Mistletoe, mulled wine and mince pies, Christmas in Tunbridge Wells is a truly magical time of year and with somewhat halfhearted celebrations last year, the year before, and the year before, people up and down the country are going bigger and better than ever before.
So, whether you’re looking for a cosy place to feast on the best Christmas dinner, a festive and fun filled day out for the whole family, or want to meet the man in red himself, we’ve put together a list of some of the best events happening in Tunbridge Wells this Christmas.
Choose your own Christmas tree
Decorating the Christmas tree while listening to Michael Bublè (obligatory) has to be top of all Christmas traditions. But even better? Hand picking the perfect tree yourself! Not only is choosing a real Christmas tree from a local Tunbridge Wells business the ultimate festive day out for you and the family, but it’s eco friendly too! (Bonus!) Hole Park is the only Christmas tree grower registered with Produced in Kent and boasts membership with the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).
Located on the B2086 between the villages of Benenden and Rolvenden, you can choose your fresh home-grown tree seven days a week from 10am until 4pm from the last week of November. What better way to kick off the seasonal spirit!
Indulge in a festive afternoon tea
Tis the season for unashamed over-indulgence! Few things are as quintessentially British as an afternoon tea, so when better to enjoy the decadent affair than at Christmas. Join us on November 21st where, until December 23rd, our guests can toast their teacups and enjoy some yuletide feasting as we’ve given our afternoon tea menu a festive shake-up! Expect classic Christmas favourites including brie, bacon, and cranberry finger sandwiches, orange, white chocolate and cranberry scones and white forest Christmas gateau! Who else’s mouth is watering?
Go ice skating
Ice skating in Tunbridge Wells is a seasonal must, and as the festive months loom, the jolly n-’ice’ activity is beginning to fill the diaries of families all over town. Calverley Grounds is home to one of the best ice rinks in Kent and on November 18th, SKATE is returning for the twelfth year running!
The magnificent ice rink attracts visitors from far and wide and is THE Christmas event in Tunbridge Wells – although note, early booking has been advised as sessions sell out fast!
Visit Santa’s Grotto
With a little mulled wine and enough mince pies we’ve managed to bribe Santa (and his elves) to visit Salomons Estate this Christmas! From December 18th – 23rd, bring your little ones along to enjoy a magical day out to meet Father Christmas and his merry elves, Sprinkle and Star. Help the elves decorate some delicious gingerbread houses, learn about the reindeers’ favourite food, and go on a magical Christmas trail before sitting down with the man in red himself for a yummy cup of hot chocolate. On the nice list? A Christmas gift might just be in store before the end of the day!
Board The Polar Express
This Christmas, The Polar Express will be arriving at Spa Valley Railway for a spectacular and unique festive experience. The adventure will start exactly like the film as the Polar Express collects your whole family to start the magical journey to the North Pole and back. Meet your favourite icons from the beloved movie, savour warming hot chocolate and receive a special gift from Santa Clause himself as you enjoy a gloriously immersive theatre experience!
When you arrive back at Tunbridge Wells, there are yet more marvels. You can write a letter to Santa, see who in your family has been naughty or nice and check out the gift shop for special souvenirs. This is a truly wondrous Christmas adventure.
Dine with Santa
On December 11th, Santa and his elves will be joining us for a three course Sunday roast to give them some much-needed fuel during the busy Christmas season, and he has invited you to join them! Indulge in a festive spread fit for the whole family as Santa makes his way round to listen to all your dreams and Christmas wishes. Can’t make it? Don’t fret! Santa will be returning on Christmas Eve for a hearty breakfast feast to prepare himself for a night of present dropping. On his nice list? You might just receive an early gift!
Explore a Magical Elf Trail
A magical Christmas adventure for you and your little ones awaits at Bewl Water. Santa’s elves have gone missing in the enchanted forest, and he needs your help! Can your very own little elves help Santa find his? Explore the trail and search for hidden clues which will lead you to a special seasonal treat at the end.
Open from December 1st, the magical elf trail will be ready to explore throughout the month with no bookings required. Head to the Waterfront café for your map and let the festive adventure begin!
Pop Open the Bubbly
On the hunt for a special Christmas bash? The kind that will be talked about amongst your friends, family, and colleagues for months to come? This December at Salomons Estate we will be hosting several Christmas party nights to kickstart the festive celebrations in style – and you’re invited!
Dates are yet to be confirmed; however, guests can expect a host of treats to get their teeth stuck into as they find themselves feasting on a delicious three course festive spread before dancing the night away with plenty of bubbles to keep them going.
Whether you’re treating your colleagues or have been put in charge to organise the Christmas-do amongst your friends, our Hollywood Glamour themed party nights are sure to impress.
Enjoy an Intimate Festive Gathering
From fluffy roasties to steaming puds, One Warwick Park Hotel is kicking off the Christmas celebrations early this year and are welcoming guests to indulge in a private and festive dining experience. This intimate celebration is perfect for a festive get together and allows diners to book exclusive room hire for up to 12 guests. Enjoy a private and dedicated experience from your very own waiter before indulging in a yuletide feast prepared by the hotel’s expert banqueting team.
Christmas Lunch at Salomons Estate
As much as we love Santa’s grotto and letting loose at the office party, we all know the real winner is Christmas lunch. And as one of the top spots in Tunbridge Wells to indulge in a festive feast, it would only be right to do all the hard work for you and invite you down to Salomons Estate this Christmas!
Surrounded by 36 acres of picturesque grounds steeped in rich history, our Victorian manor house makes for the perfect location to spend Christmas day with your loved ones. Sit back, relax, and forget about the washing up as our banqueting team take care of Christmas lunch for you.
Get stuffing with roast Turkey breast, chocolate fondant and more as you enjoy a four-course feast complete with mini mince pies and a sweet gift for all the family. Tables are available from mid-day until 4.00pm and bookings cost £90 per adult.
More information and our menu can be found here, and bookings can be made on Open Table.
