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Kent will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland this festive season with bewitching events taking place the length and breadth of the county. Here's our pick of the 10 best.
Ashford Designer Outlet
As well as inviting you to indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping, Ashford Designer Outlet will also be host to an array of fantastic events. Peter Andre got the festivities under way by switching on the 130,000 twinkling lights and from now until the day after Boxing Day you can enjoy the new skating rink, the only one in Ashford.
Bluewater
Relive the magic of a New York Christmas at Bluewater this December. An exciting month of festive fun will take place at the shopping centre's new events venue, Glow. The two huge halls will be transformed into a festive fairytale with a stunning recreation of the iconic New York skyline welcoming visitors to celebrate at the magnificent Rockefeller Centre and the world's most famous landmarks, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
Crampton Tower Museum
Visit Santa in his grotto at Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs this Christmas. Trek though the elves workshop as you make your fascinating journey to the enchanting grotto at the top of the tower. Children also get the chance to play with the model trains and ride a new miniature railway if weather permits. The kids also take home a surprise gift at the end of the day.
Hever Castle
Experience a fantastic day out at Hever from Wednesday, November 30 until Christmas Eve as the beautiful castle and gardens be transformed into an enchanting Winter Wonderland. Rooms will be sprinkled with sparkling fairy lights and traditional festive decorations whilst the log fires will keep you warm during those cold winter evenings. Step into the snow-dusted grotto and look out for Father Christmas when he appears in the grounds to collect his daily post. Christmas at Hever events run Wednesdays to Sundays.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
Come along to meet Santa at one of the county's favourite family attractions. The Santa Special days provide an experience like no other, inviting families to take part in an enchanting one hour magical journey beginning at a very festive Tenterden station. Steam trains will be sprinkled with sparkling decorations and children can look out for the elves carrying sacks of presents. Every child receives a surprise gift to take home after meeting the beautiful Snow Queen.
Kent Life, Maidstone
Angels and wise men are needed to join the farmyard cast of a living Nativity at Kent Life, in Lock Lane, Sandling. Youngsters are invited to dress up and take part in the family attraction's recreation of the story on Sunday, December 18. Come and experience the living nativity with the attraction's very own friendly farmyard animals. Working together with Maidstone Family Church, they will take you on a journey through the grounds to discover the nativity story scenes. Also join in with the traditional Christmas caroling as you are walking around. All children are encouraged to dress up and be part of the nativity. The show starts at 3pm. Call 01622 763936.
Leeds Castle
Celebrate Christmas at one of the world's most spectacular castles. Leeds Castle is hosting a series of magical events which will provide a Christmas to remember for the whole family. Christmas at the Castle officially begins on Monday, December 5 when the historical rooms will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland. Father Christmas will be laden with gifts as he waits in his grotto, a miniature recreation of the stunning castle building on the weekend of December 10 and 11 and then from Friday, December 16 to Christmas Eve.
Penshurst Place
Each weekend in December, barring Christmas, step through the garden gates into Father Christmas's magical grotto. You can also write a letter or card to Father Christmas before visiting him in his grotto, with a template letter downloadable from the website. Also check out the Christmas gift shop, with late night shopping hours til 8pm on Wednesdays until December 14. Grotto open 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm. Tickets £5 and no booking required.
Rare Breeds
Visit the centre near Woodchurch for a fun filled day of Christmas festivities this winter. In addition to cuddling the latest adorable farm animals including Luna the Jersey calf who is just over a month old, children can interact with the amazing one-man pantomime show, the Incredible Mr Wong. Enter Santa's star-filled grotto to hear fascinating stories and make cakes with Mother Christmas. Adults can enjoy mince pies and warm mulled wine whilst the children take part in all of the fun.
Quex Barn, Birchington
Enjoy a three-course Christmas lunch every day until Christmas Eve at a price of £16.50 in the day and £18.50 in the evening, made with succulent turkey or pan-fried salmon. There are a few places left for Christmas Day dinner at the barn but for those who like a traditional dinner at home, make this year a Kentish Christmas with free range turkey or a joint of beef, lamb or pork taken from the farm on the Quex Park estate.
