After last year we all want an extra special Christmas for 2021, so we’ve rounded up some of the best festive events in the area. Novelty Christmas jumpers optional.
Santa at Salomons
Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells gives you not one, but three (!) opportunities to meet Father Christmas this year.
Meet the elves and the big man himself in the cosy grotto. Your experience includes Christmas colouring, Christmas treasure trail, gingerbread decorating, and hot chocolate.
When: December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Dine with Santa on Sunday December 12 – a three course Sunday roast suitable for the whole family as Santa makes his way round to hear all your stories and Christmas wish lists.
Breakfast with Santa on Friday December 24 – enjoy a festive family experience as Santa and his Elves host a breakfast feast.
www.salomons-estate.com/whats-on-news/christmas-at-salomons-estate-2021
Hever Castle & Gardens
A visit to Father Christmas is sold out at Hever, however you can still experience their Garden festivities and feel merry. Begin your experience on the Pinocchio Christmas Trail, enjoy a ride at the fairground, peruse the Christmas shops, meet the huskies (cute!) and, after 4pm, follow the magical Christmas light trail.
When: November 20 – January 3
www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/hever-castle-christmas
Cranbrook Christmas Market
Packed full of stalls selling gifts, food and treats, head to Cranbrook and get into the festive spirit at their annual Christmas market.
When: December 10, 5-8pm.
Gulliver’s Play Café
Enjoy breakfast with Father Christmas at Cranbrook’s cutest café – Gulliver’s. There will be gifts for the children, a visit from the big man and magical story time with the Elves.
When: Multiple dates in December
The Hop Farm
Father Christmas is back at The Hop Farm during selected dates, this December. Treat the kids and meet Santa up close and in person in his magical grotto experience. This walk through experience includes a meet with Santa, photo opportunities, a Christmas gift and entry to the family park/animal farm.
When: December 4-23
Christmas at Bedgebury Pinetum
Join Bedgebury, near Goudhurst, at the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, twinkling reflections and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun.
When: Multiple dates in December
Limited tickets left: https://christmasatbedgebury.seetickets.com/raymondgubbay/christmas-at-bedgebury
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair
The South East’s largest and most prestigious Christmas shopping event will be returning to The Hop Farm. With over 200 handpicked exhibitors spread throughout a heated tented village, there truly is something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy browsing luxury gifts for all the family, exquisite Christmas decorations, vintage and contemporary homewares, boutique fashion and jewellery and a delicious selection of charcuterie, cheeses, oils and much more.
When: November 18-20
https://wealdentimes-fair.co.uk
SKATE – at Calverley Grounds
The outdoor ice rink is situated within the gorgeous Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells and offers spectacular views of the beautifully lit park, creating a unique and special festive experience for all the family. There are two ice rinks, the smaller one dedicated to parents and toddlers during the day but by night it is transformed into our very own Bavarian curling rink – early booking advised as these sessions sell out fast. Children can even skate with Snow White, Captain America and Cinderella!
When: November 19 – January 23
Sussex Country Gardener
A whole host of festive frivolities are happening at SCG this December. Breakfast or Afternoon Tea with Santa, late night shopping events and a great value Christmas Grotto. Their Grotto is filled with photo opportunities for you and your little elves, every child gets a gift and some reindeer food for Christmas Eve.
When: Multiple dates in December
www.sussexcountrygardener.co.uk/collections/christmas-events
It’s PANTO season – ‘oh no it isn’t’
There are several amazing local Pantos to choose from, so here is a quick list of what’s going on in the area:
Assembly Hall Theatre – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, staring Strictly’s Shirley Ballas
When: December 17 – January 3
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs
EM Forster Theatre – Rapunzel
When: December 10 – January 2
https://emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173600244/events/428255639
Trinity Theatre – The Prince & The Pauper. The first Panto with Sean Turner (new Artistic Director) at the helm
When: December 8 – January 2
