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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Plan your holiday adventure in Ashford with our ultimate guide. From Ashford locals to global travelers, our guide is your key to unlocking holiday magic.

Popular Events: Experience the enchanting Christmas at Bewl Water, where you can stroll through a breathtaking winter wonderland alongside festive lights and seasonal displays. The unique Kent & East Sussex Railway Father Christmas Experience offers families a delightful journey with Santa himself, complete with festive treats. And the Windsor Great Park Illuminated is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a stunning light trail amid the stunning landscapes. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Ashford Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Interactive light and sound trail through beautifully landscaped gardens.

Description:

Explore the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, transformed with light, sound, and colour. The winter trail features a new route with impressive installations, taking 60 to 90 minutes to explore. Enjoy wonderful seasonal food and drink before or after the trail, along with funfair rides and a Christmas Market.

Where: Lower Beeding | More Info: Leonardslee Lights

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What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas Trail with beloved characters.

Description:

Hever Castle transforms into a vibrant Christmas setting with beautifully decorated rooms, twinkling lights, and festive activities. Enjoy a Christmas Trail featuring reimagined classic tales, meet beloved characters, and explore the grounds with fairground rides and shopping opportunities.

Where: Edenbridge | More Info: Hever Castle Christmas

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Ashford Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Traditional German-style wooden huts with a range of festive treats and live music.

Description:

The Canterbury Christmas Market 2024 offers a variety of Christmas-themed stalls, delicious food and drink, and live music performances. Explore handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and beautiful decorations in the heart of historic Canterbury.

Where: Canterbury | More Info: Canterbury Christmas Market 2024

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Ashford Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Festively decorated steam train ride with Santa and complimentary refreshments.

Description:

Embark on a delightful journey with Kent & East Sussex Railway's Father Christmas Experience. Enjoy a 75-minute return steam train ride, festively decorated carriages, and age-appropriate presents for children. Standard class passengers receive a complimentary refreshment pack, while first-class passengers enjoy deluxe treats and a trolley service. Meet Jingle and Sparkle, Santa's Head Elves, and participate in the Christmas spirit detector test. Premium passengers enjoy a sparkling train ride with unlimited prosecco and festive cakes.

Where: Tenterden | More Info: Kent & East Sussex Railway Father Christmas Experience

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What to Expect:

Immersive theatrical experience with musical storytelling and special effects.

Description:

Join Priory Farm for a special journey to meet Father Christmas. Through storytelling and song, you'll embark on a musical adventure to save Christmas and meet different Christmas characters. The experience includes a theatrical performance and a visit to Father Christmas in his cabin, where you'll share your wishes and capture magical moments.

Where: Redhill | More Info: The Father Christmas Experience at Priory Farm

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What to Expect:

Immersive theatre experience with iconic Polar Express characters.

Description:

Join The Polar Express at Tunbridge Wells West on the Spa Valley Railway for a spectacular Christmas experience. Meet iconic characters from the beloved movie, including the Conductor, dancing chefs, and magical Santa Claus. Enjoy immersive theatre, hot chocolate, and a sweet treat as you journey north. Receive a shiny sleigh bell from Santa's sleigh and have your Polar Express book signed by Santa if you bring it. Upon arrival, write a letter to Santa, see who's been naughty or nice, and explore the gift shop for souvenirs.

Where: Tunbridge Wells | More Info: The Elf Express 2024

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Ashford Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas activities with personalized visits to Santa's grotto.

Description:

Christmas at Bewl Water offers a variety of activities including Santa's Post Office, Elves' Craft Workshop, Reindeer Food Making, and Gingerbread decorating in Mrs Claus' Bakery. Each child receives a Christmas passport for an immersive journey through wonderlands and play zones, culminating in a personalized visit to Santa's grotto.

Where: Lamberhurst | More Info: Christmas at Bewl Water

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What to Expect:

Interactive storytelling and festive activities with Father Christmas.

Description:

Join Father Christmas for a special storytime in the White Rose Room, followed by a delightful afternoon tea in the Great Hall. Each table will receive a visit from Father Christmas, who will also hand out goody bags to the children. After dining, participate in a festive trail to help complete Denys's Christmas list and enjoy some creative time in our Christmas craft marquee.

Where: Chiddingstone | More Info: Chiddingstone Castle Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas

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What to Expect:

Immersive Christmas experience with live theatre and festive activities.

Description:

At Sussex Country Gardener, immerse yourself in a Christmas adventure featuring Gingerbread decorating, live theatrical performances, and festive activities. Meet Father Christmas and explore the Elf Village, where your little ones can engage in delightful activities and discover the true spirit of Christmas.

Where: Mark Cross | More Info: Sussex Country Gardener Enchanted Grotto

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What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas story trail and Santa's grotto experience.

Description:

At Borde Hill, children can explore the Garden on an uplifting Christmas story trail, 'Ivy's Sparkling Snow Ball Adventure,' or visit Santa in his grotto for a festive craft session and a special gift. The event offers an enchanting winter walk amidst stunning views, with opportunities to warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Where: Haywards Heath | More Info: Borde Hill Santa Grotto Experience

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What to Expect:

Immersive North Pole adventure with character meet-and-greets.

Description:

At Sussex Country Gardener, immerse yourself in a Christmas celebration featuring a delightful three-course Christmas lunch, festive evening events, and a Christmas wreath workshop. The Enchanted Grotto offers an immersive adventure through the North Pole, where children can meet characters like Juniper Jellybean and Father Christmas.

Where: Mark Cross | More Info: Sussex Country Gardener - The Enchanted Grotto

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What to Expect:

Festively decorated steam train journey with named gifts and festive activities.

Description:

The Kent & East Sussex Railway Santa Specials offer a 75-minute return steam train journey in festively decorated carriages. Each child receives an age-appropriate present addressed with their name, and babies under 18 months are free with a gift. The experience includes free unlimited rides on vintage gallopers, a free family photograph, and a visit to the station's Winter Wonderland. Adults enjoy complimentary mulled wine or hot drinks. Three packages are available: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each offering unique benefits.

Where: Tenterden | More Info: Kent & East Sussex Railway Santa Specials

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What to Expect:

Interactive elf training and private meet-and-greet with Father Christmas.

Description:

At Chatham Dockyard's Mission Christmas, families embark on a guided 45-minute adventure where children learn the art of elf magic and help Father Christmas prepare for the holiday season. Interactive activities and a private meet-and-greet with Father Christmas are included, along with a wrapped gift for each child and a special storybook.

Where: Chatham | More Info: Chatham Dockyard Mission Christmas

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What to Expect:

Unique blend of history and entertainment in a natural underground setting.

Description:

Explore the historic Chislehurst Caves, a labyrinth of tunnels with a rich history dating back thousands of years. Discover ancient mines, wartime shelters, and concert venues, all illuminated by lamp-lit guided tours.

Where: Chislehurst | More Info: Christmas at the Caves 2024

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