Events and things to do

Stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights and sample indulgent drinks and scrumptious street food from the traditional alpine-style chalets. With pop-up bars, street food stalls and independent craft traders, the Winter Market is a haven for festive indulgence.

Get your Christmas shopping off to a fun and festive start at the Rochester Christmas Market. Set in the spectacular Rochester Castle gardens, the Christmas markets are held over three consecutive weekends. It's the ideal place to search for that special gift and stocking fillers by wandering around the many craft and trade stalls. Food and drink stalls are available to purchase hot and cold beverages, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and much more.

Don’t miss Marlowe's fun-filled family pantomime Aladdin, starring TV and West End star Kevin Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing, Singin’ In The Rain, Rock Of Ages), children’s favourite TV presenter, Phil Gallagher (CBeebies’ Mister Maker), and Marlowe Legend Ben Roddy.

Join the UK's only Bison Rangers to discover the heart of the Wilder Blean project like never before. They're the perfect people to share all the latest developments and gain unparalleled insights of the project. On a longer experience, see the tracking technology available for the best chance of a bison sighting!

Photo credit: Tom Crawdon

Jersey Boys is now in the West End at the Trafalgar Theatre! See Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons celebrated on stage in this incredible award-winning show. Oh, what a night it’ll be when you’re rocking and rolling with Jersey Boys tickets!

Explore Margate and stroll in the footsteps of the stars! In cinemas now, Empire of Light stars Academy Award winners Olivia Colman and Colin Firth, BAFTA winner Micheal Ward along with Toby Jones, and was filmed in and around Margate. Visit the locations and venues that were used during the filming with this guide.

Tickets for Father Christmas’ Grotto at St. Pancras International with Sharky & George are now open. Tickets are available on various dates from 17 November to 23 December, making it easy for families to fit this magical experience into their busy schedules. The experience includes meeting Father Christmas, listening to a story, sharing Christmas wishes and receiving a token gift. They’ll then be able to enjoy some fun and games with the mischievous elves.

The Queen’s House Ice Rink is a magical open-air ice rink in the heart of Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site from 23 November 2023 to 7January 2024. The rink is surrounded by iconic architecture, with views of Greenwich Park to the south and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf to the north, providing a backdrop of some of the best views in London. Grab your skates this festive season and weave (or wobble) your way around south London’s only outdoor ice rink.

Canterbury's annual traditional Christmas Market, entertainment and sparkling lights. Canterbury IS Christmas, and the festivities are set to return in 2023 from 10 November. Expect the stunning Christmas market in the medieval city, with wooden huts dotted throughout the city centre and beautiful festive lights twinkling in the historic cobbled streets and around the cathedral.

Sparkle in the Park is back for a third year this Christmas. This year, Avery Hill Park will be transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland for everyone to enjoy. As part of the stunning display of lights, the historic Winter Garden will be illuminated and visitors can also explore the Christmas market, a fun fair and enjoy pop up performances from local school and community choirs.

Hop aboard the Elf Express and immerse yourself in the Magic of the Elf Kingdom and Magical Elf Woods. The elves need your help to prepare for the big day and can't wait to welcome you to their world full of festive fun!

Experience the wonder of Christmas at The WonderWorks as it transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland, complete with a very special guest! Book to meet Santa on selected dates from 24 November right through to 23 December. The Winter Wonderland Grotto is set in The WonderWorks, located on the site of the former Hornby Visitor Centre in Margate. The WonderWorks is a reimagined experience, showcasing products from the world-famous brands of Airfix, Corgi, Hornby, Pocher and Scalextric.

Why not treat yourself or a loved one to a winter visit to Big Cats at Christmas? This is a seven-day Christmas event at The Big Cat Sanctuary. They will be in full yuletide swing with Christmas music, decorated trees and a truly festive atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine with a delicious Christmas roll filled with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce (vegan options available*), with other hot drinks and mince pies also available. You can wander the sanctuary to see the cats at your leisure and even have the chance to win a hand feed from our raffle!

See Battle Abbey and the 1066 story in a whole new light as it’s brought to life with dramatic illuminations this December. Have your cameras at the ready as you explore the atmospheric splendour of the abbey grounds and ruins lit up with all the colours of the rainbow. Follow the wintery trail and take in stunning installations, atmospheric scenes and immersive soundscapes - there is intrigue at every turn. Gaze up at the stunning vistas of light against ancient architecture as we transport you back across the ages to winter 1066. A unique and magical experience awaits!

This family-friendly mystery will be great fun and a way for detectives young and old to test their interrogation skills. They will need to interview the elves, look over evidence and solve the case! Once you have helped Santa to solve the festive mystery, every child will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa.

The Grand Christmas Weekend Market is the biggest indoor market in Hastings. They have stalls ranging from wine, beer, spirits, chocolates, cakes, jewellery, candles, tarot readings, artwork, face painting, Christmas decorations and much more. Come along and support local small businesses and makers.

With plenty of audience participation and huge helpings of laughter combined with spectacular scenery, captivating costumes and enchanting special effects, Beauty and The Beast is the traditional family pantomime that will leave you spellbound.

Christmas World is coming to Dreamland this winter, bringing whimsical fun and magical moments for the festive season. Featuring a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and more, Christmas World will have something to appeal to all ages. There'll be specially selected rides, family friendly performances, magical grotto experiences with Santa, snowball fights, sleigh rides in Santa's snow mobile and even Steins By The Sea nights for grown-ups too.

Feel festive at Rochester Cathedral as their popular Christmas Carol Concert takes place on 16 December, starring the renowned Cathedral Choir. As well as performances from the talent choir there will also be a chance for everyone to join in with popular carols.

Take a trip down memory lane, as Disney On Ice returns with a magical show for the whole family to enjoy. Grab your mouse ears and get ready as Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder, with the magic of Disney’s 100th Anniversary closer than ever when Disney On Ice brings the celebration to you! Encanto joins the show for the very first time in the UK, inspiring families to make magical memories they will treasure forever.