The Pantiles Christmas Markets
Set along the historic colonnade, traditional wooden chalets showcase independent retailers offering unique gifts, artisan products, and festive food and drink. The Bandstand hosts live musicians, community choirs, theatre groups, and mini pantomimes beneath twinkling lights and a Christmas tree installation. Visitors can also hunt for five-foot Nutcracker statues hidden throughout the area or take part in a wooden Nutcracker craft workshop.
See more Christmas markets near Tunbridge Wells
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free to attend.
Hours
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 11am - 8pm; Monday 21, Tuesday 22, and Wednesday 23 December: 11am - 8pm; Thursday 24 December: 11am - 6pm.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
The market offers festive food and drink, including seasonal treats.
Parking
Upper Pantiles Car Park, on Major Yorks Road, has 170 spaces across the road; additional council car parks and limited street parking are available.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Use TN2 5TN for car navigation; Upper Pantiles Car Park is across the road, with additional council parking on Eridge Road and Linden Park Road.
- Take the train to Tunbridge Wells station and walk downhill to The Pantiles; the route takes about ten minutes.
- Check the Nutcracker Workshop details before planning to take part, as further information has not yet been announced.
- If you want to trade at the market, apply early because only 14 chalets are available and applications are reviewed first come, first served.
- If you want to perform, email the event manager to register your interest in the Bandstand programme.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free to attend.
- The market is open on weekday dates December 21–24 as well as its regular Friday–Sunday dates.
- Christmas Lights Switch-On; date and full itinerary are not yet announced.
- New for 2026: Nutcracker Trail and Nutcracker Craft Workshop.
- Completing the Nutcracker Trail enters visitors into a prize draw for vouchers to spend at participating Pantiles shops, restaurants and bars.
Links & Contact
Run by The Upper Pantiles Events
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can visitors do at the market?
Browse independent retailers’ chalets, enjoy the Bandstand entertainment, follow the Nutcracker Trail and join the Nutcracker craft workshop.
Is the market suitable for children?
The event is described as family-friendly, and the Nutcracker Trail and craft workshop are for children and grown-ups.
Do I need to book ahead to visit?
Admission is free, and no visitor booking is specified. The Nutcracker Workshop details are still to be announced.
What food and drink is available?
The market offers festive food and drink, and seasonal dining is available.
How can I get there by public transport, and where can I park?
Buses 222, 228, 229, 230, 231, 281 and 282 stop outside on London Road. Upper Pantiles Car Park is across the road; other council car parks and limited street parking are available.
Browse Christmas in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.