Christmas events happening this weekend in Kent including Kent Life Nativity and Walmer Castle lights trail
An enchanting lights trail, taste of wartime Christmas and a real life Nativity - not to mention a two-day Dickensian Christmas.
Here's our pick of this weekend's festive events for families.
Enchanted Lights Trail, Walmer Castle, Deal
From Thursday, December 5
The Enchanted Lights Trail runs on select dates at Walmer Castle from December 5 until December 22. There will be tunnels and paths of twinkling lights, dancing fairies and wise talking trees as well as fairground rides, mulled wine and festive snacks.
There is limited availability now for many sessions at Walmer Castle but waiting lists are also operating in the event of cancellations. English Heritage is also offering a similar trail at Eltham Palace for those families closer to north Kent. More information available here.
'Preparing for Christmas', The Old Forge Wartime House, Sittingbourne
Saturday, December 7
Find out more about how Christmas was celebrated when there was a war on with a visit to Sittingbourne's Wartime House Christmas event. The living history attraction will include a Christmas party for youngsters (available to pre-book), wreath making, craft activities for children and a real taste of life in the 1940s in the midst of the Second World War.
A family ticket to vist the house is £12. For all the details, and information on how to book and pay for a space at the wartime Christmas party for children, please click here.
Christmas at the Castle, Whitstable Castle
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Mulled wine, mince pies, live music, Christmas gift stalls, and the arrival of Santa will all form part of Christmas at the Castle this Saturday and Sunday.
Events take place on both days from 11am until 4pm.
To learn more click here.
Santa's Tractor Ride, Betteshanger Park near Deal
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Climb aboard Santa's tractor and ride around the magical Betteshanger Park. Take in the beautiful views and watch out for some of Santa's festive surprises. Rides are running across both Saturday and Sunday and on other weekends in December in the run up to Christmas. Tickets are £8 and one adult goes free with each child. You could even pair up your tractor ride with a visit to Father Christmas as well. To learn more to make a booking please click here.
The Winter Forest and Glow International, Ashford
Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7
A trail of illuminated trees will guide visitors around Ashford town centre and Elwick Place this weekend. The trees are Ashford-themed showcasing the town's history, landmarks and famous residents. The installations, which hope to create the feel of a woodland wintery walk, is running 3pm to 8pm on Friday and noon until 8pm on Saturday. The event is part of the Illuminites project to light up Ashford throughout December. For a guide to the other events planned click here.
Farm Nativity, Kent Life, Sandling near Maidstone
Sunday, December 8
Experience a living Nativity with Kent Life's very own farmyard friends. The event which is run with the Maidstone Family Church allows visitors to discover the nativity scenes through the grounds of the attraction and to join in some traditional Christmas Carolling.
Visiting children are even encouraged to dress up and join in the nativity - with organisers saying they are always glad to see angels, wise men and farmyard stock!
The nativity starts at 3pm and is included in the general admission cost of visiting Kent Life. To learn more click here.
Dickensian Christmas, Rochester
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
The Dickensian Christmas Festival in Rochester is taking place this weekend promising a feast of Victorian delights, costumed characters, parades and an open air carol concert.
The event runs on both days from 10am until 5.30pm. Don't forget to also visit the neighbouring Rochester Christmas Market and funfair in the grounds of the castle.
There is a park and ride service running from the University of Kent Medway campus car park which costs £1 per adult return journey and under 16s free. To learn more about all events and activities click here.
Winterland Margate, Dreamland
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8
Escape to a magical Christmas world down by the sea this December as Dreamland presents Winterland Margate from this weekend. The theme park's festive attractions open this weekend and include a grotto, winter market, festive food and drink, free festive film screenings, and a selection of seasonal rides. Visits to see Father Christmas can be pre-booked and ride wristbands are also available to buy in advance.
After this weekend Winterland Margate will reopen for December 14 and 15 and then daily between December 21 and 31 - excluding Christmas Day. There will also be shorter opening hours of noon until 4pm on Christmas Eve. For the latest details visit dreamland.co.uk/winterland-margate
