Things to do with children this weekend in Kent including Bedgebury Lights and Frozen 2

The Christmas-themed events begin with a vengeance this weekend as more Kent towns switch on their lights and Bedgebury opens its mile-long lights trail.

There's also the release of a big Disney blockbuster and the chance to catch Father Christmas at a Kent grotto. All the festive fun to be had this weekend is rounded up below:

Bedgebury Christmas Lights

From Friday, November 22

The illuminated trail at Bedgebury is back for another Christmas from this weekend. The trail opens on Friday and will remain until December 30.

The ticket-only event includes a spectacular Tunnel of Light, illuminated origami boats on the lake and a series of light sculptures. For an additional charge families can also enjoy fairground rides, toast marshmallows on the firepit or snap up some tasty food and drink. To book your tickets click here.

Frozen 2, cinemas county-wide

From Friday, November 22

The much anticipated Disney sequal is finally out this weekend. Select Kent cinemas are running special offers and giveaways for people coming along on the opening weekend and Cbeebies has announced that the voice of Elsa will read Sunday night's Bedtime Story at 6.50pm. Learn more about everything happening this weekend for Frozen 2 by clicking here.

Christmas at Hever Castle,

From Saturday, November 23

Christmas celebrations at Hever Castle begin this weekend. The castle's interiors will be decorated with spectacular Christmas trees and outside there are lights, a festive trail themed around Alice in Wonderland and the chance to catch Santa and some visiting huskies. Some activities require an additional ticket or are only taking place on select dates - whilst the chance to catch Santa in his Toy Workshop must be booked on the day and slots are offered on a first come first served basis.

To learn more about all the festive fun happening at Hever Castle from this weekend please click here.

Faversham lights switch-on

Saturday, November 23

This year's switch-on will be on Saturday evening at 5.30pm. Father Christmas will pay a visit to the town during the evening along along with other special guests. Carols will be sung, live music will be played and street food will be served at the Night Food Market in the evening.

Chatham Christmas lights switch-on

Saturday 23 November

Military Square, Military Road and the High Street will be transformed this weekend for festive fun. Family entertainment is taking place from 3.45pm with kmfm's Rob Wills.

Cast members from this year's Central Theatre pantomime Cinderella will also be coming along. The lights will be switched on at 5pm.

Lenham Christmas lights switch-on

Sunday, November 24

The fun starts at 1.30pm in Lenham Square on Sunday with a number of daytime activities ahead of the grand switch-on at 5pm and a firework display. There will be stalls and games including reindeer hoopla, a lucky dip and a ride for the little ones.

Children can also visit Father Christmas in his grotto, climb aboard a horse and carriage ride and enjoy displays in all of the shop windows. There will also be live entertainment from the school choir at Lenham Primary.

Tonbridge Christmas Lights

Sunday, November 24

The High Street in Tonbridge will be closed between 10.30am and 8.30pm to make way for the event, which starts at 1.50pm. The lights will be switched on by Jill Anderson, Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, at 5.45pm. The Rotary Club have organised an action-packed day, featuring Shaws Fun Fair in Sainsbury's car park on Angel Lane, with more than 50 stalls and performers from the Peter Pan and Queen of Hearts pantomimes will be in costume in the High Street, along with the Hartley Morris Men.

There will be an opening performance from the Razzamataz Tonbridge theatre group at 2.25pm, followed by Charlotte Lubbock, Patinas Band and Roxxon throughout the evening, plus fireworks at Tonbridge Castle. Money raised goes towards local charities.

Paddock Wood switch-on

Sunday, November 24

The Christmas tree lights will be switched on in Paddock Wood on Sunday, November 24. The festivities run from 2pm to 6pm in Commercial Road.

This year's event sees a funfair, pop-up bars and food stalls as well as a visit from Santa. Stars from the Assembly Hall Theatre panto will also be there for the switch-on and teen band Angels N’ Bandits will perform. Details at paddockwoodlightsup.co.uk

Meet Santa in Kent, locations county-wide

Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24

Grottos in a number of Kent locations are opening this weekend for children to begin their wish lists with Santa.

Catch him, amongst others, at Hempstead Valley in Gillingham, The Reindeer Centre, Hawley Garden Centre in Dartford, Longacres Garden Centre Ashford and Bluewater in Greenhithe. For ticket details and a complete guide to where to find him throughout the festive period please click here.