December is now underway, which means that the countdown to Christmas Day has begun! Whether you are looking for fantastic food treats to enjoy or are planning on some festive family fun, Tunbridge Wells has a sparkling selection of Christmas activities to enjoy. Below we share some of our favourite local festivities happening this year in or around our wonderful town.

Visit Santa’s Grotto

Get ready for a magical Christmas at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells as the return of the much loved magical Santa’s Grotto is back, to book from 1st  November across selected dates. He has a special gift for every one of his little visitors and take home a souvenir photo to capture the wonderful moment.

Join THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at the Spa Valley Railway

Your adventure starts exactly like the film, with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ collecting your whole family from Spa Valley Railway to start your magical journey to the North Pole and back. You’ll meet all the icons from the beloved movie, including the Conductor, dancing chefs, a mysterious ghost, and of course the magical Santa Claus himself. This family Christmas experience is available on selected dates from 17th November to 23rd December.

The Pantiles Christmas market

The Pantiles Christmas Market is the ideal way to spend the weekend finding special gifts and treats, from between 18th November until 24th December. Featuring a wide variety of local produce, tasty treats, designer clothes and artisan crafts there is something for everyone. With a host of festive themes, guest traders and ever-changing ranges from your favourite regular stalls, there’s no better way to embrace the season in Tunbridge Wells!

Breakfast with Santa 

Indulge in a tasty breakfast with the whole family this Christmas at One Warwick Park Hotel. Santa will be joining the hotel on 16th and 24th December for a very special meet and greet. Share magical stories and tell him all your Christmas wishes while you tuck into some delicious food! Tickets cost £18.50 per adult and £9.25 for children.

Festive fun at The Trinity Theatre

The Trinity theatre will be showing every little one’s favourite Disney film, Frozen, from 1st to 3rd December. The show will bring Elsa, Ana and the Kingdom of Arendelle to Tunbridge Wells!

However, the main event for Trinity this year is their pantomime, Cinderella, performed between 9th to 31st December. Suitable for children aged five and upwards, this show is full of Christmas magic. The fairy godmother, Cinders and those awful stepsisters are back – a show not to miss!

Christmas at The Amelia Scott

Produced and performed by leading industry talents, ‘Little Owl and the Christmas Lights’ is a show commissioned especially for The Amelia Scott, between 8th to 24th December. This family show is the perfect Christmas experience for all children from the very young through to early school years. Ticket prices include a free gift, a free downloadable activity pack and are just £10 each.

You can also stock up on handmade Christmas gifts at The Amelia Christmas Market. Get the kids involved with glitter tattoos, hair extensions and facepainting. You might even see an appearance from a very special Christmas guest!

Ice Skating at Calverley Grounds

 The open-air ice rink, Skate, is back at Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells for its 13th year. It opens on 1st December and runs all the way through until 1st January, 2024. As with previous years, there will be a toddler rink an adult rink, plus the Polar Bar to grab sweet treats, mulled wine and local beers.

We are so grateful to be a part of such a lively and engaged community and hope you have a chance to enjoy many of the special Christmas events that are happening this year. Head to our Instagram and Facebook page as we will be revealing more of our favourite Christmas community events in Tunbridge Wells and beyond throughout December!