Kent


<p>Experience the festive magic of Christmas in Tunbridge Wells, where a season of enchanting events awaits! From twinkling light displays and bustling markets to lively performances and a special Santa parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read on for a roundup of the best Christmas events around town!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-joy-to-the-wells-christmas-kick-off">1. JOY TO THE WELLS CHRISTMAS KICK-OFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tunbridge-wells-christmas-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107356" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tunbridge-wells-christmas-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tunbridge-wells-christmas-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tunbridge-wells-christmas-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tunbridge-wells-christmas-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tunbridge-wells-christmas-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://www.rtwtogether.com/christmaskickoff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joy to the Wells Christmas Kick Off</a> happening very soon on <strong>Thurs 14 Nov</strong> which is bigger and better than ever! Starting at 4:30pm outside the Opera House, the Rock Choir will kick off the celebrations with a lively 20min set. Then, at 5pm, watch the town&#8217;s newest highlight &#8211; a magical animation projected onto the Opera House, the first of its kind in the county! Next up, Santa’s Sleigh from the RTW Round Table will lead to a joyful parade and Christmas sing-along hosted by panto characters, with Elves handing out free chocolate and raffle tickets along the way. Make sure to look out for collecting donations for Nourish Community Foodbank from Sat 7 &#8211; Sun 15 Dec. </p>



<p>The fun continues on the High Street with Bauble Bingo hosted by comedian Kitty Cassis and West Kent Radio, featuring 25 exciting prizes! Wrap up the night with an 8min quiet firework display from Christ Church rooftop, lighting up the High Street in holiday colors. Don’t miss this night of festive cheer in Royal Tunbridge Wells!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-get-your-skates-on">2. GET YOUR SKATES ON</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/ice-skating-rink.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107367" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/ice-skating-rink.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/ice-skating-rink-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/ice-skating-rink-1000x600.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/ice-skating-rink-400x240.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/ice-skating-rink-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/skate-tunbridge-wells-1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SKATE Tunbridge Wells</a> is back! Calverley Grounds transforms again into a magical ice rink, bringing festive cheer to Tunbridge Wells. Experience the thrill of skating under the lights&nbsp;in the heart of the town plus Bavarian Curling, rides on the Christmas Wheel and delicious street food and a bar. So grab your mittens and skates, and get read to make unforgettable memories with family and friends this festive season. Open seven a days a week from <strong>Fri 29 Nov til Sun 5 Jan 2025</strong> (closed Christmas Day). The outdoor ice rink and festive stalls are only a five-minute walk from the train station and town centre.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-shop-til-your-drop">3. SHOP &#8216;TIL YOUR DROP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/The-Pantiles-Christmas-Markets.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107365" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/The-Pantiles-Christmas-Markets.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/The-Pantiles-Christmas-Markets-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/The-Pantiles-Christmas-Markets-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/The-Pantiles-Christmas-Markets-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/The-Pantiles-Christmas-Markets-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Royal Tunbridge Wells is home to plenty of beautiful shops, so bring your list and begin the browse in the covered shopping mall, Royal Victoria Place and the High Street filled with luxury brands and all your favourites. Not forgetting hidden gem Chapel Place which is full of gorgeous independent and specialist shops. In Tunbridge Wells you&#8217;ll find wonderful homewares, amazing antiquarian books, lovely jewellery and stylish boutiques. You definitely won&#8217;t want to miss <a href="https://thepantiles.com/whats-on/the-pantiles-christmas-markets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pantiles Christmas Market</a> which is set to transform into a magical winter wonderland with festive stalls in wooden chalets, live entertainment from musicians and choirs, twinkling lights, a Christmas tree, and a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Open <strong>Fri 15 Nov &#8211; Tues 24 Dec</strong>, 10am &#8211; 7pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-meet-father-christmas">4. MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/royal-grotto-tunbridge-wells.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/royal-grotto-tunbridge-wells.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/royal-grotto-tunbridge-wells-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/royal-grotto-tunbridge-wells-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/royal-grotto-tunbridge-wells-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/royal-grotto-tunbridge-wells-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s not just one but two Grottos in town. Catch Father Christmas at <a href="https://royalvictoriaplace.co.uk/2024/09/19/santas-grotto-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Victoria Place</a> or discover the enchanting <a href="https://www.royalgrottos.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Grotto</a> in the beautiful surroundings of Calverley Grounds. Enter the magical world through the grand gates where you&#8217;ll decorate your own gingerbread men in Mrs Christmas&#8217; Gingerbread kitchen and enjoy a private visit with Father Christmas in his study where every child will receive a small gift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-catch-a-show">5. CATCH A SHOW</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1502" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Trinity-Panto-Photoshoot-241.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-106726" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Trinity-Panto-Photoshoot-241.jpg 1502w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Trinity-Panto-Photoshoot-241-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Trinity-Panto-Photoshoot-241-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Trinity-Panto-Photoshoot-241-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Trinity-Panto-Photoshoot-241-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1502px) 100vw, 1502px" /></figure>



<p>There are plenty of ways to enjoy the festive fun but is anything better than a Panto or Christmas show? Book your tickets for <em><a href="https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/aladdin.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aladdin</a></em> at the Assembly Hall Theatre starring <em>Strictly Come Dancing</em>&#8216;s Ore Oduba from <strong>Sat 14 Dec &#8211; Tues 31 Dec</strong> and don&#8217;t miss <em><a href="https://www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/fearless-fox-and-the-christmas-star.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star</a></em> at The Little Vic Theatre, <strong>Weds 4 &#8211; Sun 29 Dec</strong>. For a spell-binding fairytale, catch <a href="https://www.trinitytheatre.net/events/sleeping-beauty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Sleeping Beauty</em></a> at Trinity Theatre, <strong>Sat 14 Dec &#8211; Sun 5 Jan 2025</strong> and back by popular demand is <em><a href="https://www.trinitytheatre.net/events/the-aliens-who-saved-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Aliens Who Saved Christmas</a></em>, expect a fast-paced riot of a show, full of colour and magic from <strong>Tues 17 &#8211; Fri 27 Dec</strong>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-hop-on-the-polar-express">6. HOP ON THE POLAR EXPRESS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/the-polar-express.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-107375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/the-polar-express.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/the-polar-express-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/the-polar-express-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/the-polar-express-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/the-polar-express-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Join the Spa Valley Railway at <a href="https://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/product.php/4539/the-polar-express-train-ride" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THE POLAR EXPRESS™</a> at Tunbridge Wells West&nbsp; for a spectacular and unique Christmas experience running from <strong>Sat 9 Nov &#8211; Mon 23 Dec</strong>. You’ll meet your favourite icons from the beloved movie, including the Conductor, dancing chefs, a mysterious ghost, and of course the magical Santa Claus himself where you&#8217;ll receive a gift. The whole family will love the gloriously immersive theatre on a train as you make your way slowly North and get to enjoy a delicious tasty treat and warming hot chocolate. Just don&#8217;t forget your pyjamas for the authentic experience!</p>


Christmas cheer! Your guide on how to enjoy the seasonal magic in Tunbridge Wells

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