Christmas in Kent

This article was about our Christmas activities in 2017. We’ll be updating this with 2018 event information later in the year. 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.

Mum and daughter looking at berries

Emmetts Garden 

The Boise family have misplaced their Christmas presents, can you help them to find them around the garden? Pick up a trail sheet from our visitor centre and start your festive adventure. Don’t forget to send Father Christmas a Christmas card. Runs 2 December to 3 January (closed 24 and 25 December), 10am to 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Tackle the trail
Set off on our new Christmas deer trail in Knole Park, Kent.

Knole 

Follow the deer trail around Knole Park, the Orangery and the courtyards, and help Father Christmas deliver his presents. Don’t forget to claim your cuddly prize at the end. There are also Christmas crafts for adults, from wreath-making to spangled baubles, in the beautifully restored hayloft. Times and prices vary.

Celebrate Christmas at Knole
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 weekends in December, 1pm to 4pm.

A Christmas feast
Ightham Mote decorated for Christmas

Ightham Mote 

Inspired by the incumbent 'Queen of Ightham Mote' exhibition, the historic house will be decorated for a Victorian Christmas with an American twist. Wander the downstairs rooms to see Queen Palmer’s quintessentially English Christmas, woven with American traditions. There's a festive trail for children too. Runs Monday 30 October to Monday 1 January. Normal admission applies.

Christmas magic at the Mote
Bagpuss and friends celebrate Christmas at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

Escape the Christmas madness and meet Bagpuss, see the Soup Dragon and behold Noggin the Nog. Enchanting displays tell the story of these much-loved family favourites, created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin. Displays go behind the scenes of their character creations, including Pogles Wood and Ivor the Engine. Open 11 November to 4 February, 11am to 4pm. Ticketed entry.

Visit the exhibition
Putting the finishing touches to the tree

Scotney Castle 

A festive ‘woodland wonderland’ comes alive at Scotney, with natural sculptures around the garden. Make decorations to take home and visit the tree to make your wish. There's also carols and a scrumptious Christmas lunch to warm the cockles. Daily 2 December to 4 January (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Christmas at the castle
The sitting room decorated for Christmas at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

A 1920s Christmas at Chartwell 

See four rooms in the home of Sir Winston Churchill decorated as it would have been for his family’s first Christmas at Chartwell in the 1920s. A roaring fire will welcome you into the house where charming 1920s style Christmas cards hang across the walls and the Christmas trees twinkle with lights. Entry by timed ticket, available on the day. Open weekends in December, 11am to 3pm.

Christmas at Chartwell
Robins on top of letter boxes Christmas decorations

White Cliffs of Dover 

Reinvigorate the senses with panoramic winter views of the stormy Channel, then warm-up with a browse round our clifftop Christmas shop. This year, deck out your home with decadent decorations from pretty tea lights to box baubles. Or indulge in delicious festive eats like marzipan fruits and brandy butter. Open daily in December (closed 24 & 25 December), 10am to 4pm.

Dreaming of a White (Cliffs) Christmas