The Tenterden Christmas Lights
From Friday 14 November 2025 to beyond the New Year, Tenterden invites you to witness a magical transformation. The Christmas Lights on High Street are normally on from about 3pm until about 10pm each night until the 12th night. Best of all it's completely free to come and see.
Tenterden Christmas Lights from Friday 14 Nov
Venture to the High Street after sunset and see Kent's most breathtaking Christmas light display and marvel at the Christmas lights in the avenue of trees in Tenterden, as well as all of the miniature Christmas trees above most of the High Street shops, and there are plenty of other Christmas trees too. Plus of course see the shop windows featuring beautiful Christmas displays (some are best seen during the day, others in the evening - come twice!)
For a quieter experience, consider visiting after 7pm. After enjoying the view, park your vehicle (free parking after 6pm and all-day free parking on Sundays at Bridewell Lane Car Park) and treat yourself in one of our pubs or restaurants. Afterwards, a stroll down High Street lets you marvel at the Christmas Lights up close. Capture the magic
Christmas Lights 2024
Behind the Illuminations
- Organisers: The Tenterden Illuminations are a collaborative effort, primarily by the Tenterden Town Council, in conjunction with various town groups.
- Lighting:
- Tenterden Town Council is responsible for lighting the majority of trees on High Street, key trees in the central High Street area, select trees at the Recreation Ground, the Coombe Lane display, Christmas trees at West Cross and Fat Ox Green, and the light arrangement at East Cross Gardens near the Fairings shops. From 2025 Tenterden Town Council will also be responsible for the Christmas tree at the point in St Michaels
- Tenterden Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Ashford Borough Council, manages the lighting of the small Christmas trees that hang above the shops on High Street and St Michaels.
- The Town’s Christmas Tree: Each year, the Christmas tree outside the Town Hall is generously donated by Hole Park Estates in Rolvenden to the Tenterden Rotary Club. The tree is decorated by the Rotary Club. In 2024 unfortunately there will not be room on the Plaza for the large Town Christmas because of refurbishment works at the Town Hall
- Local Contribution: Individual shops take pride in decorating their shop windows and storefronts, adding their unique touch to the festive display.
And thanks to Scott Mitchell and the team from CS Mitchell for all their hard work in putting up the trees and lights
