30th November - 21st December
Kent is known as the Garden of England, a county with a glorious natural landscape, stunning heritage coastline, award-winning attractions, offering an array of top-quality outdoor events all year round. Featuring a UNESCO World Heritage Site, numerous Blue Flag Beaches, historical, TV and film links and a whole host of seasonal events, ensures you'll find something different and something to love on every visit. Head to Kent in 2024/2025 and get into the festival spirit with a visit to one of the many free events (F) happening across the county.
Don't miss the magical Christmas World coming to Dreamland, Margate (14th/15th/20th - 23rd December) or the new exhibition 'Preserve by Anya Gallaccio' at the Turner Contemporary (F) (on now until 12th January 2025). Enjoy a visit to see Father Christmas at Dover Castle (30th November - 22nd December) or celebrate Christmas at Walmer Castle with a Georgian Christmas Extravaganza (on until 21st December). Try a tree top adventure with Go Ape at Leeds Castle, Maidstone or Bedgebury National Pinetum, Cranbrook - an exhilirating experience to enjoy during the Christmas holidays.
In 2025, Kent will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner and his connections to Margate. He came to live here when he was 11, a romantic painter, many of us see him everyday as he has featured on the British £20 note since 2020. Look out for a host of events throughout the year celebrating the artists work, his life and the Kent coast that inspired him.
To find out what's on in Kent today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. Kent is a popular destination for day trips from London and for European travellers arriving in the UK by sea so events celebrating culture, food, and music are never far away.
The family-friendly coastal seaside resorts such as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate have events calendars geared for keeping kids entertained whether it's during the holidays or for a weekend break. Historic Dover, medieval Sandwich and maritime Deal provide destinations ideal for a seaside getaway, a walking holiday or a cultural break by the sea. Whilst Maidstone, the event's capital of Kent, makes for an ideal base for festival goers, adventure weekenders or for exploring this beautiful county.
Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Kent, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Kent. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button or by scrolling through the events listing.
Number of results: 41
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Other
Faversham
Step into the peaceful surroundings of Belmont House and take time to be inspired by the seasonal beauty for this linocut workshop.
You'll begin the workshop in The Orangery, where your tutor, Rachel, will introduce you to the linocut process with…
Other
Faversham
Discover the wonderful world of glass fusing. This session will give you a great introduction to working with glass. You will create two items which could be a 10cm coaster/light catcher or garden stake/ornament.
This workshop is designed to be fun…
Christmas
Margate
This festive season, Father Christmas is flying back to Margate Caves for our ever-popular Christmas at the Caves event.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
The highlight of the event will be visiting Father Christmas in his magical grotto where children can select a gift of choice from the well-stocked toy shop. You can also graduate from elf school, snuggle up in front of some Christmas films, visit…
Christmas
Higham, Rochester
Join the Dickens Theatre Company in the unique setting of Gad's Hill Place, the former home of Charles Dickens, for their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian classic.
Exhibitions
Chatham
The internationally acclaimed exhibition, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, is making its UK debut at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Designed by Certified Professional Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught in partnership with the Australian National…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
Theatre
Folkestone
Introducing a brand-new producer for this year's pantomime, Second Star Productions and Leas Cliff Hall are proud to present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Why go and see it?
Whether you're a lifelong fan of pantomime or experiencing this seasonal…
Theatre
Chatham
Taking to the stage from Thursday 12 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. Following the tremendous success of the smash hit, Aladdin, we're thrilled to present a LARGER-THAN-LIFE adventure!
Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the lovable Clarabelle the…
Other
Faversham
Join us for a fun and creative journey into the art of needle felting! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to transform sheep's wool into an adorable mouse. Whether you're an experienced crafter or a beginner, this session provides a…
Christmas
Ramsgate
Traditional christmas family pantomime fun.
Watch Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and the Darling children on their adventures to Neverland.
Filled with laughter, music, and dazzling special effects to entertain all
Christmas
Cobham, Gravesend
Join us for our Christmas concert in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of the 13th-century St. Mary Magdalene Church, in our picturesque home village of Cobham. A festive evening of traditional Christmas music, alongside some lighter…
Christmas
Dover
Visit Father Christmas at Dover Castle, Kent this December for a magical way to start the festive season.
Family
Station Road, Tenterden
We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…
Free Event
Gravesend
This fantastic free two-day light festival comes to Gravesend Town centre on the 24th & 25th January 2025, bringing light to the dark days of winter.
Tour
Dover
Discover the stories and history of the tunnels under Dover Castle, Kent with a Dumpy Level Tunnel Tour
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air. Curious About Canterbury visits not just the obvious places, but…
Christmas
Lock Ln, Maidstone
There's still a whole host of festive fun, join in with games on the green, take a fun farm ride or get creative in the paint-a-pot studio. There's also indoor and outdoor play to enjoy or take the time to explore our range of historic buildings all…
Christmas
Kent
A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – festive fun at historic and glamorous Leeds Castle
Created by award-winning international producers of light trails, Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle has everything you need for an unforgettable time with…
Christmas
Ramsgate
A new festival in Ramsgate will bring a vibrant, six week long celebration, illuminating the town from November 24.
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