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! When you’re planning a festive meal, The George is your pub in Tunbridge Wells for food in Tunbridge Wells and seasonal cheer.
In our annual festive guide for 2026, 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 2026, 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
See our full Christmas dinner menu — set menus, vegan options, and Christmas buffet for groups.
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 2026
The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market returns to the colonnade from Friday 13 November. It is open on 13–15, 20–22 and 27–29 November, and on 4–6, 11–13 and 18–24 December: Friday, Saturday and Sunday through to 13 December, then every day from 18 December through to Christmas Eve.
Opening hours will be added here when The Pantiles announces them.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
The festive season on the Pantiles opens with the Christmas Lights Switch-On Show: an evening of entertainment as the colonnade and bandstand are illuminated and Christmas officially begins.
On the same night, the Big Reveal sees shops and businesses unveil their Christmas windows, and visitors can vote for their favourite display. Families can also follow a Nutcracker Trail around the Pantiles, and there are live performances on the bandstand through the season.
The evening’s start time will be added here when The Pantiles publishes it.
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? Christmas at Bewl Water returns on selected dates from 28 November to 24 December 2026.
Families join Santa’s Quest for around three hours: an elves’ adventure, hands-on workshops, a personal visit to Santa in his grotto, and a gift to take home. New this year, the Mrs Claus experience adds a meet-and-greet with Mrs Claus as well as Santa.
2. Father Christmas in Tunbridge Wells
(The Enchanted Cabin, Royal Victoria Place)
Want to visit Father Christmas but stay close to town? The Enchanted Cabin is back at Royal Victoria Place from 14 November to 24 December. Created by Once Upon a Wish Events, it is a cosy, personal meet-and-greet with Father Christmas, guided by his elves, with a gift for each child to choose.
3. Pantomimes
(Assembly Hall Theatre)
Cinderella
Little Wolf Entertainment and the Assembly Hall Theatre present Cinderella from 12 to 31 December 2026. There is no performance on 18 December or Christmas Day. On 30 December there is a signed performance and a relaxed performance.
4. The Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society: Christmas Concert
For a heartwarming performance by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society, join their Christmas concert on Saturday 12 December 2026 at St James Church, Ferndale. The programme is Christmas music, including audience carols, conducted by Robyn Sevastos.
5. Elf the Musical at Trinity Theatre
Trinity Theatre Productions presents Elf the Musical from Friday 11 to Sunday 27 December 2026. Follow Buddy from the North Pole to New York in a feel-good family musical, full of songs, comedy and local talent.
6. The Nutcracker at the Assembly Hall Theatre
On Saturday 14 November 2026, Imperial Classical Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the Assembly Hall Theatre, with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tchaikovsky’s score is played live by an orchestra.
7. 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, The Pantiles is booking singers and musicians for the bandstand throughout the festive season. The performance list will be added here when it is announced.
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, at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, is a truly magical experience for people of all ages.
This year’s trail runs on selected evenings from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026:
- 20–22 November
- 27–29 November
- 2–6 December
- 9–24 December
- 26–31 December
Entry is timed, generally every 15 minutes between 4pm and 8.15pm, so book a slot before you go.
Wander beneath the tall trees as they glow against the night sky, take in the Christmas Cathedral, and see this year’s new Laser Garden. It is even better with a spiced winter warmer, a hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows from the stalls along the way.
2. The Polar Express Experience
The Polar Express Train Ride returns to Spa Valley Railway on selected dates from Friday 6 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026. There are no departures on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
Spa Valley Railway brings Chris Van Allsburg’s famous story, The Polar Express, to life 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. Outdoor Ice Skating in Calverley Grounds
Ice skating is a fantastic way of getting into the festive mood. The outdoor SKATE rink in Calverley Grounds has been part of Christmas in Tunbridge Wells for years, and this season’s dates will be added here as soon as they are announced.
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 Christmas buffet for groups of ten or more.
Warm up on The Pantiles
With its beautiful lights, festive market, and music on the bandstand, the Pantiles makes for the perfect spot for some Christmas shopping or a romantic stroll. When you’re ready to warm up, come back to The George for a festive meal or a winter drink.
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!
