The Magic of Christmas in Tunbridge Wells 2025 Festive Guide to Markets, Events, Activities and More!

It’s the time of year when we get to say “it’s that time of year again!”

The charming Georgian streets of Tunbridge Wells are soon to come alive with twinkling lights, with the warm and inviting aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies perfuming the air… Christmas is coming to Tunbridge Wells, and with it comes a world of magic and enchantment!

In our annual festive guide for 2025, we’re inviting you on a magical sleigh-ride through the winter wonderland that is Tunbridge Wells during Christmas time. From classic Christmas markets brimming with handcrafted treasures to cosy events celebrating the season, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy.

We’ll keep this post updated as more dates and events are announced for 2025, so bookmark this page and keep checking back to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Psst… have you seen the Fonthill Taproom? It’s the perfect venue for hosting a small (up to 50 people) Christmas Party in Tunbridge Wells… plus, there’s no booking fee!

Festive Set Menu Now Available at The George

Christmas Markets in Tunbridge Wells

At Christmas, the historic Pantiles bursts with festive cheer as an array of decorated market stalls adorn the iconic colonnaded walkway. They offer a variety of treasures and unique gifts, including handmade crafts, jewellery, locally produced artisanal foods, and delicious treats.

Pantiles Christmas Market 2025

The famous Tunbridge Wells Christmas Market will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the 14th of November to the 21st of December between 11am and 8pm.

Additionally, the market will remain open in the run up to Christmas on Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd, and Wednesday 24th of Decemeber.

But the Pantiles isn’t the only destination for Christmas shopping in Tunbridge Wells. A wide collection of charming boutiques and galleries line the high street and Chapel Place, and if you’re looking for big brand names, check out Royal Victoria Place and Calverley Road.

Enchanting Events in Tunbridge Wells

From ice skating to pantos – below is our guide to the most magical events this Christmas in Tunbridge Wells!

1. Christmas at Bewl Water

Looking for a magical family adventure this Christmas? Bewl Water’s got it. Here, your little ones will experience enchanted wonderlands and mystical woodlands, elf hunts, the elve’s craft workshop, gingerbread decorating with Mrs Clause, a visit in Santa’s Grotto (of course) and more!

2. Father Christmas in Tunbridge Wells

(Royal Grottos)

Want to visit Father Christmas but stay close to town? The Royal Grottos in Calverley Grounds offer a beautiful family adventure, which includes a decorating session in the gingerbread kitchen, a meet and green with Father Christmas, and a charming Grotto Gift Shop

3. Pantomimes

(Assembly Hall Theatre and Trinity Theatre)

There are two pantos to choose from this year:

Sleeping Beauty

The Assembly Hall Theater promises a brand new spin on a much-loved yarn this Christmas with their retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

Cinderella

Trio entertainment are back with again this year at Trinity Theater; tickets for Cinderella are already on sale.

4. The Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society: CHristmas Concert

For a heartwarming performance by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society, check out their Christmas concert, set to take place on Saturday 13th of December at St James Church, Ferndale.

5. The Nutcracker at Trinity Theatre

On Monday 29th of December The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company are due to present a “dazzling festive favourite”. They promise stunning dancers, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, and beautiful costumes.

6. Christmas Choirs on the Pantiles

With its twinkling lights and Georgian charm, it’s no wonder the Pantiles has been used as a set for Christmas adverts. This year, you can soak in the magic of the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells and enjoy performances throughout the day on the bandstand. More details coming soon!

Festive Activities for All Ages

1. Christmas at Bedgebury

Imagine all the beautiful, dazzling colours of fireworks, only without the noise and pollution! Christmas at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is a truly magical experience for people of all ages.

This year’s magical trail is open from Friday 21st November to Wednesday 31st of December (Selected Evenings.)

Explore nature as you’ve never seen it before, adorned with softly lit doves and glittering tunnels of light, and walk beneath Bedgebury’s Liquid Sky display as it casts a rainbow of colours on the sky and nature around you. It’s even better with a spiced winter warmer, a hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows – all of which you can pick up at the Bedgebury Café.

2. The Polar Express Experience

Spa Valley Railway is recreating Chris Van Allsberg’s famous story, The Polar Express, in an interactive theatrical extravaganza guaranteed to wow the little ones! As the magical story unfolds, Santa himself will walk through your carriage and give every child their own silver sleigh bell. Can you hear the bell ring?

3. Elf Workshop

A Magical Mission from the North Pole

In this magical event that’s bound to capture your little one’s imagination, children are invited to step into a world of wonder on a secret mission to help save the season of giving! With storytelling and e.chanting craft activities, it’s perfect for getting into the festive mood.

4. Outdoor Ice Skating in Calverley Grounds

Ice skating is a fantastic way of getting into the festive mood. This year, the SKATE ice rink is back in Calverley Grounds, with parent and toddlers sessions and Bavarian curling. Festive fun for all ages and abilities!

Celebrate with Festive Food and Drink

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without indulgent meals (and drinks!), which taste even better when shared with friends and loved ones.

Whether you’re celebrating in a small group or throwing a large party, we’ve got some delicious ideas for festive food and drinks in Tunbridge Wells.

Christmas Dinner at The George

Bookings for our festive Christmas dinners are now open! We’re offering set menus for sit-down meals, as well as a buffet menu for larger parties.

Warm up on The Pantiles

With its beautiful lights, festive market, and choirs on the bandstand, the Pantiles makes for the perfect spot for some Christmas shopping or a romantic stroll. While you’re there, be sure to stop by at The Phil for a well earned break!

Mulled Wine and Spirited Hot Chocolates at The Philanthropist

Pop into The Philanthropist taproom and coffee shop on the Pantiles for a pint of fresh beer or a tasty winter warmer.

Night Out at The Sussex Arms

The Sussex Arms is a traditional pub in Tunbridge Wells with open fires, a heated patio, and its very own live music venue. If you’re going out for drinks, you’ll be pleased to know it’s open until midnight on Thursdays and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

If you’re looking for live music in Tunbridge Wells, the Forum Basement (inside the Sussex) will host gigs through December and January – keep an eye on their gig listing for updates!

Cheers!

Whether you’re gathering with friends and loved ones this year or staying home and watching a movie, we wish you a safe and happy festive season!