The 2023 Christmas season at Penshurst Place and Gardens will feature an enchanting programme of entertainment throughout December. This year, visitors of all ages are in for a treat as the venue transforms into a magical wonderland and welcomes a few festive characters back in residence to deliver a fun-filled mini panto in the medieval Baron’s Hall.

Due to popular demand, the Wreath Making Workshops will also be making a return with two evening dates on offer. The seasonally decorated and well-stocked Christmas gift shop, along with Forge Stores, will be brimming with presents, Yuletide produce, Kent Christmas trees, wreaths and estate-grown mistletoe. Meanwhile one of the UK’s top farmers markets will have specialist suppliers setting out stalls laden with everything needed to create a spectacular festive celebration at the annual supersized Penshurst Christmas Farmers Market.

A Magical Mini-Panto in the Baron’s Hall

In the heart of the medieval Baron’s Hall, amid twinkling lights and festive foliage, guests can enjoy a heart-warming mini-panto “The Elf Who Lost His Voice.” This captivating show features all the delights of a traditional panto, including the classic ‘He’s behind you!’ moments along with the occasional joke tailored for adult guests.

Ideal for children aged 0-12 and anyone who embraces the holiday spirit, this enchanting story follows a young elf’s quest to find his voice in time for Christmas. After each performance, children will be invited to meet Santa Claus to whisper what’s on their Christmas list and collect a small treat.

Each performance runs for approximately 25 minutes, with multiple showtimes available on the weekend of 2^nd & 3^rd and 9^th & 10^th December, and daily during the week of 16^th to 22^nd December. Priced at £7.50 per person (plus a small booking fee), tickets can be purchased here or for performance times and additional information, visit: www.penshurstplace.com/whats-on/events-and-activities/2023-12/

Wreath Making Workshops make a welcome return

Back by popular demand, the Christmas Wreath Making Workshops at Penshurst Place will return on 6th and 14th December.  Starting at 6pm, and with light festive refreshments included, the workshop is perfect for craft enthusiasts and novices alike. A floristry expert will share tips and techniques on designing the perfect wreath and help you to create a truly unique festive door decoration that will be the envy of all your neighbours!

The workshops tend to be very popular so early booking is advised. Priced at £50 per person, it includes all the material and tools needed to craft your wreath plus refreshment in the form of mulled wine, mince pie and a hot drink. For more information and to book, visit: www.penshurstplace.com/whats-on/events-and-activities/2023-12/

A Joyful Christmas Farmers Market

On 16th December, Penshurst Place will host the supersized Penshurst Christmas Farmers Market, now in its third year.  Open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, both regular stallholders and special guest traders will be setting up stalls promising an abundance of festive delights. The market is the perfect destination to discover unique, artisan gifts, including alpaca knitwear, handmade soaps, craft beers, Christmas pickles and a wide range of seasonal delights, all while listening to Christmas carols from a local choir and soaking up the yuletide spirit.

The Penshurst Place Estate: Your One-Stop Festive Shopping Destination

Shopping locally not only simplifies preparation for Christmas but it also supports a range of Kent and Sussex suppliers. With free on-site and accessible parking, the Christmas Gift Shop at Penshurst Place is open daily (excluding Christmas day) and stocked with a splendid assortment of local produce, specialty gifts, and festive hampers stuffed with seasonal favourites. Perfect for decorating the home, visitors will also find hand-crafted wreaths made from estate foliage, mistletoe bunches harvested from the gardens and a selection of Kent-grown Christmas trees in the outdoor plant centre.

During November and December the gift shop will offer special shopping discounts and promotions, including a late-night shopping event on Thursday, 23^rd November, when it will be open until 8pm. From 5:00 pm on this evening, those filling their baskets in the gift shop with items totalling £25 or more, will be given 15% off their bill total.

Forge Stores: Your Festive Feast Haven

A hidden shopping haven, Forge Stores has everything needed for a festive feast, stocking a wide range of food and seasonal treats to tempt the taste buds. With a strong commitment to sustainability and support for local producers, the store located in Penshurst village boasts a wide array of seasonal delights sourced from Kent and the surrounding areas. Shoppers can pre-order fresh Kentish turkeys and will find a comprehensive selection of festive pantry essentials for the holidays on its well-stocked shelves. For opening times and information visit: www.penshurstplace.com/explore/eatshop/Forge-Stores