Christmas Places in Tunbridge Wells

The Pantiles' colonnaded Georgian promenade makes a wonderfully atmospheric setting for Tunbridge Wells' boutique Christmas markets. Stalls of independent makers, artisan food and thoughtful gifts line the historic walkway, with the surrounding cafés, wine bars and restaurants on hand for a warming drink between purchases. The markets run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-November, then every day in the final week before Christmas, from 11am until 8pm (closing at 6pm on Christmas Eve). A lovely, unhurried alternative to the big-city markets.

Tunbridge Wells kicks off the festive season at Royal Victoria Place with a free day of Christmas fun, building up to the big moment when the town's lights are switched on at 4.30pm. The centre is open from 9am to 7pm, with festive activities through the day, the Window Wonderland shop window competition and the opening of Father Christmas's Enchanted Cabin grotto (a separate paid, pre-booked experience). It's free to come along with no booking needed, so wrap up and make an afternoon of it in town.

The grounds of Tonbridge Castle, with its mighty Norman gatehouse as a backdrop, are transformed for three festive weekends of stalls, seasonal food and drink and family fun. It's free to wander in and soak up the atmosphere, with a Father Christmas grotto (£15) for little ones. The Fest runs 27–29 November, 3–6 December and 10–13 December: weekdays from 1pm to 7pm and weekends from 10.30am to 7pm, so there's time to visit after school or make a day of it with a riverside stroll.

Tonbridge High Street hosts the Rotary Christmas Festival, a free community celebration that brings the town together at the start of the festive season. Organised by the local Rotary club, it's a chance to browse festive stalls, support good causes and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere in the centre of town. Free to attend; it runs from 1.45pm to 6pm, though many of the stalls open earlier.

The Assembly Hall Theatre's family pantomime is a Tunbridge Wells Christmas tradition, and this year it's the timeless rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella. Expect a sparkling transformation scene, a dashing prince, the most outrageous Ugly Sisters, slapstick, songs and plenty of chances to shout "he's behind you!" Performances run from 12 to 31 December, mostly at 1pm and 5pm, with tickets from £20. There's a BSL-interpreted performance on 30 December at 1pm and a relaxed performance the same day at 5pm.