Christmas days out in Kent for the school holidays in December 2019

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

If once the kids have broken up from school you'd like to make the most of their time off with a Christmas-themed day out then look no further.

Here's 12 festive outings you can enjoy with the family before Christmas Day arrives.

Visit Santa's helpers at The Reindeer Centre

1. The Reindeer Centre, Bethersden near Ashford

Running until Christmas Eve

Festive fun for everyone is promised at The Reindeer Centre right up until Christmas. Alongside meeting Santa and his elves you feed the reindeer, visit the animal barn to meet goats, pigs, donkeys, llamas and guinea pigs and then let off steam in the popular straw bale ball pit or have fun in the artificial snow play.

Tickets from December 19 are £13 for adults and £18 for children (which includes a gift from Father Christmas). Booking details here.

Hever Castle has an interactive trail as part of its events

2. Christmas at Hever Castle

Daily until Christmas Eve

Embark on a magical journey down the rabbit hole and into the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland. Visit the beautifully decorated castle rooms with welcoming log fires and twinkling lights whilst outside in the grounds is a whimsical themed interactive trail as well as the chance to wander through the illuminated gardens at dusk.

Whilst pre-booked sessions to see Father Christmas in his grotto have now sold out there are drop-in opportunities at his Toy Workshop available to book on a first come first served basis on arrival on the day. For more details click here.

Can you find the 12 Days of Christmas at Chartwell?

3. 12 days of Christmas trail, Chartwell, Westerham

Running until Sunday, January 5

From the partridge in a pear tree in the orchard, swans a-swimming down the water feature and lords-a-leaping across the lawn - the 12 days of Christmas have come to life at Chartwell.

The National Trust's grounds are open every day apart from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and this special festive trail is available to join until the start of January.

Alongside normal admission prices, the trail costs £1 per person and families can discover the many characters from the well known festive rhyme during their walk. More details here.

4. Ice skating, countywide

Open until January

Kent has a number of outdoor ice rinks for the festive period and they welcome skaters of all ages and abilities. For a guide to all the ice rinks open in the county, and how to book, click here.

5. Winterland Margate

Running until New Years Eve

There are fairy light walks, a festive food and drink market, crafts and free festive film screenings, plus a giant snow globe to climb inside of whilst over at the Roller Disco Frosted FM will play Christmas bangers to skate along to.

Santa is in his grotto for the last time this weekend (Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22) when you can enjoy a one-hour walk-through which includes taking home reindeer food for Christmas Eve and meeting Santa's Elves and help them make it snow. Grotto tickets cost from £22.25. Details at dreamland.co.uk

6. A Truly Magical Christmas, Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch near Ashford

Wednesday, December 18 until Monday, December 23

A chance to meet Santa, festive interactive fun and entertainment, magical pantomime performances and a visit to the farm are all available as part of this truly festive day out.

Families need to book in advance, and select a timed slot for the grotto, and this can be done by clicking here.

7. Experience Christmas at Kent Life, Sandling near Maidstone

Thursday, December 19 until Monday, December 23

Ride the land train with the elves, wander into the barn to meet the animals or decorate some festive gingerbread! There is plenty of fun on the farm to be had at Kent Life in the run up to Christmas.

Grotto slots are currently sold out for the days before Christmas but there is still plenty of activities to enjoy. To book tickets or learn more click here.

8. Father Christmas at Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells

Thursday, December 19 until Christmas Eve

Visit Father Christmas in his beautifully decorated home, make Christmas decorations in the cafe, wander into the Enchanted Forest, look for Fallow deer which graze close to the edge of the forest or enjoy a ride about the festively decorated canal boat.

Groombridge Place is open daily up until Christmas Eve offering a magical outing for families looking for some fresh air and festive fun. Admission tickets can be booked with or without a visit to Santa included. To make a booking click here.

9. Santa Specials on the Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells

Friday, December 20 until Christmas Eve

Take a ride on a Santa Special for a festive memorable family day out this Christmas. The steam engine will take families on a picturesque journey through the Kent and Sussex countryside from Eridge to Tunbridge Wells and while on board all the children will receive a present from Father Christmas.

Upon arrival at Tunbridge Wells West you will be able to disembark to visit Father Christmas again for photos with him in his sleigh. There will also be mince pies for the adults and other entertainment at the stations. To learn more or make a booking click here.

Storytime with Santa in Maidstone. Have you booked?

10. Christmas Storytelling Sessions with Santa, Fremlin Walk, Maidstone

Friday, December 20 until Christmas Eve

Father Christmas is preparing for his final few storytelling sessions with children in Maidstone. Entry to his festive cabin is free, but sessions must be pre-booked because demand is high. To book your children's visit please click here.

11. The Nutcracker, Marlowe Theatre

Sunday, December 22 until Sunday, December 29

Lets All Dance provides stunning dancing, much loved music and crystal clear storytelling in this classic treat of a show for children of all ages. The performance lasts just one hour, making it the perfect introduction for younger audiences. The last few remaining tickets, which are £11.50 each, are available by clicking here.

12. Dartford FC Supporters Association Children's Christmas Party,

Sunday, December 22

Primary-school aged children are being invited to join Christmas parties taking place at The Princes Suite at Dartford FC this weekend.

Two parties are taking place on Sunday, the first between 10am and noon and the second between 1pm and 3pm. The cost is £7 per youngster and will include cookie decorating, party games, crafts and a disco and every child takes home a party bag.

Children are welcome to come as a group of friends or individuals and clubs or organisations such as dance groups, football teams or brownies are also welcome to join the fun. To make an inquiry/booking telephone Debbie on 07803 581 063.