Sorry to be the bearer of stressful (but exciting?) news…Christmas is only just over 6 weeks away! If you haven’t already, now is the time to think about how you’re going to celebrate the festive season with your family. I have been looking at what’s going on in Kent and London and popped together a list of my favourites! Some of them are places I’ve been before that have been stunning and really got me in the Christmas mood, while others are places I’d like to visit. Enjoy!
1. Christmas at Bedgebury
I think we’ve been to Bedgebury’s Christmas light trail every year since it began. Although it’s quite a drive for us, it’s well worth it. I am yet to be disappointed! It is always a truly magical evening walking around the pine forest, seeing the illuminations which are enhanced by creative soundtracks. Alongside the food and drink stalls, marshmallow toasting and Santa in the woods, Christmas at Bedgebury never fails to make me feel festive! Last year’s trail has been my favourite yet – you can read my blog about it here. While it doesn’t open until 21st November, I’m already counting down the days until I can see what they have in store this year. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing what ‘Floating Candles’ and ‘Choir of Trees’ are all about!
2. The Snowman™ Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
The Snowman is a strong Christmas favourite – and now there’s an official London bus tour with themed afternoon tea! An hour of travelling around London spotting landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus while listening to music from the famous soundtrack and Christmas songs sounds wonderfully festive. However, the afternoon tea itself certainly takes it to the next level. The Snowman Afternoon Tea Bus Tour webpage describes it as ‘featuring sandwiches, wraps, mince pies, sultana scones with jam and clotted cream, cupcakes, snowball truffles, and your choice of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. You can even upgrade to a deluxe hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows to add a little extra sparkle to your day, as well as a glass of Prosecco, mulled wine, a snowball cocktail, and more’. Delicious! Oh, and they can also cater to a number of dietary requirements (great news for veggies like me!) I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things align for us to go and do this…a review will follow if it happens!
3. Hemsley Christmas Lantern Tours
Hemsley Conservation Centre’s Christmas lantern tours sound so cute and magical for children aged 5-10. They design and decorate their own festive lantern and write a letter to Santa. Each child receives a personalised reply from him and then you can explore the zoo and hear some enchanting talks and stories. The tearoom is also be open, perfect for rounding up the visit by getting cosy with festive treats and hot chocolate. Tickets are limited, so hurry!
4. Neverland at Kenwood
This outdoor trail in Hampstead Heath is themed on the classic story of Peter Pan! Sparking imagination and childlike wonder, you are immersed in a storybook adventure told through lights, storytelling and sound. The journey begins in a reimagined London featuring a glowing Big Ben, a twinkling city skyline and a sneak peek into the Darling household before witnessing the magic of Neverland first hand and facing Captain Hook’s pirate ship! It sounds as though some delicious festive food and drinks will also be available to purchase.
5. The Gingerbread City
Even just the smell of gingerbread makes me feel like it’s Christmas. So imagine my delight at finding out there’s a whole Gingerbread City to explore with your eyes – as mouthwatering it is, you have to resist eating it! Built by architects and designers, it’s a whole city crafted from gingerbread, candy and frosting. Yum! I have spotted that there are also workshops you can book to make your own gingerbread creations. Which is just as well, as you’ll likely be very hungry after seeing and smelling all that festive deliciousness!
6. Christmas at Hever Castle
Hever Castle has a special place in my heart and I adore it all year round. The garden are enchanting even in the winter and their addition of lights is always beautiful! Well-timed with the upcoming released of Wicked: For Good, this year’s theme is Christmas in the land of Oz. As well as some wonderful displays, you can also expect to meet some familiar characters along the way! Going into the castle itself is a must, as the traditional decorations throughout are stunning. It’s also worth mentioning that Hever Castle also has an excellent Santa’s Grotto, which must be pre-booked. I previously reviewed an Alice in Wonderland theme there, which may help you get a feel for it.
7. The Polar Express™ on the Spa Valley Railway
This has become renowned for being one of the most amazing festive experiences in the area, and I am desperate to experience it for myself! The Polar Express has become a Christmas classic (we enjoyed watching it in our pyjamas at Bluewater for an event with Showcase Cinemas last year). Just imagine the joy and excitement of experiencing the story brought to life going on a train ride in your pyjamas with storytelling and an array of treats and surprises!
8. Christmas at Kew
Kew Gardens has a fantastic reputation regarding its light trail. I would love to go and see it one year! The website boasts that ‘Christmas at Kew 2025 invites you into a botanical world of light, music and magic. This year’s trail showcases brand-new creations from world-renowned artists, lighting up Kew’s landscapes in dazzling colour’. There are lots of delicious eating options including street food and festive treats – and apparently Father Christmas can be seen along the way!
