The countdown to the seasonal celebrations features a comprehensive campaign to promote Tunbridge Wells as the leading destination town for all things Christmas.

Christmas shoppers will be offered FREE parking in Tunbridge Wells this festive season. Car parking will be free in all Borough car parks to support late night shopping which kicks off from Thursday 17 December until Wednesday 23 December 2015. Shoppers will be able to make a night of it with FREE parking available after 4pm every weekday leading up to the big day.

Council Cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, tourism and leisure, Jane March said: “The Christmas period is vital to all the town centre businesses. The Council is delighted to support this initiative by offering free parking and adding to the town’s attractions with the ice rink.”

A festive programme of events is being planned in November and December as town centre businesses work together to attract visitors to Tunbridge Wells, promoting the town as the best place to shop, dine and enjoy Christmas activities in the South East.

The first key date for your diary is Santa’s arrival at Royal Victoria Place on Thursday 19 November to officially open his ‘Festive Frozen Forest’ Grotto from 4.30pm followed by the Christmas Lights Switch On from 6pm with the pantomime cast of Cinderella from the Assembly Hall Theatre which opens Friday 11 December until Sunday 3 January ’16. Santa will then be making children’s Christmas wishes come true in his ‘Festive Frozen Grotto’ every day from Fri 20 Nov until 4pm on Christmas Eve.

Ice Skating in Calverley Grounds will be open from Friday 20 November – Sunday 3 January ’16. The outdoor ice rink situated within the natural amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds offers spectacular views of the park and really is a unique and special festive experience.

Royal Victoria Place will be hosting a special Black Friday Shopping Event on Friday 27 November between 8am and 8pm with FREE parking after 4pm.

On Thursday 17 December Tunbridge Wells High Street will be hosting a special ‘Late Night Christmas Shopping Evening’ where many shops will be open late up ‘till 9pm with special offers, discounts, refreshments and festive in-store activities. There will also be a raffle in aid of the local charity - Folly Wildlife Rescue Centre.

The festivities continue in November and December with Farmers Markets selling the freshest produce possible for the festive season from sprout stalks to sweet parsnips, chutneys to delicious apple juice and wine plus an array of festive food gifts. Or if you prefer something a little bit different, wrap up warm and head over to the bottom of the town and soak up the wintry atmosphere as you meander around the Christmas Market taking place on The Pantiles, the historical centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

This is just a small selection of the festive events that Tunbridge Wells will be hosting; keep an eye out for further announcements.

DIARY DATES:

Santa’s Arrival Royal Victoria Place
Thursday 19 Nov 4.30pm followed by Christmas Light Switch On from 6pm

Santa’s ‘Festive Frozen Forest’ Grotto
Royal Victoria Place
Friday 20 Nov until 4pm on Christmas Eve

Black Friday Shopping Event
Royal Victoria Place
Friday 27 Nov 8am – 8pm with FREE parking after 4pm

Ice Skating in the Park
Calverley Grounds Fri 20 Nov – Sun 3 Jan ‘16

Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market
Civic Way (outside the Town Hall) 28 November

Pantiles Christmas Market
10am – 4pm 5 – 6 December

Christmas Pantomime – Cinderella at the Assembly Hall Theatre
Fri 11 Dec ’15 to Sun 3 Jan ‘1`6

Pantiles Christmas Market
10am – 4pm Sat 12 – Sun 13 Dec

Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market
Civic Way (outside the Town Hall) Sat 12 December

Pantiles Christmas Market
10am – 4pm Sat 19 – Sun 20 Dec

Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market
Civic Way (outside the Town Hall) Sun 20 December

Boxing Day Sale
Royal Victoria Place Sat 26 Dec 10am – 6pm. Pay first 2 hours and rest of the day is FREE.

The free car parking will be on offer in all Council operated town center car parks, including:

· Beech Street
· Camden Road
· Crescent Road
· Great Hall
· Linden Park Road
· Little Mount Sion
· Meadow Road
· Mount Pleasant Avenue
· Royal Victoria Place
· Torrington
· Union House