Last updated: 11 November 2024
Plan your holiday festivities in Dartford with ease! Our guide has all the best events and activities. Whether you're a Dartford native or a curious explorer, this guide illuminates the city's festive charm.
One highlights of the season is the delightful Christmas at Bewl Water, where you can enjoy scenic winter walks and festive activities in a picturesque lakeside setting. The Chiddingstone Castle Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas offers a charming experience, combining delicious treats with the opportunity to meet Santa himself. And definitely don't forget the Royal Victoria Place Father Christmas Experience, where families can enjoy enchanting displays and interactive festive fun. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Dartford Holiday Light Displays
Big Christmas Switch On 2024
- What to Expect
- Live performances and festive atmosphere in Brewery Square.
- Description
- Join us in Brewery Square for a lively celebration as Dartford turns on its Christmas lights. Enjoy acts on stage and fun entertainment around the town centre.
- Where
- Dartford | More Info : Big Christmas Switch On 2024
Dartford Holiday Markets and Shopping
Canterbury Christmas Market 2024
- What to Expect
- Traditional German-style wooden huts with live music and seasonal treats.
- Description
- The Canterbury Christmas Market 2024 offers a variety of Christmas-themed stalls, delicious food and drink, and live music in the heart of historic Canterbury. Explore handcrafted ornaments, unique gifts, and beautiful decorations amidst the festive ambience.
- Where
- Canterbury | More Info : Canterbury Christmas Market 2024
Dartford Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Royal Victoria Place Father Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa experience with a luxury gift for each child.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas at Royal Victoria Place, where children can enjoy a special visit and receive a luxury wrapped gift.
- Where
- Tunbridge Wells | More Info : Royal Victoria Place Father Christmas Experience
Hobbledown Father Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive Father Christmas experience in a zoo setting.
- Description
- Hobbledown offers a unique Father Christmas experience where children can meet and interact with the jolly figure amidst a variety of farm and zoo animals, adventure play areas, and interactive activities.
- Where
- Epsom | More Info : Hobbledown Father Christmas
Christmas World 2024
- What to Expect
- Live performances and interactive storytelling in a festive setting.
- Description
- Step into the world of The Nutcracker at Leeds Castle, where beautifully decorated rooms and live performances bring the classic tale to life. Explore towering nutcracker soldiers, shimmering snowflakes, and elegant ballerinas as you journey through the grand ballroom of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Land of Sweets. Delight in meeting live characters inspired by the classic tale, and marvel at stunning Christmas trees adorned with festive spirit.
- Where
- Maidstone | More Info : Christmas World 2024
Christmas at the Caves 2024
- What to Expect
- Festive light tour through historic underground tunnels.
- Description
- Explore the labyrinthine tunnels of Chislehurst Caves, illuminated by festive lights, and delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this underground venue.
- Where
- Chislehurst | More Info : Christmas at the Caves 2024
Dartford Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Bewl Water
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas activities in an enchanted woodland setting.
- Description
- Christmas at Bewl Water offers an immersive family experience with activities like Santa's Post Office, Elf Hunt, and workshops, culminating in a private meet and greet with Santa Claus.
- Where
- Lamberhurst | More Info : Christmas at Bewl Water
Chiddingstone Castle Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling and festive activities with Father Christmas.
- Description
- Join Father Christmas for a special storytime in the White Rose Room at Chiddingstone Castle, followed by a delightful afternoon tea in the Great Hall. During your dining experience, Father Christmas will greet each table individually, find out what's on the children's Christmas lists, and gift them with goody bags. Afterward, embark on a festive trail to help complete Denys's Christmas list and visit the Christmas craft marquee to get creative.
- Where
- Chiddingstone | More Info : Chiddingstone Castle Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials
- What to Expect
- Steam train journey with Santa visit and age-related gifts.
- Description
- The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway offers a traditional Santa Specials experience with a steam train journey from New Romney to Hythe, seasonal refreshments, and a visit to Santa in his grotto. Each child receives a quality, age-related gift. The event includes a visit to the Model Railway Exhibition and optional All-Day Festive Breakfast.
- Where
- New Romney | More Info : Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Santa Specials
Chatham Dockyard Mission Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas story with a personal visit from Father Christmas.
- Description
- Step into the secret sub-station at Chatham Historic Dockyard and join the Elf Academy, where you'll learn the tricks and trade of making toys and wrapping presents. After graduating, you'll meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift as a reward for your help.
- Where
- Chatham | More Info : Chatham Dockyard Mission Christmas
Blackberry Farm Father Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities with farm animals.
- Description
- At Blackberry Farm, meet Father Christmas in a charming setting where children can enjoy festive activities and interact with friendly farm animals.
- Where
- Maidstone | More Info : Blackberry Farm Father Christmas
Borde Hill Santa Grotto Experience
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas story trail and personalized Santa visits.
- Description
- At Borde Hill, children can write letters to Santa and explore the Garden on an uplifting Christmas story trail. For an additional charge, they can visit Santa in his grotto, where each child will receive a Christmas gift. The event includes festive crafts in Santa's Workshop and a visit to see Santa individually, making it a special moment for every child.
- Where
- Haywards Heath | More Info : Borde Hill Santa Grotto Experience
Santa's House 2024
- What to Expect
- Special quiet sessions for children with special needs.
- Description
- Santa's House 2024 is a six-day event where children can meet Santa, receive a gift, and enjoy entertainment. The event includes a quiet session each Sunday at 9:30 AM to assist those with special education needs or disabilities.
- Where
- Dartford | More Info : Santa's House 2024
Christmas Wreath Making
- What to Expect
- Hands-on crafting of Christmas wreaths in a scenic park setting.
- Description
- Create your own Christmas wreath using natural materials during a guided walk around Darenth Country Park.
- Where
- Dartford | More Info : Christmas Wreath Making
The Elf Express 2024
- What to Expect
- Tractor ride through Quex Park with festive activities.
- Description
- The Elf Express at Quex Park offers a family-friendly Christmas adventure with a tractor ride through beautiful Quex Park, dancing elves, and spectacular Christmas lights. Enjoy festive activities like a German BBQ, toasting marshmallows, and warm beverages at the Christmas Coffee Shop.
- Where
- Tonbridge | More Info : The Elf Express 2024