CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY
CHRISTMAS : THE MOST MAGICAL TIME TO EXPERIENCE KENT AND ALL ITS WONDERFUL FESTIVITIES . FROM UNRIVALLED CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND DELICIOUS FESTIVE MENUS TO YULETIDE TRADITIONS TAKING PLACE IN HISTORICAL VENUES , KENT ’ S BIG TOWNS ARE SIMPLY AGLOW WITH ALL THE DELIGHTS OF THIS SPECTACULAR SEASON .
© Pete Tizer
There ’ s nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of a town at Christmastime ; with such contagious excitement in the air , it is impossible not to absorb those welcome feelings of merriment and yuletide joy . Kent ’ s only city , Canterbury , sparkles with all the traditions of Christmas we cherish the most . As the chiming bells of the ancient cathedral ring out over the city , visitors can enjoy everything from high-end gift shopping and an eclectic foodie scene to cosy pubs and traditional pantomime at the spectacular Marlowe Theatre . From a medieval city to a Georgian town , Kent also boasts the elegance of Tunbridge Wells with its colonnaded pantiles adorned with glittering lights , this royal spa town sets the perfect scene for a day spent exploring independent shops , buzzy bars and sophisticated restaurants .
Tunbridge Wells also claims some of the county ’ s most luxurious hotels meaning a visit here can be taken at your leisure , safe in the knowledge that you have an opulent sanctuary at which to rest and spend the night . From the elegance of the Georgian era , Kent is also home to the atmospheric scenes of historic Rochester ; a town celebrated for its ties to Charles Dickens . No one celebrated Christmas quite like his contemporary Victorians , whose yuletide traditions were closely detailed in his works - most notably in A Christmas Carol . Wander around the same lamplit streets as Dickens once did , decked with pretty evergreen wreaths and full of the liveliness of Rochester ’ s Christmas market , before venturing to the warmth of a quirky tearoom or delving into the town ’ s history at a museum .
The City of Canterbury
Granted a City Charter long ago in 1448 , Canterbury has remained Kent ’ s only official city and its greatest historical and architectural marvel is of course the ancient cathedral to which pilgrims have trekked across the globe to visit for centuries . A catalyst for rich history and culture , the cathedral has influenced the character of Canterbury , shaping and nurturing it for centuries . Its unique quirks and stories seep through winding streets and historic buildings just waiting to be admired and discovered . The cathedral also sets a very traditional tone for Christmas . A life-size nativity scene can be admired in the grounds amongst fir trees festooned with lights against the backdrop of glowing stained-glass windows . Canterbury Cathedral welcomes visitors of all faiths and offers a peaceful oasis of history and spirituality away from the throng of the city .
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