Tonbridge Castle is set to become a festive wonderland this Christmas as Tonbridge Christmas Fest returns from 27 November to 13 December 2026, bringing three weekends of Christmas shopping, seasonal treats, family entertainment and magical experiences to the heart of the town.
Christmas at the Castle has become something of a fixture in the Tonbridge calendar, although the event has looked a little different from year to year – and some versions have certainly been more warmly received than others. With each Christmas bringing something new to the Castle grounds, there has been plenty of curiosity about what would be announced for 2026. Now, after waiting with bated breath to see what this year’s festive offering would bring, the programme has finally been revealed.
And there’s good news for families and Christmas shoppers — general entry to the Fest is completely free.
Taking place across 27–29 November, 3–6 December and 10–13 December, the event promises to transform the Castle grounds into a Christmas village, with visitors able to simply turn up and enjoy the festive atmosphere without buying a ticket.
At the heart of the event will be the Market Village, where visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations and homemade bakes. The Food Village will offer plenty of festive treats, while Candy Cane Lane, Santa’s Post Office and the Christmas Tree Parade will add to the seasonal atmosphere.
For families, there will also be plenty to keep children entertained. Ticketed experiences include The Toy Workshop, The Christmasaurus, KBOP Idolz, Frosty Tales Workshop and Lunch with the Grinch, alongside a selection of character meet and greets.
One of the biggest attractions is likely to be The Christmas Cabin, offering families a private visit with Father Christmas. Children can write their Christmas letter in the North Pole Post Room before meeting Santa in the grotto and sharing their Christmas wishes. Every paying child receives a gift. The experience costs £15 per child, plus booking fee.
The Fest isn’t just for children, either. Adults can enjoy a series of 18+ evenings in the Christmas Lounge, with tribute acts, Drag Bingo and festive drinks at the Candy Cane Bar.
The evening programme gets underway with Flash – A Tribute to Queen on Saturday 28 November, followed by Dan Budd as Robbie Williams on Thursday 3 December, Drag Bingo on Saturday 5 December, Inferno – the UK’s top ABBA tribute on Thursday 10 December and a Michael Bublé Tribute on Saturday 12 December.
With live music, festive food, mulled wine, fairy lights and the Castle providing the backdrop, the evening events offer a chance for grown-ups to enjoy their own Christmas night out.
Importantly, visitors don’t need to book a ticket simply to enjoy the main Fest. The Market Village, Food Village, Candy Cane Lane and Christmas Tree Parade are free to visit, while the special family shows, workshops, character experiences, Christmas Cabin and adult evening events are separately ticketed.
After the anticipation surrounding this year’s plans, it seems Tonbridge Castle is once again ready to throw open its gates and invite the town in for Christmas — whether you’re looking for a free festive day out, somewhere to start your Christmas shopping, a special experience for the children or a night out with friends.
Tonbridge Christmas Fest 2026
📍 Tonbridge Castle
📅 27 November – 13 December 2026
🎄 Three weekends: 27–29 Nov, 3–6 Dec & 10–13 Dec
🎟️ General entry is free; selected experiences and evening events are ticketed
For the full programme and tickets for the paid experiences, visit the official Tonbridge Christmas Fest website.
Written by Emma
Emma is the events and lifestyle editor for the Tonbridge Bean. She is passionate about coffee shop openings, getting out in nature and food. Particularly when those things are Tonbridge flavoured.
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