding Winter Wonderlands, and explore a world of unforgettable holiday fun right here in Kent. For Christmas Experiences in Kent don’t miss Castle festive makeovers, funfairs, storytelling and wonderful seasonal sights. Whether you’re seeking festive thrills or cozy family outings, our guide is packed with ideas to make this Christmas truly spectacular! Kent has family festive fun covered! 🎅✨
🎄✨
Discover the magic of the season with our Christmas in Kent guides! and our Christmas In Kent – 12 Guides Of Events including Best Christmas Markets in Kent 2024, dazzling Christmas Lights Switch-On events, and hilarious Pantomimes – including cheeky Adult Pantos in the Garden of England. Find the Top Santa Grottos for memorable family moments and so much more, as well as the Best Ice Skating In Kent For Christmas. There’s something for everyone to make this holiday season truly magical. Explore it all in our blog section!
🎄✨
For more festive events see also our What’s On Seasonal category to find what’s on near you for Christmas events, activities, experiences and so much more for families this Noel in Kent.⛸️ 🎅
Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions 2024
SOUTH KENT
Wonderful Christmas events, captivating castles and family fun experiences in South Kent.
✨
Folkestone Festive Marketplace
Folkestone Harbour
Until 24th December 2024
At this annual festive event shop from independent businesses for handmade items, food, crafts and original gift ideas for all the family on sale in the decorated huts. Also enjoy further festivities with free family film screenings, live music and community activities at this Folkestone Christmas event.
Price: Free entry.
Aladdin
The Tower Theatre, Folkestone
Step into a world of enchantment with the fabulous Christmas pantomime Aladdin at The Tower Theatre in Folkestone! See this classic fairytale of true love, magical wishes and a treasure trove of festive fun, that’s simply Genie-us! Join Aladdin, Jasmine, and the eccentric Genie on a journey filled with love, adventure, and a touch of mischievous mayhem. With colourful costumes, plenty of silliness, laugh-out-loud comedy and a sparkling cast Aladdin is perfect for all the family! Book Now to avoid disappointment.
Prices
Stalls/Gallery: Adult: £20/£18, Under 18 years: £13/£13, Member: £18/£16, Family ticket – 2 adults & 2 under 18 years: £63/£58.
✨
English Heritage Christmas
Festive Fun
Dover Castle
Until 22nd December 2024
Join the Victorian fellows for a barrel of laughs and magical experiences. Enjoy lively stories, entertaining plays, and hands-on activities against the backdrop of the mighty castle. Also, Father Christmas is at Dover Castle – see details here or see our Best Santa Grottos in Kent guide.
Prices
English Heritage Member: Free. Non-members see our listing here for admission charges.
✨
Walmer Castle
Deal
Until 22nd December 2024
Prices. English Heritage Member: Free. Non-members see our listing here for admission charges.
✨
EAST KENT
Festive fun in East Kent with animal adventures, free Christmas town events, captivating experiences and lots more.
✨
Christmas at Quex
Quex Adventure Farm Park, Birchington
Until 24th December 2024
Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions in Birchington include the Elf Express and enjoy tractor rides, dancing elves and spectacular Christmas lights. Now in its 10th year, immerse yourself in the Magic of the Elf Kingdom and Magical Elf Woods. Meet some festive characters, before setting off down Candy Cane Lane and Santa’s Farm. Then it’s into the Elf Kingdom, the home of Santa, to visit his elves and two of his real-life reindeer. It’s then time to climb the ramps to the woodland treehouses where perhaps an audience with Santa awaits, and then visit Santa’s Toy shop and choose a gift. Take time to enjoy the German BBQ and other Christmas attractions after all that festive fun.
The festive season at Quex also Reindeer Walking Experiences for ages 6 years +, Goat Walking, and Santa Paws. Also Quex Illuminations and Ice Skating for more festive fun.
See our listings here for prices.
✨
Christmas At The Caves
Margate Caves
Until 23rd December 2024
With this year’s theme pantomimes, oh yes you won’t miss out on the Christmas fun as you enter the enchanting depths of the caves. Follow the trail, make a stop at Snow White’s Wishing Well, the Beauty and the Beast photo point and have fun at the creative craft sessions at the Christmas workshop. To top it all enjoy a private visit with Father Christmas in his cosy cave.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
Christmas World
Dreamland Margate, Thanet
20th to 23rd December 2024
Rides, a magical grotto, indoor snowball fights, food and drink, and market stalls.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
ARCH Santa’s Grotto & Winter Wonderland Experience 2024
Ayelsham, Canterbury
21st December 2024
Enjoy the Winter Wonderland walkthrough featuring trees from St Peter’s Church Christmas tree festival, and Storytime with Mrs Claus, little ones can meet the Grinch and Cindy-Loo Who, have a picture taken in Santa’s mini sleigh and play in the snow! Plus tombola, Christmas Colouring, stalls and refreshments. For residents of Aylesham or Snowdown postcode, they can meet Father Christmas, with a toy for each child.
Prices – see our listing here
WEST KENT
Dazzling delights, fizzy festive sights, train treats and lots more for Christmas in West Kent.
✨
Champagne Christmas at Chartwell
Westerham, Sevenoaks
Self-led Tours – Until 23rd December 2024
for Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions at Chartweell, room guides will regale you with tales of its Christmases gone by, all against a backdrop of festive music and the sounds of clinking champagne glasses. Enjoy the sights of how Chartwell’s Christmas in Sevenoaks is celebrated with Pol Roger champagne bottle Christmas trees, special birthday cake and lots more festive fare. You can take a self-led tour or a guided tour on selected dates. Self-Led Tours – 23rd November to 23rd December 2024 between 11.30am to 2.20pm. Guided Tours:28th November to 20 December 2024 from 10.30 am to 11.15am.
Prices
Guided Tours: £8.50 – with admission, Self-led Tours: Free with admission. Admission: National Trust Member: Free, see here for non-member prices
✨
A Georgian Christmas
Quebec House
Westerham, Sevenoaks
Until 22nd December 2024
In the hall with a roaring fire, your taste buds will be teased by the smells of Christmas baking, and upstairs enjoy after-dinner entertainment with traditional parlour games at this National Trust property. Head to the Coach House to treat yourself to Mrs Wolfe’s hot chocolate and a mince pie. The house is the childhood home of General James Wolfe, the victor of the Battle of Quebec in 1759 who won dominance in North America and claimed the territories of New France, which would later become Canada, for the British.
Prices National Trust Member: Free, see here for admission prices.
✨
Tonbridge Christmas At The Castle
Tonbridge Castle
Until 29th December 2024
Indulge in traditional bratwurst, gourmet burgers, and festive treats at the Tonbridge Christmas Village. Explore the alpine food and drinks court and Christmas market with over 20 stalls. Also running alongside is Illuminate – see our listing or our Christmas in Kent – Illuminations and Light Displays.
Prices. Free entry. Some attractions incur fees.
✨
The Polar Express™
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells
Until 23rd December 2024
Visitors will meet the icons from the beloved movie, including the conductor, dancing chefs, a mysterious ghost, and, of course, the magical Santa Claus himself. The festive fun starts at the station, where your little ones can write a letter to Santa before you get on board. All ages can get dressed up in pyjamas like in the movie and get involved in this immersive theatre as you make your way slowly north. Father Christmas himself will board the train and get a gift as he hands out a sleigh bell from Santa’s sleigh*. The whole family will speak with Santa, and if you have The Polar Express™ book he can sign it for you.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
Christmas at Bewl Water
Tunbridge Wells
Until 24th December 2024
Enjoy a variety of festive activities including the Elf Hunt and magical UV Elf Portal, and meet Santa Claus as he returns for another private grotto visit! There is also gingerbread decorating, crafting Christmas ornaments, making reindeer food, letter writing and live performances by Santa’s elves! Explore immersive play zones, wander through enchanting wonderlands, and meet the storytelling elves before indulging in a sweet treat or two from Candy Land! You can choose to visit without seeing Santa.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
Christmas At Hever Castle
Edenbridge, Sevenoaks
Until 3rd January 2025
An annual treat for Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions, and this year with themes of past Noel experiences, little ones can meet Father Christmas, and enjoy the sights of a lit-up castle and gardens. There is a Christmas Trail and characters, a traditional funfair, visit the Christmas-decorated castle and enjoy lots more magical moments and attractions. Inside the Castle visit the decorated rooms, the welcoming log fires, and twinkling Christmas trees highlighting past festive themes. Experience the Magic of Christmas Past, including a Tudor Christmas in the recently redecorated Boleyn Apartment.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
The Snow Sisters
Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells
21st and 22nd December
Tunbridge Wells festive family events include skating sessions with= as part of the SKATE TW’s experiences. Share the ice with The Snow Sisters for some magical memories. See our Ice Rink round-up for the full list of skating events including SKATE TW.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
SKATE Tunbridge Wells Christmas Wheel
Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells
Until 5th January 25
Head for the skies in the SKATE TW’s Christmas Wheel in Calverley Grounds. This festive family attraction offers stunning views across the grounds, and you can complement it with a range of events as part of SKATE TW.
Prices – see our listing here
NORTH KENT
Find festive fun in North Kent with festivals, storytelling, Children’s Christmas villages and lots more.
✨
Storytelling With Victorian Father Christmas
Eastgate House, Rochester
20th to 23rd December 2024
Gather around the fire, hear a magical festive tale about the mice of Eastgate House, and find scenes from the story around the house afterwards. Another magical Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions not to miss.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
Kent Life, Maidstone
Until 24th December 2024
Say Ho Ho Ho! and embark on a magical journey that includes meeting Father Christmas in his enchanting grotto. There’s plenty more – build a Be My Bear teddy bear, see an enchanting live show, and enjoy festive treats and drinks at The Snow Inn. Plus, hop on The Jingle Express for a merry ride, be creative in Mrs Christmas’s Kitchen and decorate gingerbread, feed the farmyard animals, and make special reindeer food to ensure Father Christmas’s reindeer are well-fed on Christmas Eve.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
Santa On Tour
Dartford
15th, 17th and 22nd December 2024.
Looking for free Santa experiences in Kent this Christmas? Don’t miss the Santa on Tour around Dartford and meet him and his helpers on board his vintage red fire engine and enjoy some free giveaways. Also, one of many Christmas In Kent – Experiences & Attractions events for free.
Price: Free.
✨
Leeds Castle, Maidstone
Until 5th January 2025
Visit Leeds Castle for its Winter wonderland experience with the castle and grounds having a nutcracker of festive family fun. Walk through a Winter wonderland filled with towering nutcracker soldiers, shimmering snowflakes, and elegant ballerinas as you admire the magical set designs reminiscent of Clara’s magical journey. Take a fairytale trip from the grand ballroom of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Land of Sweets. As you journey through the castle, prepare for an exciting showdown between the Nutcracker and the crafty Mouse King. Visitors can choose which side to take in this theatrical battle, as the Mouse King schemes to capture the Sugar Plum Fairy in her hidden Toyland. In addition, enjoy live performances on weekends and during school holidays inspired by the classic tale, which will bring the story to life before your eyes.
Also hosting the Christmas Lights At Leeds Castle – separate fees and times – please see our listing here or our Christmas in Kent – Illumination & Light displays guide.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
Mission Christmas: The Elf Academy
Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway
Until 24th December 2024
At the sub-station, learn the elves’ secrets they have been guarding for generations at the magical Elf Academy. When you graduate, you’ll be a real Elf Apprentice, ready to make Christmas extra special for children worldwide. As a reward for graduating, each family will have the chance to experience a personal visit with Father Christmas. Additionally, impressed by the invaluable help extended to the elves, he will bestow upon your children a special gift to treasure and take home.
Prices – see our listing here
✨
Winterland
Bluewater Shopping Centre, Dartford
Until 12th January 2025
Enjoy a variety of rides at this annual event, with an Observation Wheel, slides, funfair, traditional funfair games and lots more. There are plenty of family-friendly rides, including Mickey’s train, a Christmas carousel and a roller coaster. For adventure lovers, additionally, there are sky-high rides and a traditional waltzer.
Prices – see our listing here
Picture Credit: © Champagne Christmas at Chartwell
SEE KENT, KNOW KENT
