What’s on in Maidstone: November and December 2026

November 2026

19 November: Maidstone Christmas lights switch-on

Jubilee Square hosts the town-centre switch-on from 5pm to 7pm, with live entertainment, the Mayor and a visit from Santa. This is a free outdoor event; allow time for a busy town centre and check the organiser’s latest access and programme information.

20 to 22 November: Kent Festive Gift & Food Show

At the Kent Showground in Detling, this shopping event brings together gift, craft and food stalls. Standard opening is 10am to 4pm, with earlier access for eligible premium tickets. Advance standard adult tickets are advertised at £12, children aged 5 to 15 at £5.50, plus the stated booking fee. Select a day and arrival slot when booking.

Ticket support: 0333 242 7912 or support@yourticketbooking.com. The Showground is outside Maidstone town centre; check travel arrangements before booking.

24 November: Christmas bauble calligraphy workshop

Creative Maidstone on Gabriel’s Hill offers a beginner-friendly brush-lettering workshop from 2pm to 3.30pm. Practise lettering and personalise baubles for Christmas. Advance booking is required. Confirm the current ticket price through the booking link.

Creative Maidstone: 01622 602204 or creativemaidstone@maidstone.gov.uk.

28 November: wreath-making at Maidstone Museum

Make a wreath with locally gathered foliage at Maidstone Museum on St Faith’s Street. Choose the 10am to noon or 1pm to 3pm session. Tickets are £35 per person and the workshop is for ages 16 and over. Book a specific session in advance.

Museum enquiries: 01622 602838 or museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk.

28 November to 31 December: Beauty & The Beast

The Hazlitt Theatre’s festive pantomime runs at its Earl Street venue. Performance times, ticket prices and availability vary by date, with relaxed performances listed separately. Choose the exact performance on the theatre’s booking page.

Box office: 01622 758611 or hazlitt.boxoffice@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.

December 2026

5 December: Christmas craft market

Maidstone Museum’s annual craft market runs from 10am to 3pm with free entry. Browse independent stalls selling items such as jewellery, candles, homewares and knitted goods. The museum publishes access information for its ground-floor and upper-floor stalls.

Museum enquiries: 01622 602838 or museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk.

5 to 19 December: Father Christmas’s Fireplace

Visit Father Christmas in the museum’s festive library on selected bookable dates, with a gift and a chance for a photograph. Tickets are £15 per visitor receiving a gift. Check the booking calendar for actual session dates and times; this is not a daily drop-in event.

Museum enquiries: 01622 602838 or museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk. The museum notes that 5 December is also its busy craft-market day.

21 to 24 December: ’Twas the Night Before Christmas

The Hazlitt Institute presents a family Christmas production exploring the origins of Father Christmas. Check the theatre’s programme for the exact performance venue, time, ticket price and remaining availability, then book the session that suits your family.

Hazlitt box office: 01622 758611 or hazlitt.boxoffice@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.