The Pantiles Christmas Markets will return this year, and will run between November 14 until Christmas Eve, December 24
An enchanting Christmas market is set to transform a historic quarter of the elegant Kent town, Tunbridge Wells, known for its great rail connections. The festive spectacle will feature timber chalets, twinkling lights and a decorated tree on the bandstand, and if we’re lucky, there might even be snow.
The area, known as The Pantiles, is such an idyllic setting for festivities that it has been chosen as the backdrop for at least two Christmas television adverts, one for Morrisons supermarket and another for online retailer Very. This year, The Pantiles Christmas Markets are making a comeback, running from November 14 right up until Christmas Eve, December 24.
When this Georgian colonnade is adorned with festive decorations, bustling with people against the backdrop of period architecture, it’s the perfect scene for a Christmas jigsaw puzzle.
There will be performances from musicians, choirs and local theatre groups, along with family-friendly entertainment including a lights switch-on, reports Kent Live.
Pantiles Events, which organises the market and others throughout the year, said: “This Christmas, The Pantiles will once again be transformed into a festive spectacle, offering an enchanting experience for traders and over 170,000 visitors alike.
“Join us for a celebration filled with festive cheer. Our annual Big Reveal takes place as part of the launch of our Christmas market, including a grand switch-on of The Pantiles’ dazzling lights, followed by family-friendly entertainment.
“Plus so much more. There’s sure to be something for everyone this Christmas at The Pantiles.”
The Christmas Markets are set to run on the following dates, all from 10am to 7pm:
November: 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30.
December: 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.
The Pantiles, a Georgian walkway and popular spot for visitors, was previously named one of the UK’s Top 10 High Streets for Independent Shops by American Express, as reported by KentLive.
In recent years, there have been several new openings in the area, including Charlotte’s on The Pantiles, Essence by Atul Kochhar, and Kypseli Greek Taverna, which is run by the same family that operates the co-working space Hive on the same site.
You can learn more about the Christmas market here.