Which Christmas events are going ahead in Kent this year?

Christmas at Bedgebury returns

Sadly, lots of Christmas events in Kent have been cancelled this year, including most of the festive markets. However, there are still a few places where you can find festive spirit by the stocking-load - take a look at this lot below.

At time of writing, these events are scheduled to go ahead. However, check with the individual venues for details and to confirm, as things are constantly changing as the Covid-19 situation evolves.

 Christmas 2020 at Hever Castle

Image: Hever Castle

There's a Peter Pan theme to Christmas proceedings at Hever Castle, celebrating the wonders of never growing old, while raising money for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

Events run across daytimes and into the evening, with a variety of ticket options available depending on how much fun you're after. An immersive Christmas trail winds through the grounds, on a journey from the rooftops of London to Neverland, while Peter Pan characters wander among visitors. 

Inside, the castle is dressed for Christmas, and Santa awaits visitors in his grotto. Plus, the shop's open for Christmas shopping, and vintage farirground rides pitch up on the lawn. Sounds enchanting.

Christmas at Hever Castle, 21 November-24 December 2020.

Christmas 2020 at Leeds Castle

Image: Leeds Castle

Sadly the picturesque Christmas Market at Leeds Castle is cancelled this year, but other festive events are going ahead. Taking centre stage is a display of alternative Christmas trees, which can be viewed by all visitors to the castle in the festive period. Santa himself can't make it this year (quarantine rules, presumably), but there is a special North Pole postbox where children can post their letters, so come prepared for that.

For something a bit more special, take part in one of two Christmas murder mystery evenings at the castle, with the options to stay overnight in the luxurious bedrooms.

Christmas at Leeds Castle, 28 November 2020-3 January 2021.

Skate Tunbridge Wells ice rink

Image: Skate Tunbridge Wells

It was touch and go for a while, but the Tunbridge Wells ice rink is confirmed to be returning to Calverley Grounds this Christmas. Capacity is reduced by 50% this year, so book your slot well in advance to avoid disappointment. Alongside the rink, the Calverley Bar and Polar Cafe serve up snacks and warming drinks, and offer somewhere to sit for those who don't fancy taking to the ice. Special parent and toddles skating sessions are available, Santa's making an appearance for socially-distanced visits, and Bavarian curling also returns for 2020.

Skate Tunbridge Wells, 13 November 2020-3 January 2021.

Christmas at Bedgebury Pinetum

Image: Christmas at Bedgebury

The stunning light trail returns to Bedgebury Pinetum for Christmas 2020, offering an enchanting wander through the trees with plenty to look at - and for our money, it's one of the best festive events in Kent every year.

Floodlights, lasers and flickering flames all feature on the one-mile route, the pinnacle of which is a gorgeous (and extremely Instagrammable) light tunnel. Details on food, drink and fairground rides are still under review for 2020,  and bear in mind that it's an outdoor experience, so dress appropriately.

Christmas at Bedgebury, 20 November-31 December 2020.

Santa Specials on the Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells

Meet Santa on the Spa Valley Railway

Santa's back riding the rails at the Spa Valley Railway. Ride a steam train through the Kent and East Sussex countryside between Eridge and Tunbridge Wells, with Santa greeting younger visitors at their seats during the journey. There are mince pies for all, a present for every child, and a chance to snap a picture with the man himself.

Santa Specials on the Spa Valley Railway, 5-24 December 2020.

Santa's Grotto at Kent Life

Meet Santa at Kent Life

He's a busy guy, that Santa - he's also making an appearance at Kent Life in Maidstone. Make an appointment to meet him in his grotto, where all children receive a special gift (plus mince pies and cider for the adults). It's worth booking well in advance too, as each child receives a letter from Santa in the post ahead of their visit. Other festive activities include gingerbread decorating, and the farmyard is open as usual, with plenty of animals to see.

Father Christmas at Kent Life, 29 November-24 December 2020.

Father Christmas at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood

Image: The Hop Farm

Another appearance by the man in red, this time at The Hop Farm, where he and his helpers have taken up residence in a magical grotto. 

Your ticket includes entry into the animal farm and soft play area after your visit, as well as a printed photo of your meeting with Santa. 

Father Christmas at The Hop Farm, 5-23 December 2020.

Know anything we've missed? Get in touch on heavenkentsite@gmail.com. We can't promise to include everything we are sent, but the team will take a look.

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