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New Christmas Events in the Heart of Kent

8 October 2009

As winter approaches attractions throughout the Heart of Kent region are offering a host of exciting events to tempt visitors this Christmas

The Heart of Kent tourism group encourages short stays in the Heart of Kent which include towns and villages in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Ashford, Tonbridge and Maidstone. The website has a list of accredited accommodation to suit all budgets as well as itinerary suggestions and a list of events taking place in the region.

Below are some of the events and attractions offering festive fun around the Heart of Kent this year:

The Hop Farm Family Park, Santa's Magical Kingdom
A brand new event this year, Santa's Magical Kingdom is opening at the Hop Farm Family Park in Paddock Wood this November. The Magical Kingdom offers the ultimate Christmas experience where families can enjoy all their Christmas favourites from meeting elves and reindeer, to making Christmas decorations, writing letters in the post office, a circus pantomime show and of course a magical meeting with Father Christmas. Outside the Kingdom there will be a Victorian Carousel, skating on a real ice rink as well as a traditional Christmas market to enjoy.Open 14 November - 24 December. Tickets to Santa's Magical Kingdom cost from £25pp. Entry into the market area is free.

The Kent and East Sussex Railway
A visit to the Kent and East Sussex Railway in December is the perfect way to enjoy a nostalgic Christmas experience with a traditional steam train ride from Tenterden station and a meeting with Father Christmas. On board there will be drinks and chocolate for the children and port or sherry with a mince pie for grown-ups. Father Christmas walks down the train to meet every child and give them a special present. Once back at the station everyone can take a ride on the miniature locomotive and have pictures taken with the beautiful ice queen as well as ride on the Victorian Carousel. Presents and a 6x4 image are included in the ticket price. A delicious choice of food is available at the station. Dates: 12 - 13, 19 - 20 and 22 - 24 December. £11.50pp standard class or £14.50pp first class.

Chiddingstone Castle near Sevenoaks
On Thursday 12 November visitors can enjoy stress free shopping at Chiddingstone Castle's Christmas Fair. There will be a variety of stalls selling unique and interesting gifts, decorations, home accessories, children's toys, books, clothes and delicious festive treats. The Victorian tearoom will be open serving home made refreshments. 10am - 3pm price £2.50pp. On Sunday 29 November enjoy an afternoon of Nostalgic Christmas fun as Chiddingstone Castle staff take a look back at traditional Christmas customs. Children can bake sugar mice in the Victorian kitchen and make Christmas decorations and cards with authentic dip pens. Everyone can also stroll round the peaceful grounds with lake, bridge and waterfall. Carols will be sung in the great hall and there will be a warm drink and a festive mince pie afterwards for families. 2-5pm price £6 per adult £4 per child (under 4 free) free to family pass holders.

Tenterden Christmas Festival
On Friday 4 December Tenterden town will be kicking off the festive season with their Christmas light switch on at 6:30pm, followed by an evening packed full of festive activities. Visitors can enjoy a fair ground rides and charity stalls as well as browse through the picturesque boutiques that line the high street, all of which will be offering mulled wine and mince pies to their customers. KMFM's Ashford Breakfast show DJ Webbo will be making a guest appearance and entertaining visitors throughout the evening.

Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is well known for its varied and interesting events and this December will be no exception when visitors can enjoy "Christmas at the Castle". From 1 to 24 December the beautifully decorated castle rooms will be transformed into an enchanting world inspired by classic fairy tales. Families can even meet Father Christmas in his grotto. On special opening evenings the Christmas magic comes alive as the Castle is illuminated against the night sky and visitors watch fairy tale characters burst into life in the Castle's rooms. On 21 and 22 November visitors can complete their Christmas shopping early in the tranquil grounds of the castle where over 100 stalls will be full of gift ideas, stocking fillers and festive food in a carpeted and heated marquee on the Cedar Lawn. Visitors can also take advantage of the free "carry to car" service. Christmas at the Castle - Date: 1 December - 24 December.

Finchcocks Musical Museum
One of the Seven Wonders of the Weald, Finchcocks is renowned for its entertaining Christmas concerts which use the many wonderful period instruments on display in the Georgian Manor House. On 20 December Finchcocks is presenting "A Victorian Christmas Crystal Clear" which is a concert celebrating the life of Sir August Manns, Musical Director of the Crystal Palace. The programme will include Victorian Christmas carols and Christmas music. Date: Sun 20 Dec 2009 2:30-7pm Price £15 pp. Another event not to be missed is the Finchcocks Christmas Fair on Sunday 29 November. One of the most popular events in the Finchcocks calendar, the event will be an opportunity to enjoy wonderful Christmas music in the house as well as browse the many stalls selling Christmas delights.Date: Sun 29 Nov 2009, 11:00 to 17:00. Price: Adults £5, Children £2

Tonbridge Christmas Events
Tonbridge is well known for its exciting programme of annual events and this Christmas will be no exception! Throughout November Nicky Shaw's travelling fun fair will be bringing the town to life with laughter, screams and smiles all round! Located in Sovereign Way East.Friday 27 November 6pm - 10pm, Saturday 28 November 12 noon - 10pm and Sunday 29 November 12 noon - 8pm.

The festive season will be starting with a bang on Sunday 29 November as Tonbridge hosts the very popular "Christmas Festival". The Christmas light switch on will be at 4:30pm with the KMFM Roadshow by the bridge, followed by the carnival procession through the streets between 5:15 and 5:45pm. At 6pm the night sky will be illuminated with the spectacular fireworks display over Tonbridge Castle, counted down by the Mayor. After the festivities, visitors are invited to the Carol service between 6:30 and 7:30pm at the Parish Church St Peter and St Paul. On Thursday 3 December join in another delightful carol service from 4pm at St Stephens Church.

Hever Castle
From Thursday 3 to Sunday 20 December (Thursday - Sunday) Hever Castle will be traditionally decorated with twinkling Christmas trees, beautiful decorations and seasonal garlands adorning the rooms. As dusk falls the grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of fairy lights. Other activities on offer include festive shopping in the castle shop and winter walks, meeting Father Christmas in his snow covered grotto and donkey rides! Families can also write letters to Father Christmas in the post office, explore the ice maze and enjoy storytelling. From 17 to 18 December 5 - 9:30 pm the castle is hosting a special evening event when visitors can see the decorated grounds and castle as well as meet Father Christmas and enjoy the ice maze, carol singing, a brass band, elves, hot chestnuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, mince pies and last minute Christmas shopping.

Kent Life
On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November Kent Life will be kick starting the festive season with their famous "Cobtree Christmas Festival". The weekend is packed full of exciting activities for families to enjoy including the opportunity to meet Father Christmas on his magical tractor sleigh! When exploring the farm visitors should keep their eyes peeled for Father Christmas's naughty and nice elves! The air will be filled with carol music as visitors explore the beautiful period decorated-houses and take part in the many themed activities including making their own Christmas wreath and writing letters to Father Christmas in the Victorian farmhouse. Dates: 28 and 29 November. Price: Adults £7, Children £5, Seniors/Students £6, discounts available for groups. Annual season tickets are also available (£21 Adults, £15 Children).

Lapland UK at Bewl Water
Lapland UK offers a winter experience for families with the chance to see reindeer, write letters to Father Christmas and see the big man himself in a woodland setting as well as interact with the elves in the elf work shop and gingerbread house. Food is included in the prices. Date: 14 November - 24 December. Price £57.50 pp to £87.50 nearer Christmas.

Royal Tunbridge Wells Christmas Events
Royal Tunbridge Wells will be switching on their Christmas lights at 3pm on 12 November at Royal Victoria Place. Take a trip down to the Pantiles on either the 5, 6, 19 or 20 December and you can enjoy the very popular "Sparkling Christmas Market" offering a wonderful range of gift ideas, stocking fillers and local produce.

The Heart of Kent tourism partnership has been promoting Kent to tourists as a short stay destination and providing days out and attraction information to the residents of Kent for the past twenty years. Their website offers a free one stop shop to the county www.visitheartofkent.com