It’s the time of year when we get to say “it’s that time of year again!”
Picture the charming Georgian streets of Tunbridge Wells, alive with twinkling lights, and 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 second annual festive guide, 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 get announced, so bookmark this page and keep checking back to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
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.
This year, the Pantiles Christmas market in Tunbridge Wells will run Thursday through to Sunday from the 15th of November to Tuesday the 24th of December. Stalls will be open from 10am to 7pm right through Christmas Eve. The market will remain open on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th of December.
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.
Tunbridge Wells Indies Christmas Makers Market
(and Forum Merch Sale)
The Forum Christmas Market and Merch Sale is back for 2024! Head over to the Forum on Saturday 30th November and browse through all the wonderful items handcrafted and made by local artisans and small, local businsses.
Forum fans will also have a chance to browse through merchandise, including hoodies, sweatshirts, caps, scarves, and more!
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 experienceenchanted 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:
Aladdin
We’re pretty excited about this one! Aladdin at the Assembly Hall Theatre this year stars Ore Oduba, a regular at our sister pub, The Ragged Trousers.
The show is on from the 14th of December to the 31st of December 2024. The show promises spectacular sets, breathtaking special effects, gorgeous costumes, and mountains of mayhem!
Sleeping Beauty
Over at Trinity Theatre, you can catch Sleeping Beauty from the 14th of December to 5th of January.
“When the birth of a Royal Princess is announced, the Kingdom is brought together to celebrate in style, until disaster strikes when the wicked Carabosse arrives on the scene.” This year’s show promises to be a spell-binging Christmas Fairy tale for all the family! Oh, yes it does!
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 14th of December at St James Church, Ferndale.
5. Christmas Carols at Trinity
f you’re looking for something to get you into the Christmas spirit, Christmas Carols at Trinity Theater might do the trick! Join this event on Saturday 7th December for traditional festive carols, mulled wine, and mince pies!
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 15th November to Wednesday 1st of January (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. Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star
Produced by Assembly Hall and Presented in the new Little Vic Theatre located in the Upper Mall in Royal Victoria Place, Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star is a magical production that’s ideal very young children through to early school years.
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 Bavarian Curling, The Snow Sisters, and family sessions offering fun for all ages and abilities.
Celebrate with Festive Food and Drink
Christmas wouldn’t be 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
Bookins 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.
Lunch on The Pantiles
With its beautiful lights, festive market, and choirs on the bandstand, the Pantiles makes for the perfect spot for lunch, be it a romantic meal for two or a well-deserved break from all that shopping!
The Ragged Trousers is famous for its combined French-inspired Brasserie and pub vibes and is a favourite place for locals and visitors alike for lunch in Tunbridge Wells. By night, the Ragged transforms into a vibrant bar with a kaleidoscopic range of wines, beers, ciders, and spirits!
Celebrate with Cocktails in Tunbridge Wells
Celebrate Christmas with cocktails at one of the cosiest places in Tunbridge Wells! The Gin Box Cocktail Bar and Fonthill Taproom serve up a variety of vibrant cocktails, mocktails, and seltzers. Sit beneath a starlit sky and share a martini with your friends, or venture upstairs and enjoy comfy seating and a cosy, natural décor.
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!