The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Markets are returning to Tunbridge Wells for 22 days across November and December, featuring wooden chalets, live music, and a children's Nutcracker Trail. The market kicks off on Saturday, November 28, and runs on selected dates through to Thursday, Christmas Eve.
A Historic Setting for Festive Shopping
The Pantiles, a historic colonnade dating back more than 400 years, is one of Kent's best locations for Christmas markets. Visitors can also enjoy a pantomime or musical, ride The Polar Express, or skate on the real ice rink at Calverley Grounds. The Rudolph Runners festive land train returns to shuttle visitors between the top and bottom of town, with stops at The Pantiles and other locations.
Family Entertainment and Seasonal Attractions
The market will feature the Christmas lights switch-on, a "spectacular Christmas tree installation", a decorated bandstand, and festively draped walkways. Children can take part in The Nutcracker Trail, discovering 5ft statues hidden throughout the area, plus a nutcracker-themed craft workshop. The festivities include ornate wooden chalets, live musical performances, community choirs, local theatre companies, miniature pantomime shows, and additional seasonal entertainment.
A spokesperson for the site's proprietor, Targetfollow, said: "Expect festive entertainment, seasonal atmosphere and plenty of Christmas magic. It's the perfect backdrop for Christmas shopping, dining and memorable festive photographs."
Other Seasonal Highlights in Tunbridge Wells
The Polar Express train ride at Spa Valley Railway returns for its sixth season, with tickets from November 7 to December 30. Prices start at £37.95 and go up to £73.95, with the higher fare applying to the three departure times on Christmas Eve. Cinderella will be showing at The Assembly Hall from December 12 to December 31, and Elf the Musical runs at Trinity Theatre from December 11 to December 27. Tunbridge Wells Skate, featuring a genuine ice rink at Calverley Grounds, is also set to return with dates to be announced shortly.
The Pantiles, one of England's earliest shopping centres with development starting around 1676, also features the renowned Chalybeate Spring, where visitors can watch water emerge from the ground and purchase it in bottles. The bandstand at the opposite end of the colonnade hosts outdoor dining, refreshments, and dancing events throughout the year. The area has appeared in at least two Christmas television adverts, for Morrisons supermarket and online retailer Very.
