Don’t let anyone tell you that Christmas is just for children. Whilst Santa’s grottos might cater to the little ones, there’s plenty on offer for the grown ups too. Whether you’re looking for a little bit of hedonism, or you need a bit of zen, there are loads of fantastic things going on in and around Tonbridge this year.
Here’s our curated guide to the festive season for grown ups in Tonbridge – from events to marvellous local activities.
1/ A Christmas Carol, The Creation of a Masterpiece – The Mount Vineyard
Date: Wednesday 17 December, from 5:30 pm
A Dickensian evening with a twist — The Mount Vineyard’s Courtyard Restaurant is hosting A Christmas Carol: The Creation of a Masterpiece, performed by Theatrical Moves. Expect candlelight, storytelling, and good wine in a beautiful setting. Book a table, settle in with a glass (or bottle), and let the festive spirit build in a grown-up way. Details and tickets here.
Can’t make it? Mount is open for wine tasting every day, there’s also a lovely lunch option in the cosy dining room.
2/ Christmas Art Fair – Mereworth Wines
Dates: 19th to 23rd November
If you’re on the hunt for gifts that aren’t from Amazon, head to Mereworth Wines for their Christmas Art Fair. Local artists, makers and craftspeople gather to showcase work — perfect for picking up unique presents while enjoying a glass of something crisp. Details here.
Going to miss it? Mereworth wines are hosting a Christmas market during weekends in December. We love any excuse to visit here!
3/ Corkk Tunbridge Wells Festive Wine Tasting
Date: Thursday 4 December, 7–9 pm
For wine lovers, Corkk’s Festive Tasting is a December must-do. Hosted at their Tunbridge Wells venue, the evening includes expert-led tastings and nibbles, all focused on wines that pair beautifully with Christmas dinner. Tickets are £45 and well worth it for a relaxed, social evening that feels a bit special. Details and tickets here.
4/ Maid of Kent Quiz Night – Tonbridge
Date: Friday 28 November
A classic pub quiz, just as the festive season kicks off. Gather your smartest friends, grab a pint, and test your general knowledge before the season properly kicks in. A low-key, good-fun evening to start the festivities. Details and tickets here.
5/ Sound Bath with Naomi Charlotte – Chiddingstone
Date: Friday 5 December, 7 pm
For something slower and calmer, Naomi Charlotte’s Sound Bath at St Luke’s Hall in Chiddingstone is a real antidote to the December rush. Expect deep relaxation, gongs, crystal bowls and gentle sound healing. Bring a mat, a blanket and an open mind. Find full details here.
6/ Christmas Wreath Making
Dates: Various – see our detailed guide here.
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of fresh foliage. Local wreath-making workshops are running throughout December — a satisfying way to spend an afternoon, plus you leave with something beautiful for your front door (and maybe a glass of prosecco).
7/ Sulston’s Supper Club at 65mm Coffee
Date: Friday 28 November
One of Tonbridge’s favourite coffee shops transforms for one night only into an intimate supper club with chef Dave Sulston. Expect creative seasonal dishes and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere — perfect for date night or a small group. Book quickly, tickets always sell out.
8/ Tonbridge Light Switch-On
Date: Saturday 30 November
Yes, it’s family-friendly, but it’s also great fun for adults — think street food, mulled wine, and that warm, twinkly glow that makes Tonbridge feel properly festive. Find full details for the day here.
9/ Tonbridge Christmas Fest
Dates: Throughout December
Expect local traders, live entertainment, food stalls and festive drinks. It’s a good all-rounder — ideal for soaking up some atmosphere with friends before heading for dinner somewhere nearby. Full details here.
10/ Tonbridge Farmers Market – Final Christmas Market
Date: 14th December
Your chance to stock up for Christmas Day — cheeses, chutneys, breads and festive treats. It’s always lively, and you’ll almost certainly bump into someone you know. I’ll be there buying our cheeseboard! Full details here.
11/ Restorative Style Yoga with Emma
Date: Sunday 28 December – 16:00 to 17:30
When the chaos of Christmas has passed, Emma’s 90-minute restorative yoga session is the perfect way to reset. A quiet, candlelit practice to help you glide into the new year feeling balanced again. Full details here.
12/ Balfour Winery Christmas Party
Date: Thursday 11 December
Fancy dressing up a little? Balfour’s annual Christmas Party includes a three-course dinner, live music and plenty of fizz. It’s grown-up, elegant, and properly festive — one to book ahead.
13/ Tansy in the Wild – Winter Solstice Mini-Retreat
Date: Saturday 21 December, Hever
A soulful mini-retreat marking the Winter Solstice, with yoga, meditation, fire circles and connection to nature. Ideal for anyone looking to pause and reflect before the new year. Booking and info here.
14/ National Trust at Christmas
Dates: Throughout December
Nearby National Trust properties — like Knole, Chartwell and Ightham Mote — pull out all the stops for Christmas. Twinkling trees, historic decorations and winter walks make for a lovely adult day out. You can find our guide to National Trust properties near Tonbridge here.
15/ Take a Grown-Up Day Out
Sometimes it’s nice to leave town — head to Hastings, Margate, Canterbury or London for their Christmas markets, twinkling streets and festive bars. Make a day of it: trains, lunch, shopping, and maybe a cocktail or two. Find our guide to the 23 best days out from Tonbridge here.
16/ SKATE Tunbridge Wells
Dates: 5 December – 4 January
Skating under the fairy lights at Calverley Grounds isn’t just for kids. It’s surprisingly romantic, a little bit nostalgic, and there’s always hot chocolate or mulled wine waiting nearby. Book your spot here.
17/ Beast & Beaujolais Wine Dinner – Leicester Arms, Penshurst
A hearty dinner pairing rich seasonal dishes with Beaujolais wines — an event for foodies who love a good story with their supper. This event takes place on the 21st December – if you miss it, check out the Christmas Menu in December instead. Full details here.
18/ The Ivy Tonbridge – Christmas Menu
Dates: All December
If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking, The Ivy’s Christmas Menu runs all month. Think polished service, festive cocktails and a chance to celebrate without lifting a finger. Full details here.
19/ Winter Walks (with Pub Stops)
Pick a crisp day and go exploring — Penshurst and back, Tudeley’s golden glass, or a loop ending at The Plough in Leigh. Reward yourself with a pint or Sunday roast.
20/ The Never Say Never – Hildenborough’s New Pub
Opening: December
Keep an eye out for Tonbridge’s newest pub, The Never Say Never, opening in Hildenborough just in time for Christmas. We’ll definitely be checking it out for a festive drink once the doors open.
21/ Hospice in the Weald Christmas Carols
On 21 December at the Tonbridge School Chapel, the hospice charity HITW hosts a carol service for all ages. The concert features Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir and classical crossover soprano Olivia Grace Piper. It sounds super festive and cosy. And of course, for a good cause. Full details here.
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