Home   What's On   News   Article

Christmas lights switch-ons in Kent this weekend and a lantern parade

The people of Gravesend will be called on to light hundreds of candles for a lantern parade through the town for Christmas on the Hill.

After the success last year, Windmill Memorial Gardens will again be transformed by candle light to create a magical winter garden with a firework finale on Saturday, November 26.

During the day from noon there will be an ice rink, children’s entertainment including a magician, appearances from Peppa Pig and the Baby Ballet bear, an activity area with games and a trail, Punch and Judy, and a birds of prey show.

There will also be choirs and bands and Santa’s grotto. Under-14s can get crafty with lantern making workshops from 2pm to 4pm. Candle-lighting will start around 3pm, with the parade, led by the Mayor of Gravesham, from 4pm, with fireworks following.

The events are free, although there is a small charge for the lantern workshop. To book, and for more details visit christmasingravesend.co.uk.

Christmas lights events across the county this weekend:

Ashford: There will be a festive fun day in the High Street on Saturday, November 26 when visitors can meet Father Christmas in his grotto and enjoy family fun activities taking place throughout the day under the Christmas lights. The kmfm Street Team will be there joining in the fun, between noon and 5pm. Find them at the bandstand at Park Mall.

Faversham: The community Christmas lights will be switched on by Father Christmas and friends on Saturday, November 26, with the fun starting at 5pm in the town centre and Market Square. The switch-on will be followed by a night market, starting at 6pm, plus entertainment.

Father Christmas in Faversham
Father Christmas in Faversham

Paddock Wood

Join kmfm's Glen Scott for the Paddock Wood Christmas lights switch-on, on Sunday, November 27. Joining him on stage, and performing live will be X Factor’s Yes Lad, and Gogglebox’s Sandi. Plus the cast from this year’s panto at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs. The lights switch-on event is from 3.30pm with the lights switch-on at 5.30pm.

Sandwich: A day-long festival featuring a fun fair, craft stalls and live music will herald the start of Christmas on Saturday, November 26. There will be a parade through the town centre from 6pm, with the lights switch-on at 7pm.

Sheerness: A lights parade and switch-on will take place in Sheerness on Saturday, November 26, with the second annual Santa Run at 2pm, lantern parade at 4pm and switch-on at 4.30pm. The Christmas market opens at 10am and Santa’s grotto will be open.

Snodland: Christmas in Snodland kicks off on Saturday, November 26, with a day-long fair, stalls and fairgrounds rides from 10am to 5pm, culminating in the switching on of the lights by Father Christmas and the Mayor. For details visit snodlandcouncil.co.uk

Santa arrives in Snodland
Santa arrives in Snodland

Sevenoaks: New lights have been installed thanks to sponsorship from a number of local businesses, the Sevenoaks Town Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce and will be switched on on Friday, November 25, with festivities including a performance by children from Amherst Primary School and Otford School, who have produced a Christmas single, Christmas Time is Here, with the town council, the Stag Theatre and Magic Beans Productions.

Tenterden: The festivities start from St Mildred’s Church with a candlelit procession to the town hall on Saturday, November 26, lights switched on at 5pm. The town’s Christmas market will run from Friday, November 25, to Sunday, November 27.

Tonbridge: Tonbridge Rotary Club have organised this year’s Christmas Festival, which will be held in Tonbridge High Street and Watergate on Sunday, November 27.

Ramsgate: Stalls, live entertainment, a craft fair, Santa’s grotto and a human snow globe are part of the festivities in the town’s High Street, King Street, Queen Street and Harbour Street on Sunday, November 27. The lights will be switched on around 4.30pm, with the grotto open in the High Street.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More