Christmas markets, lights switch-ons, Santa's grottos, pantomimes, carol concerts and festive days out, gathered in one place. From town-centre switch-ons and craft fairs to winter light trails and steam-train Santa specials, here's what's on near you this Christmas, with dates, times and prices so you can plan the season.
The listings
1
· 10:30 – 15:30
Hever Castle Christmas Fair
Get a head start on Christmas shopping at Hever Castle's Christmas Fair, held in the Guthrie Pavilion in the grounds of Anne Boleyn's fairytale childhood home. Stalls of gifts, crafts, homeware and festive food make it one of the first and most popular fairs of the season in west Kent.
Open 10.30am to 3.30pm, with tickets at £10 for adults and concessions and £5 for children.
2
· 10:00 – 16:00
Chiddingstone Castle Christmas Fair
Chiddingstone Castle's Christmas Fair brings festive shopping to one of Kent's most romantic country houses, set in lakeside grounds beside a picture-perfect Tudor village. Browse stalls of gifts, crafts and seasonal treats, then warm up in the tearoom or take a turn around the castle grounds.
Tickets are £8 in advance. Combine it with a stroll through Chiddingstone village for a properly festive day in the Kent countryside.
3
· 15:00 – 17:30
Sevenoaks Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sevenoaks gets into the festive spirit with its Christmas lights switch-on along the High Street, a cheerful community afternoon in the heart of this handsome market town. Festivities run from 3pm to 5.30pm, with the Mayor switching on the lights at 4.30pm.
It's free to come along, and the town's independent shops, cafés and pubs make it easy to turn it into a festive afternoon out.