DAYSOUT
WREATH WORKSHOP
WINTERLAND AT BLUEWATER
As much as we all love to immerse ourselves in the splendour of these seasonal lights , what ’ s even better is feeling lighter . A time to celebrate with loved ones , Christmas is often jam-packed with festive adventures , but at its core , the holiday gives us time to unwind and be present with each other and the wintry world around us . From Christmas movie screenings to festive crafts and experiences , here are insideKENT ’ s recommendations for wholesome days out to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit .
A Nutcracker Christmas at Leeds Castle , Maidstone leeds-castle . com ; until 5 Jan 2025
This festive season , visitors to Leeds Castle can prepare to be transported into the classic tale of The Nutcracker , where toys come to life with a whimsical doll house , a rocking horse and a mischievous Mouse King . Along this journey , guests will wander through festive rooms filled with shimmering snowflakes , elegant ballerinas and towering soldiers that reveal the enchanting story of The Nutcracker . Along the way , guests will find themselves battleside for a thrilling theatrical showdown between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King as he attempts to capture the Sugar Plum Fairy from her secret toyland .
With a mission to rescue the Sugar Plum Fairy , visitors will adventure through the castle , climbing a magical tree trunk , navigating the whimsical world of Clara ’ s journey and solving puzzles to set the captured fairy free . For a thrilling experience straight out of a storybook , A Nutcracker Christmas at Leeds Castle is sure to leave guests seeing the festive season around them that little bit brighter and more magical .
Luxury Christmas Wreath Workshop at The Five Bells Inn , Brabourne fivebellsbrabourne . co . uk ; 10 Dec 2024
New for 2024 , The Five Bells Inn has partnered with The Pickled Egg Company to get visitors into the festive spirit with two morning or evening wreath-making workshops . Led by Louise from The East Kent Flower Company , attendees will learn how to craft a gorgeous Christmas door wreath using sustainably-sourced foliage including moss , holly , eucalyptus and spruce alongside cinnamon , oranges and velvet ribbons to finish . Included in each workshop are tea , coffee and pastries for the morning session and mulled wine , festive fizz and Christmas nibbles for the evening session .
With no experience required , those who attend a Christmas Wreath Workshop at The Five Bells Inn are sure to learn all about the art of seasonal decoration , returning home with their very own festive wreath as reward for their handiwork . To make a day out of a visit to The Five Bells Inn , guests can stay for a pub breakfast or lunch before heading to the nearby Brabourne Vineyard or Godinton House & Gardens for festive tours of their grounds .
Winterland at Bluewater , Greenhithe winterlandbluewater . com ; until 12 Jan 2025
Bluewater ’ s magical outdoor event , Winterland , will return to the leading retail and leisure destination this year , inviting families and friends to enjoy their winterthemed funfair rides . With an exciting range of white-knuckle rides alongside family favourites including the bumper cars , waltzers and a double-deck carousel , a day out to Winterland promises to be festive fun for all . As well as a luminaire
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