1 – 8 DECEMBER

Brenley Farm’s Free Wine Tasting Events, Faversham, Sat 7 – Sat 21 Dec

Raise a glass to the festive season at Brenley Farm’s FREE Wine Tasting! Perfectly timed for Christmas, these events are a chance to sample an array of delicious wines in a relaxed and festive setting. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply in search of the perfect bottle for your celebrations, this is your moment! Available on the following dates; Sat 7 (11am – 3pm), Fri 13 (5-8pm), Fri 20 (5-8pm) and Sat 21 Dec (11am – 3pm). Don’t miss this fabulous chance to sip, savour, and soak in the Christmas cheer!

Festive Day of Relaxation, Green Farm, Weds 4 Dec

Celebrate the Christmas magic at Green Farm with their Festive Day of Relaxation on Weds 4 Dec, 10am – 7pm. For just £40, enjoy a 25-minute treatment of your choice – from massages to facials – plus complimentary mulled wine, mince pies, and festive snacks. Enhance your day with optional candlelit yoga (£15pp), lifestyle advice sessions, and a guided tour of the stunning grounds. Every guest receives an ESPA gift and entry into a Christmas raffle with fantastic prizes. Book now at 01233 808707 or online via Green Farm Spa Bookings – spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this festive escape!

Christmas Party Nights, Squerryes Winery, Westerham, Fri 6 & Thurs 12 Dec

Wondering where to go for festive dining with friends, family or colleagues this December? Christmas Party Nights are back Fri 6 and Thurs 12 Dec! Enjoy a drinks reception, three-course festive menu and dancing to international DJ Marcel Mendez, all for just £85pp. Even ring in the New Year at their Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Party featuring dancing, canapés, and Squerryes Brut. Tickets are from £72.25.

Canterbury Christmas Market, NOW – Tues 24 Dec

The city of Canterbury certainly knows how to do Christmas – after all the first Christmas Market was held in the Cathedral Precincts back in 1383! This year the market promises to be more vibrant than ever. Take to the cobbled streets and Whitefrairs shopping area and browse through the luxury brands, high street favourites and boutiques. Then explore the breathtaking cathedral grounds filled with charming German-style wooden huts filled with 150 stallholders filled with delightful treats where you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. Enjoy mouthwatering food and drink and fun activites from vintage-style carousel, mini-golf, interactive theatre and live music, including the beloved Saturday Shoppers’ Carol Services. Don’t miss late-night shopping on Weds 27 Nov (5-8pm) with parking for just £1 at Whitefriars. Experience the excitement of Christmas in this enchanting city!

Illuminate at Tonbridge Castle, NOW – Sun 29 Dec

This winter, Tonbridge Castle transforms into a magical Christmas destination, brimming with festive cheer and twinkling lights! Explore the spectacular Winter Light Trail, now with an extended route for 2024, offering breathtaking displays across even more of the castle’s historic grounds. Don’t wait – peak sessions are selling fast! Indulge your taste buds at the Alpine Food & Drink Village, where traditional bratwurst, juicy burgers, noodles, and marshmallow toasting stations await. Plus, shop till you drop at the Christmas Market, open until 23 Dec, with handpicked traders selling unique gifts and festive treasures.

Christmas at Hever Castle, NOW – Fri 3 Jan 2025

Enjoy a walk under the stars as the enchanting Hever Castle comes alive with magical Christmas Lights, see the Gardens and Grounds festooned with fabulous colours, twinkling lights plus spectacular illuminations and music. Plus get to meet festive characters, ride the Big Wheel or enjoy a Train Ride, explore the traditionally decorated rooms inside the Castle, enjoy relaxed Christmas shopping in the Gift shops and feast on seasonal delights in the cafe and kiosks. Phew!

Festive Market at Eat’n’Mess, Turvins Farm Dairy, Sat 7 & Sat 14 Dec

Eat’n’mess will soon turn into a Festive Market so stop by and explore the winter wonderland of local delights; indulge in treats and seasonal sweets from the onsite café and bakery, Jonomade Gin Distillery will be bringing their delicious micro-batch gins, gift sets and festive spirits, browse the personalised cards, decorations and floral creations from Kitty’s, beautifully crafted wooden gifts from Love of Wood, candles, diffusers, bath and body sets from Wild Planet Aromatherapy and you definitely won’t want to miss The Happy Grazing Company with their cheeses, chutneys and crackers for the ultimate festive feast. Plus many more guest traders bringing one-of-a-kind gifts and goodies! Free parking and no ticket required. Open 10am – 4pm.

Mereworth Wines Christmas Market, Sat 30 – Sun 15 Dec

It’s not too late to join Mereworth Wines Christmas Markets, only running on selected weekends; Sat 30 Nov – Sun 1 Dec, Sat 7 – Sun 8 Dec and Sat 14 – Sun 15 Dec from 11am to 4pm. Explore a delightful array of craft and gift stalls, enjoy live music, mulled wine, and tasty food, all with free entry and parking.

9 – 15 DECEMBER

A Christmas Carol, The Alex, Faversham, Fri 13 Dec

A Christmas Carol is perhaps the best-loved tale ever woven by Charles Dickens. Certainly, it’s one of the most heart-warming festive stories of all time. In this wonderful, fifty-minute theatre version, you’ll follow the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge on his mysterious and transforming journey; see him change from miserable miser into joyful friend and benefactor. All the characters will be brought to vivid life by a cast of just four actors. Forget “bah, humbug!” – come and enjoy this truly magical favourite for all the family.

Loddington Farm Christmas Market, Linton, Sat 14 Dec

Get into the festive spirit at Loddington Farm’s Christmas Market on Sat 14 Dec, 10:30am to 4pm! This fantastic event brings together a wonderful selection of local small businesses offering unique, handcrafted gifts perfect for the holiday season. While you shop, warm up with mulled Apple Pie Cider from our fave Turners Cider and explore their cider gift sets for the cider lovers in your life. Pick out a beautiful Christmas tree from the farm shop, savour delicious festive food, and sip on Crimbo cocktails. With Blooming Green and Musket Brewery joining the fun, this market promises plenty of festive cheer, unique finds, and tasty treats. Admission is free, but you need to secure your spot online.

Luxmuralis: Fantastic Tales and Where to Find Them, St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury, Fri 13 – Sat 21 Dec

Step into history this December with a breathtaking Sound and Light Show at St. Augustine’s Abbey. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Anglo-Saxons, brought to life through cutting-edge light displays and mesmerising soundscapes. Created by the renowned Luxmuralis team in collaboration with Canterbury Festival, this outdoor experience transforms the abbey ruins into a living canvas, showcasing the intricate beauty of illuminated manuscripts and treasures from the British Library. Paired with bespoke sound artworks, it’s a multi-sensory journey through time that promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Timed entry begins at 5pm daily, with slots every 15 minutes. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £6 for children under 16, and £30 for families (2 adults, 2 children). Under 2s go free!

16 – 22 DECEMBER

The Nutcracker, The Malthouse Theatre, Mon 16 Dec

Back with another dazzling treat, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company presents family festive favourite, The Nutcracker. Expect fabulous dancing, gorgeous costumes, crystal clear story-telling and sumptuous music. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel through magical lands, and meet the Mouse King, Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the beautiful Land of Sweets. Suitable for all ages.

23 – 31 DECEMBER

Festive Afternoon Tea, Mereworth Wines, Mon 23 – Sun 29 Dec

Don’t miss Mereworth’s beloved sparkling Afternoon Tea now with a delightful festive twist. Perfect for celebrating the upcoming festive season, offering both adult and children’s menus so everyone can enjoy the festivities together. Book your spot asap for one of these dates: Mon 23, Fri 27, Sat 28 and Sun 29 Dec. Cheers!

Bowley’s at The Plough, Trottiscliffe, Open all month long

Sitting on a quiet lane in the quintessentially English village of Trottiscliffe, within easy reach of West Malling, Bowley’s at The Plough continues to be one of our firm foodie favourites in Kent and is the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas with your friends and family. Throughout December, they’re open for lunch and dinner as usual, Weds – Sat and Sunday lunch. However you won’t want to miss their Seasonal Fare on Christmas Eve with carols, mulled wine and Bratwurst Sausage in brioche and caramelised onions. Then it’ll turn into a 1800’s village shop complete with a nostalgic sweet counter reminiscent of days gone by and of course, draft beers and mulled wine. Christmas Day they’ll be open 12-2pm for drinks and canapés only. Then back open during Twixmas for their Fine Wine & Canapés Event on Fri 27 Dec (£65pp) and Beef Wellington & Red Wine For Two on Sat 28 Dec (£95pp). Yum!

NYE Dining Experiences, Cave Hotel & Golf Resort, Canterbury, Tues 31 Dec

Ring in the New Year at Cave Hotel & Golf Resort with the Firepit Dining Experience, a stunning 7-course tasting menu with a Champagne arrival, entertainment from Harry Nardi and show-stopping firework display from £150pp. Or go to their exclusive Cowgirl Lounge, enjoy live music from Groove Zoo and a spectacular firework display prices range from £105pp.

New Year’s Eve Party, The Ferry House, Isle of Sheppey, Tues 31 Dec

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang at The Ferry House’s unmissable party! Gather your family and friends for a night of festive fun, fabulous food, and unforgettable memories. Kick things off with our exclusive ‘Cheers Hour’ from 6:30pm, featuring special drinks offers to get you in the party mood. Feast on a delicious Kentish pulled pork dinner with all the trimmings (vegan options available!), then hit the LED dance floor as our DJ spins tunes to keep you moving until midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, raise your glass of bubbly, beer, or a soft drink for a toast and enjoy a dazzling fireworks display to welcome the New Year in spectacular fashion. Tickets are £35pp. Dress to impress!

New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Albion House, Ramsgate, Tues 31 Dec

Get in the festive mood with Albion House’s delicious food, stunning architecture and inspiring interiors. They have also gone all out for New Year’s Eve this year with not 1 but 2 events. Don’t miss their NYE Banquet and enjoy an elegant five-course feast with an evening of live music, fortune telling and a DJ til 2am. Tickets are £85pp. Or enjoy a sophisticated evening of Champagne & Oysters which will be served in the Georgian Rooms from 6pm – 11pm with DJ and dancing from 11pm – 2am. Tickets are £25pp.

BOOK AHEAD

Miles Jupp’s On I Bang, Hazlitt Theatre, 22 Jan 2025

Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs and life lessons with Miles Jupp in his brand-new show, On I Bang! Since last gracing the stage at The London Palladium in 2017, Miles has been everywhere – from The Full Monty on Disney Plus to The Durrells and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? on ITV, plus unforgettable appearances on Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Have I Got News For You. But in the midst of this whirlwind career, Miles faced an unexpected plot twist: a brain seizure, a cherry-tomato-sized tumour, and some pretty dramatic neurosurgery. Now, with his trademark wit and charm, he’s turning that harrowing experience into comedy gold. Join him for a hilarious and heartfelt evening as he shares a tale of surprises, fear, luck, love, and the magic of modern medicine. Don’t miss your chance to see Miles at his most candid, clever, and absolutely unmissable!

Words by Mollie Manning

Your December Guide: What’s on in Kent this month

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