Discover more in Kent
Fairy-tale castles, historic royal residences and the home of Churchill can all be found in Kent.
Christmas in Kent
Beautifully decorated houses, themed activities and workshops, family trails and delicious seasonal treats. What's not to love about Christmas with the National Trust in Kent.
Top Christmas days out in Kent
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A Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote
Celebrate a Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote with music, lights and scents inspired by festive seasons past throughout the manor. Marvel at the stunning hand-painted Tudor Chapel, sumptuously decorated for a festive Tudor mass. With traditional carol singing in the courtyard and special late-night openings too, there’s plenty of Christmas magic instore. Families will love the festive house and garden trails (free with admission), and on selected dates the children's crafts and historical food demonstrations. A Tudor Christmas at Ightham Mote runs from 23 November to Sunday 5 January. Selected dates only for some activities. Normal admission applies Closed 24 & 25 December.
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Churchill’s Champagne Christmas at Chartwell
Come to celebrate a Champagne Christmas at Chartwell in honour of Sir Winston Churchill's 150th birthday. Travel back in time to the sparkling 1930s festive season, with golden garlands, twinkling lights and a crackling winter fire. Feast your eyes on a very special birthday cake, and venture upstairs for a glimpse of how Lady Clementine Churchill prepared for the Christmas season. Chat to our room guides for tales of Chartwell Christmases gone by, as festive music merges with the delicate clinking of champagne flutes. There’s a chance to book onto a series of festive workshops, and a family trail too. Churchill's Champagne Christmas at Chartwell is open 23 November to 23 December 2024, closed 24 & 25 December.
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'Curtain Up': Christmas at Scotney
It’s festive show time in the mansion at Scotney Castle with decadently decorated rooms inspired by the Hussey family's love for the performing arts. Spot your favourite stories from pantomime, ballet and film, brought to life with beautiful items from Scotney’s vast collection. Magical late-night lights and the North Pole letter-writing station will be back, as well as the delicious Christmas lunches and treats. Families can run off steam along the garden trail. 'Curtain Up': Christmas at Scotney Castle runs 23 November to 5 January, selected dates only for some activities, closed 24 & 25 December.
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An Elizabethan Christmas at Sissinghurst Castle Garden
This festive season will be inspired by Sissinghurst's Elizabethan history with magical displays, decorations and Christmas trees. The centrepiece is a stunning floral installation around the Elizabethan tower archway leading into the gardens, created by Aesme Studio. The carefully crafted arrangement, including seasonal hellebores and clematis, will transform the winter landscape. Families will find festive fun in the Elizabethan play tent, trail and craft activities. There will also be wreath-making workshops using natural materials from the estate. An Elizabethan Christmas at Sissinghurst Castle Garden runs 23 November to 5 January, closed 24 & 25 December.
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A Christmas Frost at Knole
Trees, decorations and Christmas music will fill a selection of the historic Showrooms, with sparkling displays inspired by Knole’s silver collection (Christmas in the Showrooms 23 Nov to 23 Dec, free with admission). Objects normally tucked away in the Kings Room will take centre stage across the Showrooms, alongside towering trees draped with pure white and frosted decorations. Climb the spiral stairs in the Gatehouse Tower for panoramic views of the parkland and a chance to immerse yourself in the 1930s-inspired festive atmosphere. Or wrap up and head into the parkland for a festive family adventure trail (23 Nov to 7 Jan). Sign up for a creative Christmas workshop, from wreath and garland making to working with fused glass. Pre-book admission to Knole to guarantee entry. Closed 24 & 25 December.
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A Georgian Christmas at Quebec House
On weekends in the run-up to Christmas, the doors to the childhood home of General James Wolfe, victor of the Battle of Quebec (1759), will be thrown open for a Georgian Christmas party. Discover a sumptuous Georgian feast and wonderous gingerbread models of Quebec House and the Coach house. Hear the sounds of a dinner party and imagine the elaborately styled wigs on display belong to fellow party guests. Roaring fires and parlour games add to the authentic, cosy atmosphere, with greenery around every banister and mantlepiece inspired by festive traditions of the period. In the kitchen, our volunteers prepare delicious bakes, inspired by the cookbook of Wolfe's mother, Henrietta. Head over to the Coach House for a taste of Mrs Wolfe’s hot chocolate and a mince pie. House opens weekends 23 November to 22 December, normal admission applies
Christmas at our places nearby
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A Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman's
Enter the jungle and a world of festive warmth, colour, tradition and creativity. The world-renowned author of ‘The Jungle Book’, Rudyard Kipling, lived here for over 30 years. Discover the animals from his much-loved tale around the house. Little ones can spot the tiger tree and Baloo, as well as a special Christmas cake inspired by the story. Golden Christmas trees celebrating Kipling’s love of India will be hung with hand-crafted jewels, fruits and flowers. Browse original Jungle Book-inspired art by local artist Claire Fletcher, perfect as a special Christmas gift, and pop into the Mulberry Tea-Room for a warming treat. ‘The Jungle Book Christmas’ runs 16 Nov to 5 Jan 2024, free with admission. Closed 24 & 25 December.
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A Medieval Christmas at Bodiam Castle
The castle will be decorated with natural foliage and greenery for a medieval-style Christmas. Pop down for live music in the courtyard on weekends in December on selected dates. Families can meet festive characters on select weekends and get stuck into feast-inspired games and activities on the ‘Merry Medieval Christmas’ trail (£3 per trail with prize. Suitable clothing for outdoors advised). Settle into the cosy, grotto-style tower room for enchanting tales of dragons, knights and castles on select weekends in December (free with admission). Medieval Christmas at Bodiam Castle runs 30 Nov to Sun 5 Jan, free with admission. Closed 24 & 25 December.
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A 1930s Mapp and Lucia Christmas at Lamb House
Time travel back to Christmas of the 1930s, inspired by the popular comedy novel series Mapp & Lucia, written by E. F. Benson. E.F Benson based the series’ fictional town of Tilling on Rye and used Lamb House as the inspiration for Miss Mapp’s home, Mallards. Lamb House was also the setting for the 2014 BBC adaptation of the books. Rooms in the house will be festively themed to pay homage to some of the series’ most-loved characters, and beautiful trees inspired by the period will fill the house. Look out for a children’s trail with a sprinkling of Mapp & Lucia magic too. Open Friday to Wednesday, 25 November to 22 December (closed 24 & 25 December), normal admission applies..
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Christmas and New Year at Sheffield Park and Garden
The Snowman™ is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden for the first time this Christmas. Twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™ are waiting to be discovered, alongside games and activities for all of the family. On 7, 14 & 21 Dec, The Snowman™ will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day. Plus add festive magic to your day with a ride on the traditional fairground. Pre-booking not required for the trail or public appearances. Both are free but normal garden admission applies.