What can I do this weekend with the kids?

Christmas lights switch on Deal town centre
Friday, November 18 from 6pm until 8pm

Take the little ones to a magical Christmas evening, with on-stage music outside the town hall starting at 6pm which will be followed by an appearance from Father Christmas. At 7.30pm the town centre lights will be switched on by stars of the Marlowe Theatre panto.

Details here

Tunbridge Wells ice rink Calverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Opens Friday, November 18

The Calverley Grounds ice rink opens on Friday and will open everyday until Monday, January 2 - with the exception of Christmas Day. Take the kids along for a skate in the open air and a bite to eat in the Calverley cafe. For parents will very young children, parent and toddler sessions will be held on various dates.

More information here

Festive lights switch on Folkestone

Friday, November 18

Led by Father Christmas - and even a reindeer- the Latern Parade begins at 4pm from the Leas Cliff Hall and will travel via the Town Hall to the Old High Street. There will be two switch ons, the first at 17.15 at the town centre, and the second at 17.30 in the Old High Street. There will live music and entertainment until the event ends at 19.30.

Information here

Hempstead Valley grotto opens Gillingham

Opens Saturday, November 19 until Christmas Eve

Join Andy Walker from kmfm at the opening of Hempstead Valley's Christmas grotto. Kids will love to welcome Santa to his grotto at 1pm and join in on an afternoon of Christmas fun. The grotto will be open everyday until Christmas Eve. Children can also write a letter to Santa and receive a personalised reply from the grotto elves.

Further details here

Christmas market Pembury (Hospice in the Weald, Maidstone Road)

Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20

Head to the annual Hospice in the Weald Christmas market this weekend with over 45 different stalls. If your December is jam-packed already, why not get ahead and grab some Christmas presents for family and friends now. Adult entry is just £3 and even better, kids under 16 go free! Santa's grotto will be open from 11am-2pm both days.

Times and details here

Santa's Grotto Hawley Garden Centre, Dartford

From Saturday, November 19

Say hello to resident reindeers Dancer and Dazzler on the way to Santa's Grotto, where children will experience the grotto magic and meet Santa. Personalised certificates will be given to every child as well as a present. The grotto will be open every weekend until Christmas with added weekday dates closer to the big day.

More here

Christmas Grotto with Paddington Bluewater

Opens Thursday, November 24

Make the visit to see Santa special this Christmas with Bluewater's Grotto and Toy Workshop experience that lasts around 40 minutes. Be transformed into a Christmas elf, meet Santa and his helpers and pose for a photo with him and Paddington. And of course, a trip to see Santa wouldn't be complete without a Christmas gift.

Book here