30 Things to Do in Kent in December 2026 (Christmas Markets, Winter Lights Trails & New Years Celebrations)

December in Kent is simply amazing. The county fully embraces winter with fairy-lit high streets, frost-dusted castle grounds and traditional Christmas celebrations that have been running for generations. Far from quietening down for the winter freeze, Kent’s calendar is packed with everything from literary festivals and late-night markets to illuminated woodland walks.

It is a month built for wrapping up in your thickest scarves, listening to carols echoing from cathedral spires and escaping the chill inside a warming country pub with a glass of local mulled cider.

Is December a good month to visit Kent?

December is a lovely time to explore Kent if you want to experience the traditional festive atmosphere. Average daytime temperatures range between 7°C and 9°C and while it certainly feels crisp, we also get many bright winter days with beautiful sunshine.

There are so many events, Christmas markets and activities to choose from in December, it tricky to choose which ones!

Special Days in December 2026:

  • 18th December (Friday): Most Kent schools break up for the Christmas holidays.
  • 21st December (Monday): Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year).
  • 25th December (Friday): Christmas Day.
  • 26th December (Saturday): Boxing Day.
  • 31st December (Thursday): New Year’s Eve.

1. Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival

This is an absolute giant of the winter calendar and one of the most unique festive traditions in the UK. For one full weekend, the historic streets of Rochester travel right back in time to the 19th century to celebrate the life and stories of Charles Dickens, who spent much of his life in the area. The high street, cathedral precincts, and castle lawns fill with street performers, costumed characters, piping hot food stalls, and traditional carollers. The reality is that walking past the old brickwork buildings while faux-snow falls over the crowds feels like stepping directly inside a Christmas card.

  • Location: High Street and Castle Gardens, Rochester, ME1 1SW
  • Opening Times: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
  • Tickets: Completely free entry to the town festival, street entertainment, and parades

2. Christmas in the Land of Oz at Hever Castle

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn delivers a massive, world-class holiday experience that runs throughout the month. Families can follow a beautifully themed outdoor trail following the Yellow Brick Road through the Land of Oz, meeting characters and exploring interactive musical areas across the grounds. The reality is that once 4:00 pm hits, the entire estate completely transforms, with the historic castle walls, award-winning gardens, and lake bathed in spectacular festive light washes. Inside the castle itself, you can warm up next to roaring log fires and look at lavishly decorated rooms packed with Tudor traditions.

  • Location: Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
  • Opening Times: Daily throughout December 2026 (except 25 & 26 Dec); grounds open from 11:30 am, festive twilight lights switch on from 4:00 pm daily
  • Tickets: Pre-booked Christmas tickets are strictly required online; pricing tiers depend on daytime or twilight entry

3. Canterbury Christmas Market

Running right up until Christmas Eve, this massive seasonal favorite fills the heart of the historic city with incredible festive cheer. Over 70 traditional German-style wooden chalets line the narrow medieval lanes, stretching from St George’s Street right into the Cathedral Precincts. It is an absolute haven for finding unique gifts, showcasing local Kentish artists, handmade decorations, and small-batch candles. The food scene here is wonderful, with the scent of bratwurst, slow-roasted hog roasts, and mulled gin drifting through the air. Walking through the fairy-lit streets with a hot chocolate while the cathedral choir practices in the background is the absolute definition of winter magic.

  • Location: St George’s Street, Whitefriars, and Cathedral Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2AA
  • Opening Times: Daily up to 24 December 2026, Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Tickets: Free entry to the public market areas

4. Christmas at Bedgebury: The Illuminated Trail

Tucked into the beautiful High Weald countryside, the national pinetum completely transforms into an illuminated winter wonderland. You get to wander beneath towering conifers bathed in brilliant color, light installations, and seasonal soundtracks. The 2026 trail is completely reimagined, featuring a spectacular “Christmas Cathedral” of shimmering lights and a brand-new, dramatic Laser Garden. It has a wonderfully festive, relaxed environment where you can toast marshmallows over crackling open flames and grab a decadent, luxury hot chocolate from independent food stalls along the way.

  • Location: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ
  • Opening Times: Selected evenings throughout December 2026, entry times vary every 15 minutes between 4:00 pm and 8:15 pm
  • Tickets: Advance tickets must be booked online; Adults £27.50, Children £19.00, Family pass £91.00

5. Rochester Christmas Market

Sitting right in the shadow of the spectacular 11th-century Norman keep, this festive village is officially Kent’s largest free-to-enter public Christmas market. Running for its final consecutive weekends into mid-December, it brings together over 120 independent trade and catering stalls inside the castle gardens. You’ll find a brilliant selection of locally produced, sustainable gifts, distinctive clothing, and artisan foods that you simply won’t see on the high street, alongside a magical funfair for children and live festive performances on the bandstand.

  • Location: Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW
  • Opening Times: Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, and Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December 2026; Fridays 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sundays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Tickets: Free entry for everyone

6. Faversham Christmas Artisan Crafts and Gift Markets

Tucked inside the grand, listed Gatefield Hall at the historic Alexander Centre, this beautifully curated indoor market is a top choice for escaping the winter chill. Running across multiple weekends in December, the hall fills with independent small businesses, kitchen-table designers, and local craft makers. Every single stall offers unique items you simply won’t find on the high street, including hand-poured festive candles, botanical winter skincare, bespoke ceramics, and original art prints. It has a lovely, warm atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to combine with a stroll around Faversham’s traditional independent shops and cafes.

  • Location: The Alexander Centre, 15-17 Preston Street, Faversham, ME13 8NZ
  • Opening Times: 5, 11, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
  • Tickets: Free entry

7. Tunbridge Wells Christmas Artisan Market

If you fancy a sophisticated day of festive shopping in West Kent, this boutique craft and gift showcase takes over the elegant setting of the One Warwick Park Hotel. Just a short walk from the historic Pantiles, the indoor market features a brilliant selection of regional makers. You can browse through individual estate jewelry, tailored textiles, small-batch winter preserves, and handmade festive decorations. The reality is that the stylish, indoor venue makes for an incredibly relaxed shopping experience, allowing you to browse the beautiful stalls at your own pace before heading out for a glass of mulled wine near the bandstand.

  • Location: One Warwick Park Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TA
  • Opening Times: Sunday 6 December 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Tickets: Free entry

8. Lower Grange Farm Christmas Fayre

For a proper, traditional community afternoon out, this charming festive gathering near Maidstone is a brilliant find. Hosted at a picturesque old farm that has been converted into an outdoor activity center, the barns and courtyard completely transform into a winter wonderland. Run entirely by dedicated local volunteers, you can browse a wonderful array of handmade craft stalls, pick up a prize in the festive raffle, and enjoy seasonal treats. The atmosphere in the courtyard is fantastic, with live performances from the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band alongside the Maidstone Scout Gang Show, making it a lovely, heartwarming family afternoon out.

  • Location: Lower Grange Farm, Grange Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BQ
  • Opening Times: Saturday 12 December 2026, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Tickets: Free entry to the main fayre; separate small charge applies for Santa’s Grotto visits (pre-booking online recommended)

9. Folk and Bespoke Festive Fair (Whitstable)

If you want some bracing coastal air combined with your holiday shopping, this final-weekend artisan fair on the north coast is a wonderful choice. Taking over the vibrant Umbrella Centre right in the heart of Whitstable, the organizers guarantee that every single item on display is handmade in the UK by the person standing behind the stall. It is an absolute treasure trove for last-minute, deeply thoughtful gifts, ranging from hand-thrown coastal pottery and sea-glass jewelry to cozy hand-knitted winter accessories. It has a wonderfully neighborly, creative vibe that makes it a perfect stop before a slow winter walk along the beach.

  • Location: The Umbrella Centre, Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DD
  • Opening Times: Sunday 20 December 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Tickets: Free entry

10. King Charles the Martyr Christmas Craft Fair

Tucked into the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells, this beautifully peaceful independent craft market offers a wonderfully relaxed alternative to the hectic high street rush. The historic church hall fills with a curated collection of local artists and designers showcasing contemporary woodwork, holiday stationery, and hand-crafted treats. It is an incredibly friendly, unpretentious environment where you can chat directly with the makers about their work, pick up a few unique stocking fillers, and enjoy a warm drink next to the festive displays.

  • Location: King Charles the Martyr Hall, London Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YX
  • Opening Times: Saturday 19 December 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Tickets: Free entry

11. New Year’s Eve Gala at The Mercure Great Danes

If you want to welcome 2027 with a proper touch of sophistication and glamour, this massive indoor gala dinner near Maidstone is one of the premier celebrations in the county. The evening kicks off with a sparkling wine reception in the grand lounge, followed by a magnificent, five-course festive dinner prepared by the estate’s top chefs. Once the plates are cleared, a brilliant live band and resident DJ take over to keep the dancefloor packed all night long. As the clock strikes midnight, the room fills with a spectacular balloon drop and a traditional piper to see in the new year in style.

  • Location: Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, Ashford Road, Maidstone, ME17 1RE
  • Opening Times: Thursday 31 December 2026, arrivals from 7:00 pm, carriages at 1:00 am
  • Tickets: Entry tickets must be pre-booked online in advance; overnight accommodation packages available

12. New Year’s Eve Family Celebration at Leeds Castle

For a spectacular New Year’s Eve experience that welcomes families of all ages, the magnificent, fairy-lit grounds of Leeds Castle provide a breathtaking backdrop. The celebration centers around a brilliant, high-energy party inside the beautifully themed marquee, featuring live family entertainment, games, and a fantastic buffet spread filled with winter comfort food. The absolute highlight of the night comes early at 9:00 pm, where a jaw-dropping midnight-style fireworks display lights up the skies over the castle moat—allowing younger children to experience full-on New Year magic without having to stay up until midnight.

  • Location: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, ME17 1PL
  • Opening Times: Thursday 31 December 2026, arrivals from 6:00 pm, fireworks display at 9:00 pm
  • Tickets: All tickets must be pre-booked via the official castle website; includes access to the illuminated grounds

13. Wintering Waders Identification Walk

If you prefer a peaceful, educational morning out in the fresh winter air to escape the end-of-year rush, the stunning Elmley Nature Reserve on the Isle of Sheppey is hosting a specialized wildlife walk. Led by expert reserve guides, you get to explore the wide-open marshlands right when thousands of wintering wading birds and wildfowl are most active across the wilderness. Walking across the quiet, frost-dusted landscape with a pair of binoculars is incredibly grounding, and you wrap up the morning back at the farm with a warming hot drink next to the wood burner.

  • Location: Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey, ME12 3RW
  • Opening Times: Friday 11 December 2026, starting at 10:00 am
  • Tickets: Pre-booked tickets required via the reserve website; includes full-day reserve access

14. Jack and the Beanstalk (Traditional Panto)

If you fancy a brilliant, traditional British night out packed with full-on family comedy, the magnificent Marlowe Theatre is hosting its massive festive production throughout the month. This year, the stage tells the legendary story of Jack and the Beanstalk, complete with spectacular West End-style sets, dazzling costumes, a live orchestra, and plenty of opportunities to shout “He’s behind you!” at the stage. The reality is that the energy inside the Canterbury theater is completely electric, making it a fantastic, heartwarming afternoon or evening out for all generations.

  • Location: The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
  • Opening Times: Daily performances throughout December 2026 (except 25 Dec), various matinee and evening times
  • Tickets: Prices vary depending on seating; booking well in advance is highly recommended as dates sell out fast

15. Winter Solstice Guided Forest Walk

To celebrate the shortest day of the year and the official astronomical start of winter, the specialist guiding team at Bedgebury runs a magnificent morning walk through the heart of the national pinetum. This seasonal tour focuses entirely on how the forest adapts to the deep winter freeze, exploring the unique bark textures and shapes of the conifers that stand out once the deciduous leaves have completely fallen. The forest looks completely stunning on a crisp, misty December morning, and the walk finishes right by the visitor center café—just in time to grab a warming hot drink and a slice of cake.

  • Location: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ
  • Opening Times: Monday 21 December 2026, starting at 10:00 am
  • Tickets: Walk tickets are available via Forestry England; standard vehicle forest parking rates apply

16. New Year’s Eve Party at The Alexander Centre

If you want a fantastic, high-energy night out to dance your way into 2027 without a stuffy dress code, this massive community celebration in the heart of Faversham is a brilliant choice. Taking over the grand Gatefield Hall, the evening features a brilliant live band playing massive pop, rock, and soul anthems from across the decades, followed by a top-tier DJ set to countdown to midnight. It has an incredibly friendly, upbeat environment where everyone is just looking to have a proper laugh and a dance with friends, and the large on-site bars stay open until well into the early hours.

  • Location: The Alexander Centre, 15-17 Preston Street, Faversham, ME13 8NZ
  • Opening Times: Thursday 31 December 2026, doors open from 8:00 pm, party running until 1:30 am
  • Tickets: Entry tickets must be purchased in advance via the venue box office; strictly an 18+ event

17. The King’s School Recreation Centre New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance

For a classic, sophisticated evening spent celebrating the end of the year in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral, this elegant dinner dance is a top-tier pick. Held inside the beautiful, historic surroundings of the recreation center, the night includes a formal three-course dinner, premium local wines, and a brilliant live swing band to keep the dancefloor moving. It has a wonderfully traditional, glamorous feel that is perfect if you love to dress up in your finest evening wear to toast the new year with a glass of fizz at midnight.

  • Location: The King’s School Recreation Centre, 18 Blore’s Piece, Canterbury, CT1 2EZ
  • Opening Times: Thursday 31 December 2026, arrivals from 7:30 pm, carriages at 1:00 am
  • Tickets: Places are limited and must be booked in advance online via the center’s booking portal

18. Margate Winter Coastal Photography Walk

If you prefer a peaceful, creative morning out in the crisp air to reflect on the year gone by, this specialized small-group workshop is a fantastic find. Led by an experienced professional photographer, you get to explore the dramatic winter skies, tidal pools, and unique architecture of the Margate seafront during the beautiful low-set winter light. The reality is that the coast looks completely different in December, offering a wonderful sense of space and dramatic contrast that is ideal for capturing striking images. All abilities and camera types (including mobile phones) are welcome, and the walk wraps up inside a cozy harbor café for a warm drink and feedback session.

  • Location: Meets outside the Turner Contemporary gallery, Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG
  • Opening Times: Sunday 13 December 2026, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Tickets: Places must be pre-booked online to keep the group size small and interactive

19. Boxing Day Walk at Emmetts Garden

After the indulgence of Christmas Day, pulling on your winter boots and heading into the High Weald for a brisk, refreshing walk is an absolute classic British tradition. This beautiful hillside estate sits at one of the highest points in Kent, offering completely panoramic views across the frost-dusted Wealden countryside. The paths trace their way through the quiet woodlands and formal gardens, which look incredibly striking with their structural winter planting and structure. It is a wonderfully peaceful, family-friendly way to clear the cobwebs, and the on-site tearoom is open to supply warming hot drinks and festive bakes afterward.

  • Location: Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6AY
  • Opening Times: Saturday 26 December 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Tickets: Standard National Trust admission rates apply; free entry for National Trust members

20. The Spitfire Ground Christmas Party Nights

If you are planning a late-season gathering with a group of friends or professional colleagues earlier in the month, the home of Kent County Cricket Club plays host to a series of massive, high-energy party nights. Held inside the modern, heated event suites overlooking the iconic ground, the evening combines a festive three-course carvery dinner with a brilliant, fast-paced disco. The reality is that the energetic crowd and great music make it an incredibly fun, unpretentious environment to let your hair down and celebrate the winter season.

  • Location: The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NZ
  • Opening Times: Selected weekend dates throughout December 2026, evenings from 7:00 pm until midnight
  • Tickets: Places must be booked as a group or individual table in advance via the venue’s catering office

21. Folkestone Marketplace Festive Weekend

If you love a festive atmosphere right by the sea, the vibrant retail chalets down at the Folkestone Harbour Arm completely transform for the final shopping weekend before Christmas. This bustling market focuses heavily on small-batch Kentish food producers and independent seaside creatives. You can load up your holiday basket with local coastal honey, artisan chutneys, and festive bakes while browsing handmade jewelry and nautical-themed prints. With live brass bands playing classic carols on the arm, independent street food trucks serving up bubbling cheese fondues, and the crisp winter sea breeze, it is an incredibly festive and scenic place to finish your last-minute gift hunting.

  • Location: Folkestone Harbour Arm, Harbour Approach Road, Folkestone, CT20 1QQ
  • Opening Times: 19–20 December 2026, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
  • Tickets: Free entry to the harbor market area

22. Tonbridge Castle Festive Food & Gift Showcase

Sitting right on the historic lawns of one of Kent’s finest medieval keeps, this beautifully curated winter market is all about high-quality regional indulgence. The castle grounds fill with traditional wooden cabins and heated canvas marquees showcasing independent West Kent makers. It is an absolute paradise for food lovers, offering everything from locally cured wild game and artisan cheeses to small-batch winter gins and freshly baked festive pies. Grabbing a warm glass of spicy mulled cider and checking out the stalls while the castle walls are illuminated against the dark December sky makes for a spectacular winter afternoon.

  • Location: Tonbridge Castle Grounds, Castle Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BG
  • Opening Times: Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December 2026, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
  • Tickets: Free entry to the castle lawns

23. Penshurst Place Christmas Market

Tucked away in the historic High Weald, the beautiful sandstone stable yards of Penshurst Place provide a wonderfully atmospheric, traditional backdrop for a dedicated holiday market. This festive weekend gathers a fantastic collection of local Wealden craft makers, independent artists, and specialty food producers. You’ll find stalls packed with handmade winter textiles, unique festive decorations, individual estate jewelry, and delicious seasonal preserves. It has an incredibly warm, neighborly community feel, and combining a wander through the stalls with a hot specialty coffee from the gift shop cafe makes for a lovely, relaxed alternative to the hectic high street rush.

  • Location: The Stable Yard, Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge, TN11 8DG
  • Opening Times: 5–6 December 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
  • Tickets: Free entry to the stable yard market area and parking

24. Cliftonville Festive Farmers’ Market

This award-winning coastal food market is a real institution for Thanet locals, and the special December edition is the absolute best place to stock up on proper, regional ingredients for the holiday table. Set up on the clifftops overlooking the sea at the Oval Bandstand, you’ll find stalls loaded with top-tier regional goods, including fresh organic winter vegetables, wild game, artisan sourdough loaves, and small-batch Christmas preserves. It’s a lovely, neighborhood morning out, and grabbing a hot chocolate while browsing the fresh harvest produce with the sea air in your face is a brilliant way to spend the final Sunday before Christmas.

  • Location: The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2HL
  • Opening Times: Sunday 20 December 2026, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Tickets: Free entry

25. The Pantiles Christmas Artisan Market

The elegant Georgian colonnades of Tunbridge Wells provide the absolute perfect, historic setting for a festive treasure hunt. This massive mid-month weekend event brings dozens of independent craft makers, designers, and small-batch food producers straight to the heart of the historic Pantiles. You can spend hours browsing through contemporary handmade pottery, winter soy candles, bespoke textiles, and seasonal bakes. Sitting outside under the fairy-lit trees with a warm drink while listening to the local musicians who often set up near the bandstand is a thoroughly relaxing December afternoon out.

  • Location: The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TN
  • Opening Times: 12–13 December 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
  • Tickets: Free entry

26. Christmas Wreath Making at Hever Castle

Designing a beautiful, welcoming display for your front door inside the historic estate of Anne Boleyn’s childhood home is an absolute highlight of the festive season. Held inside the warming, elegant setting of the Guthrie Pavilion, expert local florists guide you step-by-step through the process of weaving a traditional mossed base before dressing it with high-quality, seasonal greenery. You get to customize your creation with luxury ribbons, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and pinecones. The workshop includes a glass of festive fizz and a delicious mince pie, and your ticket also grants you full access to explore the castle’s stunning “Land of Oz” twilight light trail afterward.

  • Location: The Guthrie Pavilion, Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
  • Opening Times: Selected dates in early December 2026 (usually running morning and afternoon sessions)
  • Tickets: Places must be pre-booked online well in advance; includes all professional materials, refreshments, and full estate admission

27. Festive Wreath Workshop at The Mount Vineyard

If you want to combine a creative holiday craft morning with a highly sophisticated afternoon out, this boutique workshop in the beautiful Darent Valley village of Shoreham is a fantastic choice. Set inside their cozy, beautifully heated and dressed tasting pavilion, professional floral designers show you how to build a classic, long-lasting winter wreath using fresh foliage gathered right across the valley. Once your masterpiece is complete, you get to sit back and celebrate your hard work with a premium glass of the estate’s award-winning sparkling wine and a generous board of regional artisan cheeses.

  • Location: The Mount Vineyard, Church Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, TN14 7SD
  • Opening Times: Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 December 2026, slots starting from 10:30 am
  • Tickets: Workshop packages must be pre-booked online via the vineyard website; all premium materials and refreshments included

28. Castle Farm Festive Wreath Making Masterclass

Famous for its beautiful lavender harvest in the summer, this picturesque family estate in the High Weald completely shifts focus to traditional winter greenery in December. Held inside their characterful, heated main barn, their master florists lead an intimate, small-group session focusing on traditional, sustainable methods using natural willow bases and sustainably sourced local pine, holly, and cedar foliage. It is a wonderfully relaxed, fragrant, and focused morning that completely escapes the high street rush, and you can pop into their bustling farm shop afterward to pick up regional winter treats and local honey.

  • Location: Castle Farm, Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, TN14 7UB
  • Opening Times: Selected dates across the first week of December 2026, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
  • Tickets: Places are strictly limited to ensure individual guidance and must be reserved in advance via the farm website

29. Leeds Castle Luxury Wreath Making Experience

Sitting inside the grand, festive rooms of “the loveliest castle in the world” provides a breathtakingly atmospheric backdrop for a creative morning. Led by Leeds Castle’s own master estate florists, this luxury workshop teaches you how to construct an extravagant, large-scale festive wreath using high-grade seasonal foliage, structure berries, and luxurious textiles. It is an incredibly high-end, elegant experience that includes a hot festive lunch served inside the castle’s oak-beamed restaurant, followed by a chance to wander through the grounds to see the spectacular holiday decorations.

  • Location: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, ME17 1PL
  • Opening Times: Early December 2026, full-day experience starting from 10:00 am
  • Tickets: Premium pricing applies; tickets must be booked in advance and include the full workshop, materials, hot lunch, and annual castle admission

30. Tyland Barn Eco-Friendly Wreath Workshop

If you prefer a completely natural, sustainable, and wildlife-friendly approach to your festive decorating, Kent Wildlife Trust hosts a fantastic hands-on session at their Maidstone visitor center. Instead of plastic frames and artificial decorations, expert crafters guide you through weaving a 100% biodegradable base using natural willow and grapevine switches, before packing it with locally foraged winter evergreens, seed heads, and dried teasels that local birds love. It has an incredibly warm, unpretentious, and neighborly community feel, and the session wraps up with a hot drink and festive bakes next to the log burner.

  • Location: Tyland Barn, Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AY
  • Opening Times: Saturday 5 December 2026, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
  • Tickets: Registration fees apply and go directly toward supporting regional wildlife conservation; book online via the trust website

This blog post was originally published on 18 May 2026 and last updated on 18 May 2026

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