The holiday season in Kent is brimming with festive cheer, offering families a variety of free and affordable Christmas events to enjoy. From magical children’s discos to kids’ travel for a quid deals, there’s something to light up everyone’s festive spirit. Discover enchanting Santa tours, budget-friendly grottos, and vibrant seasonal festivals packed with fun activities. Whether you’re looking for unique experiences like reindeer encounters or traditional markets and light displays, Kent’s Christmas lineup is perfect for creating special moments without breaking the bank. Find the best events that combine holiday magic with affordability!

Free & Affordable Christmas Events In Kent 2024

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Discover the festive magic of Kent’s Christmas Markets in 2024, where seasonal cheer meets community fun! Many markets offer free entertainment alongside charming stalls packed with gifts, treats, and holiday crafts. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, delicious food, or unique stocking fillers, these events are a perfect way to soak up the Christmas spirit. Check out our Christmas Markets in Kent guide to find the best markets and festive fun near you!

Carols at the Castle
For Free & Affordable Christmas Events In Kent enjoy Carols at Lympne Castle for a free festive evening of carols and holiday joy in association with St Stephens Church Lympne, Shepway Brass Academy, Saltwood Handbell Ringers, and Lympne Village School Choir, on the 21st of December. Read More

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Travel for A Quid
Train It
All year round kids go for £1 – with up to 4 children with one paying adult during off-peak services on Southeastern trains, with under 5 years are free, for children aged 5 to 15 years, it’s £1.
Bus It
Stagecoach is offering their kid for a quid £1 add-on ticket if you have an adult bus ticket or concessionary pass. This add-on allows you to travel with one child (aged 5 to 15 years) for one day. The kid for a quid ticket is available between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays. If you’re travelling with more than one child you can buy up to a maximum of four ‘kid for a quid’ tickets.! Children must be accompanied by the adult ticket holder at all times when travelling.

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Family Fun
Great family fun this Christmas with woodland hunts, county and country parks, and castle hunts, there are lots of festive trails this Christmas in Kent that are affordable, or free if you have a membership. With our Family Christmas Trails In Kent guide, you can find great fun trails that are free or that only charge for each child taking place that are free with a small prize offered in the main. Plus, don’t worry about leaving your four-legged family member behind – we’ve highlighted those that are dog friendly 🐶

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Culture Vultures
Explore Kent’s rich heritage with our Free Museums guide, offering a treasure trove of art, culture, and history for all ages. From interactive exhibits to fascinating collections, these museums provide an educational and enjoyable experience without costing a penny. Perfect for families, history buffs, and curious minds alike, discover the best free museums near you and dive into the stories that make Kent unique!

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WHERE’S SANTA?
This Christmas, Kent is home to a range of affordable Santa’s grottos and free visits that bring festive joy to families without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a magical moment with Santa or a memorable photo opportunity, there are plenty of options available.

Thanet Grotto
Little ones will be welcomed by Santa’s workshop elves, who will let them know all the exciting things they’ve been up to on the run-up to the big day. Santa will be waiting in his chair so they can share their hopes of what they want to receive on the 25th of December. During their visit to Santa’s Grotto at Westwood Cross, they can get a photo with Father Christmas and will receive a gift too. Child – £6.50 – including gift, Adult with accompanying fully paid child ticket: Free – no gift, Adult without child: £6.50 – including gift. Carer: Free. Booking fees apply. Until 24th December 2024. Read More

Santa On Tour
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. On the 22nd December 2024, for a full list of his stops – Read More

Custom Visit
Christmas events in Kent include Santa’s Grotto in Folkestone at The Customs House. Especially created by local artist Sally Hogarth, “It’s important that the connections to the sea, harbour and industries here are referenced, so don’t expect a traditional Santa’s Grotto. You’re going to get the Folkestone Harbour take on it, ” says Hogarth, whose design is for visitors to discover and explore. Price: Child: £6, Parent/guardian: Free. Booking fees apply. Until 24th December 2023, Friday to Sunday, and 23rd and 24th December 2024. Read More

Designer Games
Step into Santa’s Lodge for festive fun, and this year there are four different themes to choose from. Join Santa’s head elf for Letters to Santa and create the best Christmas wish list and letter to the big man in red! Or visit for the Sing a Long with Santa and pick up an instrument to join the elves for festive songs. Enjoy Santa and his elves’ storytelling with Santa Storytime or play classic Games with Santa including Christmas musical statues, what’s the time Mr Claus?, and pass the present! Child: £5
Adults do not need to book tickets: Maximum of 2 accompanying adults per paying child. All proceeds to charity. Until 24th December 2024.  Read More

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Ramsgate Rink
Ice skating in Kent is a festive tradition, but it can be pricey.  The Skating Rink at Ramsgate Garden Centres on the synthetic skating rink offers more affordable prices,  with individual skating £6.95 and a Family – 2 adults + 2 children session for £25. Skate hire is included in this price. From the 21st to 24th December 2024. Read More

CHRISTMAS IN KENT

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Discover the magic of the season with our Christmas In Kent – 12 Guides Of Events full of features.
Dive into festive fun as we spotlight on all festive events with 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. We’ve collated Experiences & Attractions, and Shows and Concerts too. There’s something for everyone to make this holiday season truly magical. Explore it all in our blog section!

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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.⛸️ 🎅

Picture Credit: © Chad Madden at unsplash.com

SEE KENT, KNOW KENT THIS CHRISTMAS

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