DAYSOUT
Festival of Carols with Living Nativity at Canterbury Cathedral , Canterbury 15 Dec 2024 // canterbury-cathedral . org
SCOTNEY CASTLE
What better way is there to enjoy Christmas music this season than to celebrate its acoustic origins ? Since the earliest recorded Christmas carol dating back to Rome in 129 AD , carols have been sung for hundreds of years across towns and cities , with choirs congregating in historic buildings such as Canterbury Cathedral to sing them . Founded by St Augustine in 597 AD , the cathedral has seen festive traditions change over the centuries , but keeps in touch with tradition through a schedule of regular services , guided tours and extra-special Christmas events .
This year , on Sunday 15 December from 5.30pm - 6.30pm , visitors can journey through Christmas with storytelling and songs told using a range of seasonal music and readings . This service will include a traditional living nativity scene consisting of adults and children from the cathedral ’ s congregation .
Running until Tuesday 17 December , Canterbury Cathedral will also be hosting Tea Time Carols where the clergy will gather at the crib to tell seasonal stories for everyone to enjoy . All seasonal services are free to attend , though donations are welcomed ; find a full list of upcoming events on their website .
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Curtain Up : Christmas at Scotney , Scotney Castle , Tunbridge Wells until 5 Jan 2025 // nationaltrust . org . uk / visit / kent / scotney-castle
Guests can step into a glittering world of festive cheer this season at Scotney Castle , where the mansion house will be transformed into a cinematic storybook of Christmas nostalgia . Inspired by items from Scotney ’ s expansive historic collection of Victorian books , ceramics and decorations , visitors will be treated to a visual and auditory feast . Taking family favourites like pantomime , ballet and film , Scotney has woven Christmas magic into themed rooms across the mansion house inspired by the Hussey family ’ s love of the performing arts . Visitors can witness their favourite stories brought to life with costumes and specially staged decorations .
It might not be a modern musical performance , but Scotney ’ s Curtain Up is sure to be a spectacular source of theatrical history and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy .
Winter Journeys , Winter Nights at the University of Kent , Canterbury 7 Dec 2024 // kent . ac . uk
This December , the University of Kent Chorus & Symphony Orchestra will play a two-hour extravaganza at the Colyer- Fergusson Hall . Conducted by head of music and performance , Daniel Harding , the chorus and orchestra will explore a seasonal theme with festive music by Tchaikovsky , Mozart and Prokofiev .
The second concert in their December weekend , it will feature the UK premiere of a seasonal cantata for chorus and orchestra by the Canadian composer , Stephanie Martin , as well as the concert-suite from Polar Suite . Their composer is flying in especially for this premiere performance , so it ’ s not one you ’ ll want to miss !
Decades Christmas Clash : 90s vs 00s DJ Duel at the Inn on the Lake , Gravesend 15 Dec 2024 // innonlake . co . uk
On Sunday 15 December , guests at the Inn on the Lake can join an unforgettable
night of festive fun as their resident DJs battle it out with the best hits from the 90s and 00s . This Christmas party includes a delicious three-course meal from the seasonal menu along with complimentary pre-event festive drinks , an hour-long DJ set and an entertaining DJ duel performance .
Crafted for all kinds of seasonal celebrations , the Inn on the Lake ’ s Christmas tribute nights are festive gatherings to be enjoyed with friends , family and colleagues this Christmas . Make sure to dress to impress for this evening of 90 ’ s and 00 ’ s nostalgia , and dance the night away to your favourite festive tunes . www . insidekent . co . uk • 43