It’s a huge festive weekend in Tunbridge Wells, kicking off with Joy to the Wells on Saturday – a full day of celebrations hosted by Royal Tunbridge Wells Together BID, complete with market stalls, performances, the Singalong Santa Parade and a spectacular fireworks finale. It’s also the Royal Victoria Place Christmas lights switch-on, and on Friday evening The Pantiles will switch on their Christmas lights and launch their Christmas Markets – making it a brilliant weekend to head into town and soak up the festive atmosphere.

♥ Christmas on The Pantiles
The Pantiles Christmas lights switch-on takes place this Friday 14 November, with live music from 5pm, the lights at 6.30pm and the programme finishing around 7pm. It also marks the start of the Christmas Market, with seasonal stalls, gifts and treats to explore across the weekend.

♥ Joy to the Wells Christmas Kick Off
We cannot wait for this! Running from 10am on Mount Pleasant Road, the Joy to the Wells Christmas Kick Off features a festive fair bringing together fairground games, community performances and market stalls with plenty of seasonal food and drink. From 5pm to 7pm, the Santa’s Singalong Parade sets off from the War Memorial, where families can follow Santa’s sleigh and Rudolph’s Runner around town while singing along to Christmas favourites before the fireworks. The celebrations continue on Camden Road from 7pm to 10pm with live music, a Bauble Bingo giveaway and great local food and drink.

♥ Royal Victoria Place Christmas Lights Switch-On

Enjoy a day of festive activities at Royal Victoria Place, including the Snow Globe Ticket Grab (9am–5.30pm), meet-and-greets with Father Christmas in the Enchanted Cabin (10am–3pm) and the start of the Window Wonderland Trail (9am–6pm). The celebrations round off with the Christmas Lights Switch-On at 4.30pm.

♥ Winter Shopping Fair at Salomons Estate
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 November, 10am–4pm. Enjoy festive shopping from 85 local brands, with live music, creative workshops and seasonal food and drink in a magical countryside setting – hosted by the fabulous Pop Up Fairs.

♥ Adam Kay at Trinity Theatre
Saturday 15 November, 8.30pm. The bestselling author of This Is Going To Hurt brings an extended headline set of razor-sharp comedy, storytelling and support acts. Contains adult content. Tickets £33 – book via Trinity Theatre.

♥ Speldhurst Christmas Market
Speldhurst Village Hall, 12.30pm–4pm. A fun family afternoon with delicious food and drink, children’s activities, fantastic stalls and a warm community atmosphere.

♥ Murder Mystery Dinner at Penshurst Place
7.30pm–10.30pm. Step into the comic chaos of St Trinian’s in this interactive murder mystery with a three-course dinner. Overnight packages available at The Leicester Arms for those wishing to extend the fun.

♥ Art Fair, Meet Art People
The Amelia Scott, Saturday 15 November, 10am–4pm, free entry. Meet local artists, browse original artworks and pick up a unique Christmas gift at this creative festive showcase.

♥ Lamberhurst Hospice Friends Group Christmas Fair
Lamberhurst Village Hall, Saturday 15 November, 10.30am–2pm. Featuring 16 stalls offering local crafts, leather goods, chocolate, wreaths and more, plus festive live music and Christmas carols.

♥ Daily Bread Rusthall Christmas Craft Fair
Sunday 16 November, 4pm–6pm. Enjoy a cosy community event with festive craft stalls, cakes, hot drinks and warming soups at this welcoming neighbourhood café.

♥ Bark Bark at Trinity Theatre
Sunday 16 November at 5.30pm – age 12+. A live-animation performance using puppets, cameras and diorama sets to tell an ingenious folk-horror tale from a dog’s perspective. A visually stunning, enchanting and eerie show from Fringe-acclaimed company Buzzcut.

♥ Visit the brand new Speldhurst Village Shop & Post Office
Open 7.30am–5pm (Sat 8am–1pm, Sun 9–11am). A beautifully renovated community shop, post office and café selling essentials, baked goods, wines, gifts and more. Read the full story here.

♥ Explore the new Oliver Bonas at Royal Victoria Place
The brand new Oliver Bonas store has officially opened at Royal Victoria Place – two and a half times bigger and full of gorgeous clothes, homeware and accessories. Ideal for Christmas shopping or a treat for yourself:

♥  If all that Christmas shopping and festive eating has got you in the mood for fresh-air and exercise, Haysden Country Park is great shout for all ages! As well as a stroll around the lake on the buggy friendly path, there is a large adventure play area, cafe (with outdoor seating only) and foot/bike paths around the lake for longer walks/cycles, plus grassland/woodland areas to explore. Parking is £2.20 for up to 4 hours. 

Looking for more things to do around Tunbridge Wells this November? Check out our round-up of over 30 unmissable events!