Things to do this weekend in Kent
There are real camels, hundreds of Santas set to run in Medway and enchanting lights and after-dark parades across the county.
Here's our round-up of the best festive events for families in Kent happening this weekend.
Enchanted Walmer Castle, Walmer near Deal
Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, December 15
Share an after-dark adventure with your friends and family at Walmer Castle this winter. Discover an enchanting world of light and colour, hidden fairies, magical talking trees and interactive lighting. Tickets, which must be pre-booked, are still available for some sessions. To learn more click here.
Leeds Castle Christmas Market, Maidstone
Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15
It's the final weekend for the popular Leeds Castle Christmas Market. Discover an array of seasonal gifts, toys, festive decorations, specialist food and drink and try a nostalgic fairground ride or two. Live music will also provide a festive soundtrack to your shopping.
You can also use your visit as a chance to visit the castle's festive display Magical Birds and Festive Feathers. Learn more about Leeds Castle admission prices here.
Carnival of the Baubles, Ashford town centre
Saturday, December 14
The Carnival of the Baubles is a procession of giant, illuminated baubles decorated by children from primary schools across Ashford, and is the first such event to ever take place in the town. The event will get underway at Elwick Place and Ashford town centre from 5:30pm. The procession will make its way up Bank Street to the Lower High Street, where it will end in a dazzling party.
A night market with hot food and drink will then follow making it the ideal family evening.
A Journey Into Christmas, Gravesend town centre
Saturday, December 14
Real camels, donkeys and sheep will be amongst shoppers in Gravesend on Saturday as the town recreates the journey of the three wise men.
The live Nativity event begins at 11am where families can see the animals by St George's Church before the parade sets off at noon. It will finish at the ceiling of lights in the high street with carols and a Nativity tableau.
From 1.30pm to 3pm there are photo opportunities with the camels and donkey rides by St George’s Church. Children (and adults!) can come dressed as shepherds, stars, angels, or wise men if they would like to.
Smarden Christmas Tree Festival, St Michael's Church, Smarden
Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15
The church will be filled with over 30 decorated Christmas trees this weekend. Refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies, a craft stall, live music and a raffle are all part of the event. Entry is free but donations are appreciated. The event runs from 11am until 6pm each day.
Christmas Tree Festival, St Justus Church, Rochester
Friday, December 13 until Sunday, December 15
The popular Christmas Tree Festival gets underway this Friday. Alongside some beautifully decorated trees to see within the church are a series of craft activities for families including the chance to make festive cake pops! For a complete guide to all events across the three days click here.
Santa Fun Run, Historic Dockyard Chatham
Sunday, December 15
The Dockyard has teamed up with Medway Rotary Club to play host to the 2019 Santa Fun Run. Entry is £12 per person and £7.50 for under 16s and each person who takes part gets a Santa outfit and a medal.
Hot drinks and light refreshments are available to buy on the day and families can bring their dogs as long as they are on a short lead. The route is around one mile - or two laps- and the event starts at 9.30am when the gates open. Further details available here.
Charity Santa Dash, Cyclopark, Gravesend
Sunday, December 15
Round up your family and friends for a Santa Dash across the Cyclopark on Sunday. Runners can choose from either a 5K or 10K route with Santa costumes provided and Christmas-themed medals available for participants.
The event is organised on behalf of Martin Tolhurst Solicitors to help raise funds and awareness for Sands. To learn more about entering click here.
