Legend of Excalibur Firework Display
8-9 November
One of the country's leading pyrotechnic companies stages this mighty firework
show at Leeds Castle, set to music and enjoyed by around 15,000 people each
year. The show's popularity is largely thanks to the magnificent backdrop of the
floodlit castle, with the fireworks reflected in the moat. Refreshments and
glow-in-the-dark goodies are available.
Venue Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL
Contact +44 (0) 1622 7654007
Website
Leeds Castle
Christmas Show
8 November-24 December
Christmas shopping with a cultural twist draws visitors to the West End House
Gallery in Smarden over the festive season. This inspiring exhibition is the
place to pick up original art and unique gifts, from paintings in oils and
watercolours to ceramics, etchings, jewellery, wood turning, textiles and
glasswork.
Venue West End House Gallery, Water Lane, Smarden, Kent TN27 8BQ
Contact +44 (0) 1233 770261
Website
West End
House Gallery
A Victorian Festival of Christmas
28–30 November
If you're seeking festive spirit, head for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to savour
seasonal flavours at the French market, see the beautifully lit, moving (!)
Christmas trees and catch candlelit carol concerts, live bands and dance. Kids
love Santa's grotto, the elves and stilt-walking fairies.
Venue Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Victory Gate, Queen Street, Portsmouth
PO1 3LJ
Contact +44 (0) 023 9283 9766
Website
Christmas Festival
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
29 November - 31 January
Twirl across the ice rink in the grounds of historic Hampton Court Palace,
returning for an extended nine-week season. The rink is located on the west
front of Henry VIII's historic red brick palace. After a stint on the
ice, warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies.
Venue Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley, Surrey KT8 9AU
Contact +44 (0) 844 412 4641
Website
Hampton Court Ice
Rink
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
29 November – 18 January
Singing, dancing and good old pantomime festive spirit come to the Marlowe
Theatre, as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes to town to keep all the family
happy.
Address The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2AS
Website
Marlowe Theatre
Aladdin
13 December - 4 January
The classic Christmas pantomime Aladdin comes to the Assembly Hall Theatre for a
three-week run, capturing the imagination of children everywhere (not to mention
the adults).
Address Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
TN1 2LU
Phone +44 (0) 1892 530 613
Maldon Mud Race
4 January
There's no better way to work off all that turkey and Christmas pudding
than to get up to your neck in Maldon's glorious mud. The aim of this
festive race is to sprint, plod or even crawl on all fours across the River
Blackwater and back. With plenty of thick, gooey mud and water, this is not as
easy as it seems... Remember, those wellies could weigh you down!
Address The Prom, Maldon, Essex CM9
Website
Maldon
Lions' Mud Race
Fareham Farmers' Market
7 February
On the first Saturday of each month, Fareham Farmers' Market in West Street
offers up to 40 stalls selling local produce including organic vegetables,
free-range eggs, fish, rare-breed meats, home-baked bread, cakes and honey from
local bees.
Address West Street, Fareham, Hampshire PO16
