Christmas in and around Kent

Our places in Kent are ready to share their festive traditions with you. Explore historic houses decorated for Christmas of years gone by, then tackle festive trails around our winter gardens and estates. Warm chilly hands in front of a roaring fire, or join in Christmas crafts. Every time you visit you help us keep those Christmas lights twinkling bright for years to come.

The dining room decorated for Christmas at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Christmas at Chartwell 

Discover a festive family trail to keep the kids busy, delicious brunches to warm you up and a Christmas market at Chartwell this Christmas. Pop into the beautifully decorated house on selected weekends, or just take a wintry walk across the Chartwell estate. Daily 30 Nov to 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec), 10am to 4pm (house by timed ticket, weekends Sat 7-Sun 22 Dec; 11am-3pm). Normal admission applies.

Find some festive cheer
The table is laid for Christmas dinner in the Great Hall, with a log fire burning in the fireplace on the right, and a large Christmas tree on the left.

Ightham Mote 

For the perfect traditional experience the house at Ightham Mote can’t be beaten. See it in all its Christmas glory throughout Christmas. 30 November to 5 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm (house 11am-3pm). Normal admission applies

Christmas magic at Ightham Mote
Scotney Castle Christmas mansion entrance hall

Scotney Castle 

Mix the magic of Christmas Eve with a trip to see Father Christmas in the house at Scotney this festive season. With a trail around the garden and traditional Christmas lunches in the tearoom, there’s plenty to get you in the mood for the festive season. Daily 30 November to 5 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Christmas at the castle
The rose garden fountain frozen at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust place in Kent
Emmetts Garden   Kent

Magical fairy trail at Emmetts Garden 2019

There are fairies at Emmetts Garden and this Christmas, they are all opening their doors to welcome you in. Trail runs from 30 Nov - 5 Jan; 10am-3pm and costs £1, normal admission applies. Suitable for ages 2-10 years with a buggy friendly route available.

Follow the trail
The garden at Quebec House blanketed with snow

Quebec House 

See the house decorated for a Georgian Christmas with greenery from the garden, warm open fires and the smell of spiced hot chocolate. Taste some Christmas baking, admire our celebratory feast and find out what winter was like for the Wolfe family in the early eighteenth century. House opens Sat 30 Nov- Sun 15 Dec (weekends only), 1pm-4pm.

A Christmas feast