Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you have a young family or you are pregnant and beginning your maternity journey. With that added little bit of sparkly magic in the air, you can’t wait to begin feeling festive, putting on Christmas movies and music, getting crafty with the tinsel, and munching on mince pies. But what about activities outside of the home? There are so many things to do in Kent over Christmas that you will struggle to know where to start. You are spoiled for choice, whether you want to treat yourself or spend quality time with your little ones. We have collected some of the best and most seasonal activities you can enjoy in beautiful Kent at this time of year – so read on to find your perfect festive day out.
Things to do in Kent over Christmas
Christmas is a busy time for all of us, but taking a moment to breathe and really enjoy the season is important. When you have children, it can feel difficult to find activities that suit the whole family, but even if you only do one special thing with your family, this can really put you in the festive mood. We suggest that you pace yourself, don’t try to do too much in one day, and enjoy Christmas at your own pace – it will be amazing as long as you have your loved ones with you. So try to reduce your stress https://www.familyfriendlyhq.ie/parenthood/health-wellness/top-tips-for-mum-to-avoid-the-christmas-stress-2032/ as much as possible and embrace the magic.
Christmas lights with a difference
Seeing some enchanting Christmas lights is one of the classics of festive activities, and the illuminations at Cobtree Manor Park in Maidstone are hard to beat. Open from the 15th until the 31st of December, you have lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy the night-light trail which features both bright and intricate lights and stunning soundscapes. Not to mention that there is plenty of food and drink on offer to enjoy as you explore this meeting of natural woodland wonders and impressive lights, including a fairy village. If you have little ones with you, make sure you tell them to keep an eye out for Father Christmas – but this is just as magical for the grownups, too!
Hop on the Christmas express
While Christmas train rides have been popular with children for quite a few years, here is one that is suitable for adults to enjoy, too. This stunning steam train takes you on a beautiful ride through the Kent countryside, specifically Wealden. You start your journey at Tenderden Town Station, where you can get into the festive swing of things with live music provided by a Christmas choir. When you climb on board the train, you are immediately swept up in the seasonal mood, with a hot beverage and that Christmas classic, a mince pie. There is even a magician to help bring a little extra sparkle to the journey, which you can enjoy for just over an hour. If you are used to booking up festive train journeys for your little ones so they can experience the wonder of it all, consider looking at this or another option for that adult gathering – it definitely makes a change from the usual party.
Festive photography
While this might not count as a big day out for the family, capturing the spirit of the season is just as important. Having a photography session is a wonderful way to remember your Christmas celebrations. While those informal Christmas morning photos snapped on your phone are full of wonderful memories, a more formal photograph is something you can cherish and display. Whether you are carrying your baby and want some maternity photos in Kent, https://www.hannahcornfordphotography.com/what-to-do-with-maternity-photos/ fun cake smash photos in Medway or something that involves your whole family, you can tailor your shoot to the season and keep those wonderful memories forever.
Visit Father Christmas and his reindeer
There are few things more traditionally Christmassy than visiting a Christmas grotto. The Reindeer Centre on Capralama Farm in Bethersden offers a unique experience for kids and kids at heart alike, as Father Christmas and his elves are on hand from the 13th of November all the way up until Christmas Eve. Your children will love wandering through the gorgeous grotto visiting the festive cabin. With eight magical scenes to be enchanted by, they will meet the man himself and receive a gift for being so good. Not only that but there are so many sweet animals for you and your family to see, such as meerkats, ponies and donkeys…not to mention, Father Christmas’ very own reindeer! Your children will have plenty of time to learn more about the reindeer and even to feed them. With so much to see and do here, it’s a real day out, and there is even some fake snow to have a snowball fight – just in case you don’t get a white Christmas this year!
Get in touch
If you are looking to add a festive photograph session to your Christmas or winter plans, then book in with Hannah Cornford Photography. Skilled in family photography in Kent, Hannah has been working to create beautiful memories for over ten years. A wonderful way to capture a first Christmas or a new winter baby, you can choose newborn photography in Medway, or a shoot with all your children that will be perfect for next year’s Christmas card. Get in touch https://www.hannahcornfordphotography.com/contact/ to see how you can create a beautiful memory with some stunning photographs.
With such a wide variety of things to do in Kent over Christmas, you may struggle to know where to start. Just pick your favourite festive activity and dive into the Christmas magic now – the big day will be here before you know it!