The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by immersing ourselves in the joy of local Christmas events! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, festive markets, or community gatherings, here’s a roundup of exciting events happening in Upchurch, Rainham, Sittingbourne, and the surrounding areas in Kent for 2024.
1. Leeds Castle Christmas Celebrations
Dates: December 1 - December 31, 2024
Experience the magic of Christmas at Leeds Castle with stunning decorations, themed events, and a delightful Christmas market featuring local goods and festive treats. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful grounds adorned with Christmas lights!
Website: Leeds Castle Christmas Celebrations: https://leeds-castle.com/events/nutcracker-christmas-at-leeds-castle/
2. Rainham Hall Christmas Market
Date: December 7th and 8th 2024
Rainham Hall will welcome local artists and crafts makers to the Hayloft for a Christmas Fair. Its free to enter and the café will be open. Website: Rainham Christmas Market: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/rainham-hall/events
3. Christmas at Hever Castle
Date: November 22nd 2024 - January 3rd 2025
Christmas at Hever Castle offers a magical festive experience from November 22nd to January 3rd, filled with enchanting attractions, festive lights, and seasonal charm. Visitors can explore the beautifully decorated castle, walk the Christmas Trail featuring reimagined classic tales and meet beloved characters. Both Daytime and Twilight tickets are available, with a range of activities including visits to Father Christmas, fun fairground rides, shopping, dining, and exploring the maze and play areas. As night falls, the castle grounds and lake are transformed by stunning illuminations, adding to the wonder of the season.
4. Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral
Dates: 25th November until December 20th , 2024
Canterbury Cathedral is set to host a range of festive services and events this season. From traditional carol services led by the world-famous Cathedral Choir to the new Teatime Carol services, there's something for everyone. Highlights include the return of the Festival of Carols with a living nativity (donkey included!) and the free life-size nativity scene open weekdays from 25th November to 20th December.
Families can enjoy a variety of craft activities, while visitors can explore the stunning decorations. Plus, the historic Christmas Market returns to the Cathedral grounds, running from 15th November to 24th December, offering free entry to the Precincts and a magical festive experience in the heart of Canterbury.
5. Father Christmas at Dover Castle
Dates: December 7-8 and December 14-15, 2024
This December, Dover Castle invites you to a magical encounter with Father Christmas himself! On weekends from 30th November to 22nd December, gather around the Christmas tree as Father Christmas shares his favourite festive stories. After the group storytelling, families will have the opportunity to meet him, snap a memorable photo, and each child will receive a traditional present to take home. For those looking to add extra festive cheer, Dover Castle will also host Festive Fun on the same weekends, offering storytelling and music to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
6. All Elves on Deck at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Date: See website
Step into the secret sub-station at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this Christmas, where it’s “All Elves on Deck” for a festive adventure like no other! Uncover the mystery that elves and sub-station workers have been keeping for generations, and join the magical Elf Academy. Here, little ones will learn all the tricks of the elf trade - from making toys to wrapping presents, and even helping with special deliveries!
Become Father Christmas’ Newest Helper
Once you graduate from the Elf Academy, you'll become an official Elf Apprentice, ready to spread Christmas joy all around the world! As a reward for all your hard work, families will enjoy a personal visit with Father Christmas himself. Each child will receive a special gift to take home and treasure, making this a magical day they won’t forget! https://thedockyard.co.uk/events/mission-christmas/
7. Christmas at Chartwell
Dates: 23 November to 23 December 2024
Visitors to Chartwell can experience a festive celebration in honour of Sir Winston Churchill’s 150th birthday. Chartwell is decorated to evoke the glamour of the 1930s, with golden garlands, twinkling lights, and crackling fires. Highlights include a special birthday cake for Churchill, festive music, and sparkling champagne. There’s also a Christmas Fair from 14th to 17th November and carol performances on select dates.
8.Rochester Christmas markets
Dates:
• Friday, 29 & Saturday, 30 November, 10am - 9pm
• Sunday, 1 December, 10am - 6pm
• Friday, 6 & Saturday, 7 December, 10am - 9pm
• Sunday, 8 December, 10am - 6pm
• Friday, 13 & Saturday, 14 December, 10am - 9pm
• Sunday, 15 December, 10am - 6pm
One of Medway's most popular festive attractions is returning for 2024, and it's back bigger than ever! Once again, this year's market will take over Rochester Castle Gardens with over 100 stalls to find the perfect gift, an improved Bavarian Village so you can snack whilst you shop and of course our exciting fairground.
9. A Kent Christmas at Kent Life
Dates: November 30th -December 24th , 2024
Experience traditional Christmas celebrations at Kent Life with festive farm activities, craft workshops, and much more!
10. Mission Christmas at the Historic Dockyard Chatham
Dates: See website
Step into the secret sub-station at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. It’s ‘All Elves on Deck” for a brand new festive adventure.
Discover the secret that elves and sub-station workers have been guarding for generations. Join the fun at the magical ‘Elf Academy,’ where you’ll learn all the tricks of the trade, from making toys to wrapping presents, and even helping with the all-important deliveries. When you graduate, you’ll be a real Elf Apprentice, ready to make Christmas extra special for children all around the world. Are you ready to unlock the magic of the elves and become Father Christmas’ newest helper?
As a reward for graduating from ‘Elf Academy’ each family will have the chance to experience a personal visit with Father Christmas himself. Impressed by the invaluable help extended to the elves, he will bestow upon your children a special gift to treasure and take home.
These events are sure to bring holiday cheer to you and your loved ones, providing plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories. Be sure to check the respective websites for any updates or ticketing information. Happy holidays!
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