IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS
Salomons Estate is offering little ones the chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves a number of times during December. During the Cosy Grotto visit children will get to do some festive colouring, participate in a Christmas treasure trail, do some gingerbread decorating and enjoy a hot chocolate. The meet and greets take place on December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. In addition to this there will also be the opportunity to dine on a roast dinner with Santa on Sunday December 12 and on Christmas Eve there will also be a chance to have breakfast with him and his Elves too – but be quick as tickets are selling fast!
For more information, tickets and timings visit Salomons Estate
SANTA BABY
Father Christmas is back at The Hop Farm during selected dates this December so why not take your little ones along to meet him in person in his magical grotto? This walk-through experience includes photo opportunities, a Christmas gift and entry to the family park and animal farm.
The visits run from December 4 to 23 at The Hop Farm
RICHARD DURRANT’S CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CONCERT
On Wednesday December 15 at 8pm musician Richard Durrant will be holding his annual and much-loved candlelit Christmas concert at Trinity theatre. In addition to Richard playing some festive tunes with a folkish twist he will be joined by a few very special guests including Amy Kakoura, Brian Gulland, and Django and Felix Durrant. For more information trinitytheatre
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
A whole host of festive frivolities are happening at the Sussex Country Gardener near Mark Cross this December. Choose from breakfast or afternoon tea with Santa, indulge in some late night shopping or a trip around the venue’s great value Christmas Grotto. sussexcountrygardener
MARKET VALUE
On December 10 there will be a nocturnal festive market in Cranbrook. Packed full of stalls selling all manner of artisan gifts, delicious food and tempting treats, it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit – with a mulled wine or two.
FESTIVE FUN
A visit to Father Christmas is sold out at Hever, however you can still experience their garden festivities in order to feel merry. Begin on the Pinocchio Christmas Trail, enjoy a ride at the fairground, peruse the Christmas shops, meet the huskies – yes really – and, after 4pm, follow the magical Christmas light trail. The festivities run throughout December until January 3. More information can be found at hevercastle
AN ILLUMINATING IDEA FOR ALL
One of the best places to experience a little sprinkling of festive magic is at Bedgebury Pinetum and the illuminating adventure runs until December 31. Take a walk through the stunning floodlit forest and marvel at the many colourfully lit trees and shrubs and Christmas trees floating on boats. Tickets and timings can be found at christmasatbedgebury but tickets are selling fast!
ICE COOL BABY
The town’s popular ice rink is now open again for the festive season. In addition to the two rinks, the smaller of which is reserved for young children and their parents and carers, there’s the popular Polar Bar serving all manner of refreshments. And for the first time the Fine Grind coffee shop has a pop up there. Tickets are priced according to the times you visit and start at £15 per adult. Santa Claus is also dropping by and certain times and there will also be the opportunity to dance with some Disney Princesses! Open until January 3 you can find out more at assemblyhalltheatre
THE POWER OF PERFECT PANTO
There are several brilliant local pantos going on in the area over the Christmas period. In addition to the Assembly Hall Theatre’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – which stars Strictly’s Head Judge Shirley Ballas and runs from December 17 until January 3 – you can see Rapunzel at the EM Fortser theatre (December 10 to January 2) and The Prince & The Pauper at Trinity (December 8 to January 2).
Tickets can be booked at their websites:
