Top 10 Christmas Activities to do in Kent! | Clarendon Homes

Top 10 Christmas Activities to do in Kent!

29-11-2022 Blog

After an uncertain and crazy 2022, we finally get to spend Christmas with our loved ones. We have highlighted our top 10 Christmas activities to do in Kent to make this Christmas as special as it can be. From stunning castles to meeting Santa Claus there is an activity for everyone.

Lady in the snow at christmas

1. Christmas at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle near Maidstone is running a ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ event along with Christmas murder mysteries and parties ran at the Castle. From 26th of November to the 3rd of January you can enjoy festive walks with loved ones, spotting the twelve pieces of artwork placed around the wondrous estate.

With the Castle being dressed beautifully in Christmas décor, it is the perfect time to visit with friends and family.

2. Christmas at Hever Castle

Hever Castle is situated in the small village of Hever. If you enjoy magnificent gardens, booking to walk through their award-winning gardens set in 125 acres would be perfect for you! You can also take a tour inside the castle itself, which is dressed for the festive season.

Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I.

There are many other attractions available including:

  • Grotto – pre-booked tickets only
    • Pinocchio Trail
    • Christmas Light Trail
    • Fairground Rides
    • Lake Walk
    • Yew Maze
    • Playgrounds – Tudor Towers, Acorn Dell & Adventure Playground
    • Miniature Model Houses

3. Christmas at the Reindeer Centre

Christmas at the Reindeer Centre in Bethersden is a one-off experience you and your family would not forget! After meeting Father Christmas at his magical cabin and receiving a gift, you will proceed through to the animated magical grotto through to the animal barn to meet all the animals. Finally, you will be greeted by Santa’s amazing reindeers.

There is also many more activities such as Christmas selfie rooms and a gift shop.

Christmas Reindeer in the snow

4. Glow Arts Illumination Walk

If you are keen for a quieter festive experience Glow Arts light trail at Cobtree Manor could be an option for you. Keeping numbers to a minimum allows all who go to have the best possible experience while staying safe.

You can explore the enchanted forest, festive path and more! Keep an eye out for characters such as fairies and even possibly Father Christmas himself!

5. Winterland at Bluewater

For the slightly older children a trip to Winterland is filled with rides and excitement. The whole family is catered for, with festive treats, attractions, games and much more.  

Open every day from 26th November, don’t miss out on your chance to have a thrilling Christmas.

6. Canterbury Christmas Market

The Canterbury Christmas market opened Friday 11th November and is completely free to visit, with several fun Christmas-themed activities for you and your children to explore! This includes a virtual reality sleigh tour, breakfast with Santa, and festive market stores.

You can also meet Gem Gem the magical fairy, which is followed by a visit to the elves’ workshop where you will receive your very own elf hat, name and of course a gift.

Gifts at a Christmas Market

7. Assembly Hall Theatre

Theatre at Christmas is a great fun for the whole family. At the Assembly Hall Theatre in Royal Tunbridge Wells they are showing Jack and the Beanstalk most days from 10th December to 31st December.

Starring the incredible Cliff Parisi from Call The Midwife and EastEnders, the award-winning Dame James Peake, and CBBC’s Stewart McCheyne, this show will feature a fantastic array of talented actors and actresses.

Don’t miss out on your chance to see this!

8. The Polar Express at Spa Valley

Although this has already been sold out for this year, we couldn’t leave the Polar Express at Spa Valley out. This fantastic experience will definitely make for a festive day out, as the whistle of the train and the magic tickets will instantly immerse you in the film.

Singing chefs, Santa and your very own silver sleigh bells make this an unmissable experience and with booking already a possibility for next year due to the high demand every year, you do not want to miss out.

9. Canterbury Christmas Carols

Christmas carols have always been a large part of Christmas for many people. The Canterbury Cathedral are running many carol and Christmas services in the lead up to Christmas and New Year’s Day.

10. Father Christmas in Kent

What could be better than Santa coming to your own home! With Father Christmas in Kent, you can make this a possibility. A visit will last 15 minutes, and your child can choose an age-appropriate present from one of the friendly elves.

Santa Claus with gold belt and white gloves

Hopefully our top ten choices for Christmas activities in Kent will help to add some festive fun to your Christmas. Merry Christmas from everyone at Clarendon Homes!

For some more Christmas ideas visit our blog on the ‘3 fun decoration ideas to spruce up your home this Christmas’.

Got any questions or feedback on the blog? Or maybe a topic you would like to be covered in a future blog? Email cameron.hagan@clarendonhomes.co.uk today, I would love to hear from you!