Things to do this weekend in Kent - December 8 and December 9
Christmas parades, craft fairs and a Christmas Tree Festival.
There is plenty of events to make up a festive weekend in Kent fit for all the family.
We've rounded up seven of the best:
The Naughty Fox, Marlowe Studio, Canterbury
From Friday, December 7 (until Sunday, December 23)
There’s a mischievous chap on the loose in Canterbury from this weekend - and he’s likely to delight little ones. The Naughty Fox is a heartwarming play-along tale for children of all ages, which has been written by the Marlowe Theatre’s literary associate James Baldwin.
A journey of discovery and friendship told by two storytellers with puppetry, musical instruments and light projection. James was inspired to write it as a result of his experience creating multi-sensory stories with soft toys for children in hospitals. To learn more or for ticket details click here
Christmas at Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst
Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9
Storytelling with Father Christmas and Mrs Claus, family festive trails, a Victorian Christmas in the mansion house, Christmas gifts in the shop and festive food in the tea rooms. Scotney Castle is offering some traditional Christmas festivities at the National Trust attraction in the run up to Christmas.
To learn more about all the activities and admission prices click here.
St Nicholas Parade, Canterbury
Saturday, December 8
St Nicholas will move through the cobbled streets of Canterbury on Saturday in his annual festive parade. The lively and colourful event, which is extremely popular with families at Christmas begins at noon when the parade with its community procession of children and musicians leaves The Westgate Hall. It will then make its way through the city before arriving at Canterbury Cathedral.
A short family service in the Nave follows the popular parade and everyone is welcome to attend. To learn more about the event click here.
Second World War Christmas, Dover Castle
Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9
Take a journey back to the Home Front this Christmas and find out how the festive season was celebrated in war-time. Yule-tide activities, a recreated officers’ mess to listen to tales of Christmas time at the Dover Castle Garrison, learn about baking Christmas treats in times of ration and get in the festive spirit with some lindy hop dancing and even the chance to meet Father Christmas himself.
For further details and ticket prices click here.
Wartime Christmas Weekend, Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham
Sunday, December 9
Dover Castle is not the only attraction in Kent jumping into the time machine this weekend.
The Royal Engineers Museum is also showing visitors how Christmas was celebrated in the Second World War with living history demonstrations, re-enactors, family activities, a vintage market, historical talks and entertainment from the Brompton Military Wives Choir (Sunday only). Find out more about the event by clicking here .
Christmas Tree Festival, Tunstall Church, Sittingbourne
Thursday, December 6 until Sunday, December 9
Around 100 beautifully decorated Christmas trees will go on display this week in Tunstall Church's popular Christmas tree festival. Charities, community groups, school pupils and talented individuals have all taken charge of creating a tree for the festival across a wide range of themes, styles and designs. In previous years there have been trees designed using egg boxes, milk bottle tops, books and gloves alongside the more traditional looking trees with tinsel and lights.
The popular festival runs until Sunday at the village church, is free to visit, and open from 10am until 5pm Thursday to Saturday and from 10am until 4pm on Sundays.
Quex Craft Village Christmas Fair
Sunday, December 9
Craft workshops , stalls, a visit from Santa, animals including the chance to meet alpacas, great raffle prizes. mulled wine and mince pies will all form part of the Christmas fair at the Quex Craft Village this Sunday. Snap up some festive gifts and enjoy an outing for all the family. The event runs from noon at the attraction in Park Lane, Birchington.
