ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT intheDIARY
DECEMBER 2024
UNTIL 24 DECEMBER MISSION CHRISTMAS The Historic Dockyard Chatham , Chatham www . thedockyard . co . uk Time : 10am - 6pm Price : £ 16 ( adult ), £ 7- £ 23 ( child )
Brand-new festive adventure Mission Christmas has arrived at The Historic Dockyard Chatham with visitors invited to discover the secret that elves and sub-station workers have been guarding for generations ! Join the fun at the magical Elf Academy , where you will learn all the tricks of the trade including making toys , wrapping presents and even helping with the deliveries in order to become an official Elf Apprentice ! Each family will have the chance to experience a personal visit with Father Christmas and receive a special gift to take home .
UNTIL 5 JANUARY SKATE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Calverley Grounds , Tunbridge Wells www . assemblyhalltheatre . co . uk Time : 10am - 8pm ( various time slots ) Price : £ 14 ( adult ), £ 7 ( child )
Calverley Grounds has transformed once again into a magical ice rink for the festive season . Whether you are a pro-skater or popping on your skates for the very first time , wrap up warm and prepare to experience the thrill of skating under the ice rinks atmospheric twinkling lights - perfect for getting into the festive spirit this Christmas . The outdoor ice rink and festive stalls are located only a five-minute walk from Tunbridge Wells train station and town centre ; ideal for pairing with a visit to the hotspot ’ s many shops .
1 , 7 , 8 , 15 , 22 & 23 DECEMBER FATHER CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA & BREAKFAST Chiddingstone Castle , Edenbridge www . chiddingstonecastle . org . uk Time : 9.30am , 12pm , 2.30pm Price : £ 35 ( adult ), £ 40 ( child )
Get ready for an enchanting new Christmas experience this winter ! Arrive at Chiddingstone Castle and step into the magical White Rose Room for a special storytime , before moving into the Great Hall for a scrumptious breakfast or afternoon tea . During your dining experience , Father Christmas will drop by each table individually and hand out goody bags to all the children . After you have eaten , follow the Festive Trail to discover more of the castle and get creative in the Christmas craft marquee .
1 - 31 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS AT CAVE HOTEL Cave Hotel , nr Canterbury www . cavehotels . com Time : Various Price : From £ 30
A visit to the acclaimed hotel , Cave , is unmissable this season as they announce a jam-packed calendar of events this Christmas . Running from 1 - 23 December , book in for a Festive Afternoon Tea at the hotel ’ s Cowgirl Lounge , or , on selected dates , gather friends and family for a lavish Christmas party in the Korean Cowgirl restaurant . To round off an unforgettable season , guests are invited for a mouthwatering lunch with all the trimmings on Christmas Day , or to join the various New Year ’ s Eve experiences also on offer .
ACROSS THE BORDER !
UNTIL 30 DECEMBER LEONARDSLEE LIGHTS 2024 Horsham , West Sussex www . leonardsleegardens . co . uk / lights Time : Lights operating 4.15pm – 8.15pm Price : £ 17.50 ( adult ), £ 10.50 ( child )
This December , visitors to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Horsham are invited to experience a breathtaking after-dark light trail as the grounds transform into an enchanting realm awash with light , sound and colour . Now in its sixth year , this spectacular annual winter light trail is back with a brand-new route and promises to be bigger , better and even more magical than before , running on select nights until 30 December with a sensory-friendly Quiet Night on 5 December . www . insidekent . co . uk • 15