Tonbridge is preparing to step into the festive season with the arrival of Christmas Fest, transforming the Castle grounds into a winter village full of light, entertainment and community spirit. Running from Friday 12 December to Tuesday 23 December, the event promises to be one of the town’s most atmospheric celebrations yet — and here’s what you can look forward to.
At the heart of Christmas Fest will be the Christmas Lounge, a heated marquee and social hub designed for cosy evenings, daytime family visits, and festive meet-ups. Visitors can expect a full schedule of live performances (a few are ticketed), music, special appearances and seasonal entertainment every day.
Before you even reach the Lounge, you’ll pass through Candy Cane Lane, a twinkling walkway that leads straight into the centre of the village. We hope it’s as magical as it sounds!
Once inside, the lights and smell of toasted sugar pull you towards Marshmallow Corner, where visitors can toast marshmallows over the fire and take a quiet moment to warm up.
Another highlight will be the Christmas Tree Parade, a row of twelve beautifully lit trees positioned along the village edge. Guests will be able to pick up a wooden decoration from the Candy Cane Bar, customise it, and hang it on any of the trees. Over the course of the event, the display will grow into a community-made celebration of Tonbridge Christmas spirit.
To complete the scene, there will be daily snowfall outside the Castle at 4pm and 7pm — an experience designed for families and anyone who loves the kind of festive magic you can’t help but stop and watch.
Entertainment to mark in your calendar
While the Christmas Lounge will host performers every day, a few standout evenings are already drawing attention:
- Friday 13 December
Dan Bud as Robbie Williams — a tribute performance packed with iconic hits and festive party energy.
Ticketed event. - Friday 20 December
Drag Bingo — a high-energy, glitter-heavy evening that promises laughter, music and some brilliantly unpredictable moments.
Ticketed event. - Saturday 21 December
Lunch with the Grinch — a family-friendly event that lets children spend time with Christmas’s most mischievous guest before he roams the village.
Ticketed event.
Alongside these, visitors can expect daily singers, live bands, character meet & greets, carols at the castle, open mic evenings and even festive quizzes. Whether you’re planning a daytime trip with the family or a festive night out with friends, there will always be something happening.
Christmas Fest hasn’t begun yet, but anticipation is already building. The castle is set to glow, the music is tuning up, and Tonbridge is preparing to gather — not just to shop or stroll, but to sit down, sip something warm, and enjoy the kind of festive atmosphere that only happens when a town celebrates together.
December is coming, and Tonbridge Castle is ready to welcome it.
Do you have something you want to tell the Tonbridge Bean about our town? Write to us at tonbridgebean@gmail.com with your thoughts and photos!
Have you subscribed?
Get our weekly newsletter, including a curated list of events for the weekend, straight to your inbox.
Bringing you all the latest news and events in Tonbridge.
Leave a Reply