Fun festivities for all the family in Kent, Garden of England
Visit Kent this winter and join in on our fantastic festive celebrations - from gingerbread and wreath making, fine dining at one of our historic castles, fun party nights and gloriously gliding around ice rinks; there is plenty to keep the whole family busy. Whether it's the fun of the preparations or major celebrations with family and friends, there is a veritable feast of festivities to be enjoyed across Kent.
The build-up to Christmas must be epitomised by the search for unusual gifts and fabulous culinary delights to savour and share throughout the season....treat your loved ones to a truly magical Christmas in the Garden of England.
Christmas arrives at Dickens World (Dec 1st onwards)
Welcome the arrival of the Christmas season by watching Father Christmas abseil from the roof of this popular family attraction into the winter themed courtyard. Children can stop off at the Winter Wonderland for story time with Mother Christmas, and then drop in for Gingerbread making with the Elves before visiting Santa to receive their present. This experience also comes with a complimentary ticket to see the new Aladdin pantomime - 'He's behind you' at the Dickens Britannia Theatre. Winter Wonderland £20 per person dickensworld.co.uk
Dickensian Christmas (7th - 8th Dec)
The famous Dickensian Christmas comes to Rochester -the streets are alive with entertainment, readings, song and dance. Packed with shopping stalls, Rochester becomes a feast of Victorian delights. There are lamp-lit parades, carols to be sung, Father Christmas to be met and even a guaranteed snowfall, framed by Rochester's fairy-tale cathedral and castle. You'll also see some familiar, fabled characters from Dickens' much-loved stories.
Skate the night away in Tunbridge Wells (22nd November - 5th January 2014)
Calverley grounds plays host to the returning, open air ice rink. The rink will be surrounded by authentic wooden chalets offering local and seasonal produce, traditional Christmas food and much more! Tickets including boot hire, from £8 for adults and £6 for children. The Christmas chalets will be open every Friday - Sunday from Friday 20 December every day apart from Christmas day. Tickets can be booked online at tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com.
Leeds Castle presents "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (7-24 December)
Wander through the magnificent state rooms to admire the traditional decorations, twinkling lights and fragrant pine Christmas trees and escape the cold, wet weather as log fires crackle away and warm every room while you explore. A German style Christmas Market will allow you to browse handmade decorations for your home, quality gifts, beautifully crafted traditional wreaths and festive garlands. Many local suppliers will be offering mouth watering home-made pies, meats, cheeses, fudge, chutneys, spirits and liqueurs, ideal for the Christmas dinner table. Follow the trail of glittering woodland decorations around the castle to discover an enchanted forest grotto where children can meet Father Christmas. Those who have been good will receive a traditional gift to take home.
Also this year, meet Father Christmas' red nose reindeer outside the castle every day and take a unique husky sleigh ride and have a "hug the husky" photo! For the adults to get into the festive spirit, try creating your own handmade Christmas wreath with the Castle Florist. This full day workshop includes all the materials you will need, taken from the gardens and grounds on the estate. Key to the castle ticket £21 per adult, £13.50 per child(tickets valid for 12 months), Grounds and market ticket £7 7-22 Dec, Father Christmas visit £10 per child including present 14, 15, 21 to 24 December from 10am to 4.30pm. (Pre-booking required), meet the reindeer 7-24 December, Husky ride £3 per child 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 - 24 December, Wreath making £40 per person. leeds-castle.co.uk
Enjoy a Magical Christmas at Hever Castle (Nov 30- Dec 15 Wed to Sun, Dec 16-24 Daily)
Experience the magic of Christmas past in the historic surroundings of Hever Castle where an abundance of activities awaits you.... visit the snowy grotto, take a ride on the carousel, or pop to Holly Cottage to make your own seasonal card. The highlight of the trip for children will be the Fairytale Grotto. Be greeted by Santa's elves, write a note to him before being taken through for your visit and gift - don't forget to be nice! For the adults there is the annual Christmas fair on the 30th November, evening treats including Christmas stools for those last minute shoppers, walks through the enchanted grounds with brass bands then the opportunity to warm up in front of a log fire with some festive food.Carousel £3 per person, Fairytale Grotto £10 per child+normal admission cost and must be pre-booked.Evening Specials take place 13, 19 & 20th December 5.30pm-9.30pm, tickets must be pre-booked at £12.50 adults and £6.30 for children (or £10.30 with a visit to Santa) Annual Christmas Fair 28th November 10am-3.30pm, £3 entry or free to day visitors.hevercastle.co.uk
Retro Style Seasonal Celebrations at Historic Dockyard Chatham
"Call The Midwife" lunches and party nights continue a retro theme at the Dockyards which will take place in Commissioner's House this December, the oldest naval building in Britain that's still in use today. These experiences will provide plenty of "I remember that" moments among the festive spirit. The evening parties include a festive drink, buffet and disco with music from the '50s through to the '90s. "Call the Midwife" lunches welcome you with a glass of seasonal cheer followed by lunch with the Dockyard's very own Midwife who tells behind the scenes gossip and shares her own stories. For more information or to book, visit commissionershouse.com/Christmas / thedockyard.co.uk
Rochester Christmas Markets
The popular Rochester Christmas markets offers a bright, eclectic array of stalls ranging from handmade crafts, seasonal produce, gift stalls and traditional children's amusement rides. Santa will also be dropping in to his grotto for a visit so make sure you've been nice! The Cathedral will be open to the public so feel free to pop in for a visit. The craft market will be on 6,7,8,13,14 and 15th Dec while the farmers markets are being held on 7,8,14 and 15th Dec. whatsonmedway.co.uk
Celebrate Christmas Parties in Style at Thistle, Brands Hatch (6, 13 & 20 December)
Viva Las Vegas!! This festive Las Vegas themed night is a show stopping event of casino tables, Vegas tribute act and disco, all following a 3 course meal. The one off Comedy Club Night presents 3 top comedians, a 3 course meal and disco until 1am. This event will be sure to make you ho ho ho! Las Vegas themed night-6,13 & 20th December. Comedy Club Night-6th December. Tickets for each event are £45 per person. For more information visit thistle.com/christmas or to book, visit thistle.com
Jingle all the Way and have yourself a Merry Mercure Christmas at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel (Dec 1st -26th)
Attention Ice Kings and Queens - The Ice White Party calls you to enjoy delicious food and dancing at this glistening themed event. The bar opens at 7pm, dinner is served at 8pm and the disco continues until 1am. Price includes: 3 course meal, table novelties, DJ, and platter of sandwiches at the end of the night. Christmas Day Lunch invites you for a scrumptious mouth-watering feast in festive surroundings with friends, family or loved ones. The fun begins at 12pm with Bucks Fizz and canapés followed by a sumptuous 6 course lunch, live entertainment, table magician and visit from Santa. Boxing Day Lunch continues the seasonal fun with more food in decorated surroundings. Ice White Parties-30th Nov, 6th Dec,7,13,14,20,21st December, £36.95 per person or £44.95 per person including 1⁄2 bottle of red or white house wine. Christmas Day Lunch- £55.00 per adult or £63.00 per adult including 1⁄2 bottle of house red or white wine. £27.00 per child under 14 years. Children under 3 eat free. To book, visit mercure.com/maidstone
Biddenden Vineyards (Mid November-midday Christmas Eve)
The Vineyards opens a Christmas shop from mid-November showcasing the best of small food and drink producers from around the country. Choose from a wide selection of local jams, chutneys, beers, honeys, liqueurs, biscuits and more. Got a "Hard to buy for" person? Personalise your own hamper with items of your choice from the shop, packed in front of you, for a real unique present, great for any budget. Enjoy a complementary glass of Monk's Delight, spiced mulling cider, on weekends during November, along with a free mince pie for every customer visiting in December.For more information, visit biddendenvineyards.com
Eastwell Manor
Offering special package deals to stay within the 3000 acre estate, Eastwell Manor can provide the perfect stress free Christmas for you. Indulge at the spa, or have a round of golf before settling in for the night. Dress up and try your luck at the blackjack tables with a cocktail while listening to Sinatra at the Vegas themed night or simply sit back and relax while enjoying traditional English food at daily lunches and dinners. For a sophisticated festive celebration join the black tie and evening dress event at the Christmas Ball on the 14th December. Christmas Ball 14th December £75 per person. Vegas Night 27th December. For reservations, visit eastwellmanor.co.uk
Christmas in Gravesend
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me......Gravesend will be hosting the 12 days of Christmas every Friday and Saturday, starting in November, with entertainment and activities depicting the 12 days. An illuminated Christmas Parade staring children from local schools who will help Santa as he makes his way to Community Square to light up the tree where carol will be sung with the Mayor and Panto cast from Beauty and the Beast. After every Friday and Saturday show there is entertainments including cake bakes, dramatic performances, storytelling, Scottish Pipers, drummers, 5 Golden Offers from the theatre and much much more! christmasingravesend.co.uk
Be organised for a very special day with Mulberry Cottages
Plan ahead and avoid disappointment this Christmas and ensure you get quality time with your loved ones at the most exciting time of the year. Whether you are spending the festive period as a large or small group, Mulberry Cottages offers something charming and warm to guarantee unforgettable Christmas memories! If you are a smaller group, why not stay in the quaint and cosy cottage, The Stables at Poplar Farm? With an open plan kitchen and wood burner it offers the perfect opportunity to rustle up delicious food then snuggle up and relax. Alternatively take a walk round the stunning Westbere marshes nearby. Furry friends are also welcome to many Mulberry Cottages so they don't miss out either! If you are part of a larger group this Christmas then why not stay in Pilgrim Nook, accommodating up to 30 people! This holiday home offers plenty of entertainment for everyone surrounded by countryside and featuring an indoor pool. So get into the Christmas spirit this year and cherish close moments with the ones you love. Whether you decide to have a quaint and small Christmas occasion or a larger gathering, we hope you get all you wish for this year mulberrycottages.co.uk
