Take a charming winter walk along Kent's stunning coastline, enjoy Christmas shopping at traditional Christmas markets, or share a perfect family moment at one of the many snow covered grottos or winter gardens in Kent. The Garden of England will be full of unforgettable moments this Christmas.

Christmas at Hever Castle

Experience a beautiful day out at Hever Castle this Christmas from 30th November until 24th December (Wednesday to Sunday) and see the castle and gardens transformed into an enchanting Winter Wonderland. Rooms will be sprinkled with sparkling fairy lights and traditional festive decorations whilst the log fires will keep you warm during the cold winter days.

You can also take advantage of informal Christmas shopping in the gift shop, selling beautiful handmade crafts, sparkling decorations and endless gift ideas for all ages and tastes. Children can trek through the winter gardens on a donkey ride at weekends, before meeting Father Christmas himself!

Relax in one of the award winning restaurants at the end of the day with a delicious festive treat including seasonal hot meals, traditional Christmas lunches and mince pies.
 

Inspiring Christmas events in Kent

Meet Santa on board the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden (throughout December) - Come along to meet Santa at one of Kent's favourite attractions this Christmas. The Kent & East Sussex Railway's Santa Special days provide an experience like no other, inviting families to take part in a one hour magical steam train journey through the beautiful Kent countryside.

Christmas at the Castle, Leeds Castle (5th-24th December) - Celebrate Christmas in style at one of the world's most spectacular castles this winter. Leeds Castle is hosting a series of magical events which will provide a Christmas to remember for the whole family.

Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral (23th-28th December) - An inspirational collection of activities and displays which celebrate the most important event on the Christian calendar, including an enriching programme of music sung by the Cathedral Choir and a wonderful collection of historical decorations.

Jet to Bluewater for ‘Christmas in New York' (8th December- 8th January) - Relive the magic of a New York Christmas on your doorstep at Bluewater this December. The brand new events venue, Glow, will be transformed into a fairytale dream when a stunning recreation of the iconic New York skyline welcomes visitors to the Christmas festivities.

Christmas Carol Service at The Historic Dockyard Chatham (8th December) - The Historic Dockyard Chatham will be holding its annual Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust carol service on 8th December in the Royal Dockyard Church. Funds raised from this year's service will be put towards the ten year major overhaul of one of the original Dockyard steam locomotives and visitors' favourite, ‘Ajax'.

Check online for many more magical Christmas events in Kent, including Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Penshurst Place, Bedgebury Forest and the South of England Rare Breeds Centre.

McArthurGlen's Ashford Designer Outlet gives you so many reasons to show off your festive flair this Christmas! As well as encouraging you to indulge in guilt free spending at Kent's favourite designer and high street brands, with savings of up to 60%, McArthurGlen's Ashford Designer Outlet will also be host to an array of fantastic Christmas events taking place throughout December. Celebrity singer Peter Andre kicked off the Christmas festivities when he switched on more than 130,000 twinkling lights at the centre and the brand new ice rink, the only one in Ashford, is now open until 27th December.

So treat yourself to a visit to Ashford Designer Outlet this festive season and enjoy a magical day of ice skating, designer and high street shopping for less, delicious festive food and sparkling Christmas decorations.

The centre is open until 8pm on weekdays and 7pm throughout the festive bank holidays.

Enchanting Christmas shopping experiences in Kent

Christmas Markets can be found across the Garden of England and offer delicious festive food and drink, hand crafted gifts and delicate ornaments, jewellery and accessories, many produced locally in Kent.

Canterbury's Traditional Christmas Market (until 24th December) - Located in the heart of the bustling city centre at Whitefriars, visitors can relax with a glass of German mulled wine whilst listening to festive songs and soaking up the atmosphere of this fantastic Yuletide market.

The Dickens Christmas Market at Rochester Castle (30th November- 18th December) - Set within the stunning grounds of the castle, the Dickens Christmas Market provides a truly festive experience with carol singers, local bands and Dickensian characters.

Bluewater's Spirit of Christmas Fair (30th November- 4th December) -Marvel at over 250 stalls selling unique gifts, jewellery and hand crafted decorations and toys for the whole family. The Festive Food Fair (8th-11th December) encourages visitors to sample and take home their favourite Kent food and drink, including award winning wines and ales, speciality cakes and cheeses, chutneys and many more, making that Christmas dinner even more delicious.

You can also visit one of the many charming Christmas gift shops at Kent's top attractions, all selling unique gifts, decorations and mouth watering festive treats which can't be found anywhere on the high street. Take your pick from Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, Penshurst Place and Biddenden Vineyards to find that extra special Christmas gift.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©