What's On in Kent

Young Animators Club (Ages 8 - 11)

Venue: Block 67, digital:glassworks

Website: www.creativefolkestone.org.uk

Learn new skills from expert tutors, create new worlds in stop motion and hand-drawn animation, write scripts, build sets and puppets, storyboard and create soundtracks for your films.Each session will...

Halloween Mad Scientist Show

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Address: Birch Grove Suite

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Get ready for a wild, wacky science-filled adventure this Halloween! £5 per person to see the show. This includes all adults and children. Limited seating – pre-booking is preferred. Kids For A Quid...

The Ice Rink at Bluewater

Venue: Bluewater

Website: www.bluewater.co.uk

The Ice Rink will be open throughout the Christmas including Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with pre-bookable 45-minute sessions and skate hire included. As well as standard sessions,...

The Grotto

Venue: Ruxley Manor

Website: www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Get ready for twinkling eyes, big smiles, and a sprinkle of festive magic! This year again, with help from SENCO specialist from Grace’s Day Nursery, Ruxley are offering SEN sessions which have been...

The Grotto at Ruxley Manor

Venue: Ruxley Manor

Website: www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

This festive season prepare for an enchanting adventure filled with twinkling lights, cheerful elves and heartwarming memories! Visit Father Christmas in his magical Grotto for a special, private family...

Winterland at Bluewater

Venue: Bluewater

Website: www.bluewater.co.uk

Located at Bluewater Shopping Centre, outside The Village near Zizzi, this spectacular event offers an amazing selection of rides, games, attractions, and delicious treats for the whole family. Celebrate...

Canterbury Christmas Market 2025

Venue: Canterbury Cathedral Precincts, St George’s Street and Whitefriars

Website: www.canterburychristmasmarket.co.uk

Your journey through the market will be accompanied by the sweet serenade of seasonal music. Live performances will set a merry tone, filling the air with beloved Christmas carols and jubilant holiday...

The Ice Rink

Venue: Ruxley Manor

Website: www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Get ready to lace up your skates and hit the ice, because the much-loved ice rink is coming back to Ruxley Manor for Christmas 2025! Families and friends can once again glide across the real ice and make...

Chartwell Christmas Family Trail: Jock saves Christmas

Venue: Chartwell

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell

Follow the trail, complete fun activities at each stop, from decorating trees to preparing Christmas dinner and help bring festive cheer back to Chartwell. Little ones will love spotting the animals and...

Christmas at Chartwell

Venue: Chartwell

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell

Celebrate the festive season at Winston Churchill's former home with animal-themed decorations, a magical family trail, and a Christmas Fair full of gifts and treats. Highlights include Christmas Fair...

Christmas Fair at Chartwell

Venue: Chartwell

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell

Browse a wide range of local gifts from crafts, art and accessories to food and drink, all from undercover stalls. Find the perfect Christmas gift from a selection of handmade crafts and local produce. The...

'Dido's Christmas Bones' family trail

Venue: Ightham Mote

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Dido, the faithful St Bernard dog who once lived at Ightham Mote, has hidden her favourite Christmas bones around the house and gardens. Follow her paw prints to find the bones and discover how Christmas...

Christmas at Bedgebury 2025

Venue: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury/christmas

Immerse yourself in a new, reimagined trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, created by the award-winning light trail producers behind events such as Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim....

Christmas in the Land of Oz

Venue: Hever Castle

Website: www.hevercastle.co.uk

Follow the yellow brick road on a magical journey with loved ones this Christmas – there’s no place like Hever! As darkness falls from 4pm, the grounds are magically transformed. Pre-booking is advised...

Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle

Venue: Leeds Castle

Website: www.leeds-castle.com

This winter, experience the Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle as the historic estate is transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Children will be delighted to spot Father Christmas making special...

Winter Lights Spectacular

Venue: Brands Hatch

Website: www.brandshatch.co.uk/winter-lights

Brands Hatch motor racing circuit in Kent has introduced an all-new Winter Lights Spectacular experience for the festive period. Guests will be invited to explore an enchanting woodland trail on foot,...

Beatrix Potter's Christmas Card Trail at Knole

Venue: Knole House, Sevenoaks

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore the parkland and discover each charming Christmas card, and enjoy trail activities along the way. Take a festive selfie to share with friends and family and leave a wish in Knole's Christmas post...

Carnival of the Baubles

Venue: Ashford Town Centre

Website: www.loveashford.com

The stunning night-time parade, involving hundreds of school children and community groups, has been carefully crafted by outdoor arts specialists Emergency Exit Arts, famed for their awe-inspiring displays...

Carols at Chartwell

Venue: Chartwell

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell

Enjoy live Christmas music in the grounds at Chartwell from a variety of musical groups performing on different dates throughout the festive season.This event is free, but normal admission charges apply...

Christmas at Knole

Venue: Knole House, Sevenoaks

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Step into the Great Hall to find a magnificent, decorated tree and centuries-old long table adorned with decorations in rich, traditional Christmas colours. Look out for the Christmas post boxes hidden...

Christmas at Scotney Castle

Venue: Scotney Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

This festive season, experience a Christmas as magical and memorable as Scotney Castle itself. From beautifully themed rooms inspired by storybook charm, to twinkling illuminations, festive trail and treats...

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://trinitytheatre.net/events/comedy-club-4-kids

The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance...

Family Winter Wander through Emmetts Garden

Venue: Emmetts Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy a winter wander through Emmetts Garden. Use the sensory trail sheet to spark ideas and deepen your connection with nature. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to slow down and...

Father Christmas at Leeds Castle

Venue: Leeds Castle

Website: www.leeds-castle.com

Step into a magical audience with Father Christmas this festive season at Leeds Castle. Within a festive group setting, families will enjoy captivating performances, engaging craft activities, a heartwarming...

Neverland Christmas at Leeds Castle

Venue: Leeds Castle

Website: www.leeds-castle.com

Designed to delight visitors of all ages, this enchanting experience is included with your annual admission ticket. Bring the whole family and create treasured holiday memories amidst stunning festive...

SteamLights

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Journey through the Sussex countryside under cover of darkness, bringing shimmering light and colour as you go. Along the way, enjoy new festive-themed scenes among the trees and clearings and a colourful...

Dinotropolis

Venue: Bluewater

Website: www.dinotropolis.co.uk

Explore three thrilling levels of soft play, packed with slides, climbing frames and hidden tunnels. Plus, celebrate in style with their unforgettable birthday party packages, complete with party rooms,...

Glow Wild

Venue: Wakehurst

Website: www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2025

2025 brings a brand new trail, inviting visitors to walk on the wild side and discover the mystery, beauty and resilience of nature, exclusively handcrafted by leading artists. Reimagine wildlife, walk...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: Canterbury Cathedral

Website: www.canterbury-cathedral.org

A must-see theatrical festive treat for all the family, Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to the stage in Canterbury Cathedral's Nave in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation...

Rochester Christmas Market

Venue: Rochester Castle Gardens

Website: www.visitmedway.org/events/rochester-christmas-market-150274

Get ready for the festive magic in the heart of Historic Rochester! Set against the stunning backdrop of Rochester Castle Gardens, our Christmas Market is packed with seasonal treats, unique gifts, and...

Dick Whittington and His Cat

Venue: Hazlitt Theatre

Website: www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Follow plucky hero, Dick, as he journeys to London in search of fame, fortune, and his destiny – with a little help from his trusty cat, a magical fairy, and some truly hilarious mischief along the way....

Doggies Meet Santa

Venue: Foal Farm

Website: www.foalfarm.org.uk

Tickets are £12 per dog. Each dog will receive a goody bag full of treats and an advent calendar to countdown to the big day. There are also great photo opportunities to be had. Your four legged friends...

Experience Christmas at Kent Life

Venue: Kent Life

Website: https://kentlife.org.uk

Have a magical and relaxed Christmas adventure at Kent Life, designed especially for children and adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and their families. Make Christmas memories in a friendly,...

Festive Fun at Dover Castle

Venue: Dover Castle

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Make magical memories as you explore the castle and enjoy festive activities. Soak up the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas past and present.Make your visit even more special - book your slot to meet...

Mission Christmas

Venue: Historic Dockyard Chatham

Website: https://thedockyard.co.uk

Includes a guided 45-minute Christmas story with interactive activities, private meet and greet with Father Christmas for you and your group, a wrapped gift from Father Christmas for each child and one...

Santa Specials

Venue: Bluebell Railway

Website: www.bluebell-railway.com

Visit Bluebell Railway this festive season as their beautifully restored steam trains whisk you through the Sussex countryside on an unforgettable journey. Follow the route to Santa’s Parlour where every...

Santa Specials 2025

Venue: Kent and East Sussex Railway

Website: www.kesr.org.uk

Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on their trains since 1974! There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa...

Santa’s Grotto with talking letterbox

Venue: St George’s St by the big tree (opposite McDonalds)

Website: www.canterburychristmasmarket.co.uk

This Christmas, a world of festive wonder awaits your family at Santa’s Grotto! A magical experience that captures the joy, sparkle, and excitement of the festive season. From the moment you arrive,...

The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show!

Venue: Orchard Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie,...

Royal Ballet and Opera - Cinderella

Venue: Quarterhouse

Website: www.creativefolkestone.org.uk

This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family and will transport you into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of...

Christmas Panto: Cinderella 2025

Venue: The Woodville

Website: www.woodville.co.uk

Wicked Productions return to The Woodville Theatre for their eighth sensational year with the fairy godmother of all pantomimes –Cinderella! Packed with dazzling sets, show-stopping dance routines, and...

SKATE Tunbridge Wells

Venue: Calverley Grounds

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/skate-tunbridge-wells.html

This year, Calverley Grounds transforms again into a magical ice rink, bringing festive cheer to Tunbridge Wells. Experience the thrill of skating under the lights in the heart of the town.Whether you're...

Cheeky Elf Workshop

Venue: St George’s Arts Centre

Website: www.woodville.co.uk

Create your own cheeky Elf to decorate your home this Christmas. Design your character, sculpt and paint his/ her face, assemble the body and then give your elf a name, and a 'how to look after me' instruction...

Crazy Comic Crackers

Venue: Millbrook Garden Centre

Address: Staplehurst

Website: www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Learn how to create a fun cartoon cracker design, plus fridge magnet or Micro-Comix to go inside, then build your cracker along with the all important cracker snap and party hat. To keep the creativity...

Crazy Comic Dioramas

Venue: Millbrook Garden Centre

Address: Staplehurst

Website: www.millbrookgc.co.uk

In this creative workshop, children will design and decorate their very own Christmas themed magnetic diorama. With sticky magnet characters to move around, they can change the scene again and again, creating...

Dear Santa

Venue: Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Website: www.thegulbenkian.co.uk

From the author of the well-loved children's book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa and it's LIVE! Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn’t...

Farmer Christmas

Venue: Broadditch Farm

Website: https://broadditch.co.uk

Your magical adventure begins aboard the tractor sleigh, taking you on a festive ride into the enchanted wood. Once there, one of Farmer Christmas’s cheerful elves will be waiting to lead you to his...

Free Festive Storytelling at the Cathedral

Venue: Canterbury Cathedral

Website: www.canterbury-cathedral.org

Join Deborah Hart, from TinyTalk Kent Downs, for family-friendly storytelling at Canterbury Cathedral - included free with admission! Drop-in sessions; no need to book. Sessions included free with a valid...

Mini Panto in the Baron’s Hall – The Last N.O.E.L

Venue: Penshurst Place

Website: www.penshurstplace.com

Festive family fun arrives in the medieval Baron’s Hall with The Last N.O.E.L, a lively 25-minute mini panto packed with classic audience participation. Families can meet Father Christmas afterwards...

Nutcracker Christmas Characters Workshop

Venue: St George’s Arts Centre

Website: www.woodville.co.uk

Join Libbie for a magical Christmas craft workshop to make your own Nutcracker Christmas Characters. Using cardboard tubes, coloured paper, feathers and all the shiny things, you will be able to create...

Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival

Venue: Rochester Town

Website: www.visitmedway.org/events/rochester-dickensian-christmas-festival

Experience the magic of Christmas past as Historic Rochester transforms into a scene straight from the pages of Charles Dickens. Immerse yourself in the charm of a Victorian Christmas - browse traditional...

Toy Workshop

Venue: Millbrook Garden Centre

Address: Gravesend

Website: www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Join Nutmeg the Elf and Nelma the Nutcracker in this immersive, performance full of festive fun. Children will get to enjoy fun interactive activities, a Christmas craft, games and dancing. Keep your...

Christmas Concert

Venue: Mote Hall, Mote Avenue, Maidstone

Website: www.hokh.org/event/christmas-concert

Held in support of Heart of Kent Hospice, this uplifting event promises festive favourites, powerful harmonies and a chance to come together for a truly meaningful cause. All proceeds will go towards helping...

Festive Friends with Our Amazing Animal World

Venue: Millbrook Garden Centre

Address: Staplehurst

Website: www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Experienced animal handlers, Mark and Jerry, will be returning with a selection of their rescued animals. You're guaranteed a truly unique, entertaining, and fully interactive animal experience. Get up...

Royal Ballet and Opera - The Nutcracker (Ballet)

Venue: Quarterhouse

Website: www.creativefolkestone.org.uk

Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker has enchanted audiences since its 1984 premiere by the Company. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s most familiar melodies and brought to life by Julia Trevelyan Oman’s exquisite...

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: The Malthouse Theatre

Website: www.malthousetheatre.co.uk

Brought to you by the same creative team as ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Snow White’. Sleeping Beauty promises to be even more magical, with a dazzling West End...

3D Pop-up Christmas Card - A Meet the Maker Workshop

Venue: St George’s Arts Centre

Website: www.woodville.co.uk

Suitable for any level of experience/ artistic expertise...you'll be guided to bring your ideas into colourful life. Suitable for all ages from 8+. Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied...

Christmas Jumper Day

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

Sign up with your workplace, school, community or friend group and join millions of people getting silly for a seriously good cause with Save the Children.You get to have fun, commit some crimes against...

Aladdin

Venue: The Stag Sevenoaks

Website: https://stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Join Silly Billy and Dame Elaine Staige on a magical carpet ride to China Town, and book your tickets for Aladdin at the Stag Sevenoaks, Christmas 2025! The use of audience participation is mandatory,...

Nativity! The Musical

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://trinitytheatre.net/events/nativity

A community led cast including young stars and experienced local performers, show-stopping choreography, spectacular costumes and lighting, a live band and lashings of holiday cheer which will delight...

Peter Pan (Pantomime)

Venue: Leas Cliff Hall

Website: www.atgtickets.com

Join Peter and Wendy on a magical adventure to Neverland, with pirates, mermaids, lost children, and of course, the wicked Captain Hook pursued by his ticking crocodile! Full of song and dance to tap your...

Aladdin

Venue: Orchard Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Take a magic carpet ride this festive season to Orchard West and join the magical pantomime adventure, Aladdin. Starring Birds of a Feather icon and Loose Women legend Linda Robson, Aladdin is the treat...

Free Family Christmas Music Workshops

Venue: Canterbury Cathedral

Website: www.canterbury-cathedral.org

Sing, play and move to stories and songs all about Jesus' birthday - the story of Christmas. Children (and adults) are invited to go dressed as their favourite nativity character if they wish. This activity...

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Assembly Hall Theatre

Website: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

With daring duels, doting dragons, lavish sets and costumes, and of course bucket loads of laughs, the team behind last year's smash hit, Aladdin, return to cast their spell over Tunbridge Wells once again....

Family Festive Wreath Workshop

Venue: Millbrook Garden Centre

Address: Staplehurst

Website: www.millbrookgc.co.uk

Create special memories this season with this Family Festive Wreath Workshop, run by Claire from The Creation Station. This delightful event invites one child 6+ and one adult to work together to craft...

Canterbury Choral Society presents Family Carols

Venue: Canterbury Cathedral

Website: https://canterburyfestival.co.uk/whats-on/canterbury-choral-society-presents-family-carols-2

CCS Family Carols has become a much-loved part of Christmas for so many in Canterbury – a joyful mix of everyone’s favourites with some less well-known but highly engaging Christmas music from the...

Santa's Grotto @TheAlex

Venue: The Alexandra Centre

Website: www.thealex.org.uk

Step into the magic of Christmas at this festive Santa’s Grotto! Meet Father Christmas in his parlour. Includes a gift for each ticket holder and a photo opportunity with the man in red.

Bumper Christmas Farmers Market

Venue: Penshurst Place

Website: www.penshurstplace.com

Located just outside Penshurst Place's main visitor entrance, expect carol singing from Penshurst Choral Society, a visit from Father Christmas, and a delicious array of produce and gifts to peruse to...

Santa's Treats and Reindeer Magic Workshop

Venue: Millbrook Garden Centre

Address: Staplehurst

Website: www.millbrookgc.co.uk

A joyful, creative one hour workshop filled with festive fun, keepsakes to treasure, and traditions to enjoy year after year. Although overalls are provided wear clothes that are suitable for arts and...

Dick Whittinghton

Venue: The Alexandra Centre

Website: www.thealex.org.uk

Packed solid with comedy, adventure, sing-along songs, audience participation, and everything you expect from the world of panto, every child will have a fantastic time! Children will love cheering on...

Family craft: Christmas biscuit decorating

Venue: Knole House, Sevenoaks

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Have some festive fun decorating biscuits in a Christmassy way: try creating a bauble design or festive scene. You'll go home with four deliciously decorated biscuits - what a tasty treat! All materials,...

Home Alone @TheAlex

Venue: The Alexandra Centre

Website: www.thealex.org.uk

Join Kevin McCallister on his unforgettable adventure as he defends his home from two bumbling burglars—armed only with his quick thinking, endless energy, and some very creative traps.Perfect for the...

A Christmas Carol

Venue: The Alexandra Centre

Website: www.thealex.org.uk

It’s Christmas Eve and Ebenezer Scrooge is meaner than ever. He is shunning his only living relative, underpaying his clerk and refusing to acknowledge the plight of the poor… but will visits from...

The Nutcracker

Venue: Trinity Theatre

Website: https://trinitytheatre.net/events/the-nutcracker

The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is delighted to present their dazzling festive favourite for the whole family! With stunning dancers, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, beautiful costumes and crystal...

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: The Stag Sevenoaks

Website: www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Join the Sevenoaks Entertainers this January at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, for a hilarious, family-friendly pantomime performance of Jack and the Beanstalk! Perfect for all ages, this giant show promises...

Community Fair

Venue: Acacia Sports Hall

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Monthly fair for local makers, bakers, service providers, artists and small businesses to showcase their products and more! Support local and shop for crafts, gifts, sweets, treats, pre-loved clothing,...

Ruby's Worry

Venue: Gulbenkian Arts Centre

Website: www.thegulbenkian.co.uk

Ruby had always been happy, perfectly happy…. until one day…. she discovered a worry…Told through live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre, Ruby’s Worry takes the audience on a delightful...

Justin Fletcher Live

Venue: Orchard Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Famous for his BAFTA Award-winning appearances in hit programmes including Something Special, Justin’s House, Gigglebiz and Gigglequiz, Justin and his friends are back, starring in a brand-new rocktastic...

The Gruffalo's Child

Venue: Orchard Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures...