From comedy to live music and theatre, Kent’s towns and cities are gearing up for a season of glittering evenings out. Whether you’re booking up a night in your best glad rags with friends, planning your next date night, or taking the kids out for their very first theatrical experience, as the nights are drawing in, Kent’s theatres and live music venues are the perfect place to head to this winter.
Dreamland
Of course, Dreamland was going to be top of our list for live music and events. This vibrant venue by the sea is putting on one heck of a show this winter, from Alien Ant Farm, to the Levellers, Craig Charles and Everything Everything! Grab your tickets and prepare to sing and dance the night away.
Hythe Imperial
This glittering venue by the sea has a packed calendar of events and with dates confirmed until the end of 2025, you’d better have those diaries at the ready! From Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston to Elton John and Bob Marley, their tribute nights will have on your feet and signing along. What’s more, your ticket will include a three-course meal, plus special rates on bed and breakfast so you can make a weekend of it.
Canterbury
Canterbury is renowned for its events, so be sure to get a few of them in your diary this winter. Of course, the Canterbury Cathedral and Whitefriars Christmas Market is set to impress, bringing gifting, treats and more to the Cathedral precincts, while St Augustine’s Abbey will be hosting Luxmuralis on 13th – 21st December, a spectacular sound and light show taking place in a spectacular location! For a real festive celebration, the Lord Mayor’s Outdoor Christmas Carols on 24th December will make for a magical Christmas Eve.
Leas Cliff Hall
This winter, escape the cold and treat yourself to a cosy night of live entertainment at Leas Cliff Hall. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic music experience with tributes to legends like Tina Turner (What’s Love Got To Do With It?), George Michael (Fastlove), and Elton John (The Rocket Man), or you're ready to rock with Scouting for Girls and Enter Shikari, they have something for every music lover. For those seeking an evening of laughter and inspiration, catch top comedians and thought-provoking talks from the likes of Lucy Worsley and Simon Reeve.
Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate
Whether you’re looking for small acoustic gigs at spots like the intimate Rosslyn Court and the fab grassroots venue of Whereelse in Margate, or bigger productions like Disco Inferno and 80s Live! at The Granville Theatre, and tributes and live music at Ramsgate Music Hall, Thanet is your go to this winter. For theatre, Tom Thumb makes for a memorable evening as the smallest arts venue in the world, while the Sarah Thorne Theatre boasts professional productions like Viva Neil Diamond, Flamenco Express and Beethoven Famous Piano Sonatas.
The Rocksalt Group
Some of our top restaurants and pubs in Kent are getting lively this winter. Folkestone favourites, Rocksalt and the Radnor Arms will be hosting fantastic live events, with Rocksalt Vibrations kicking off every Saturday night at Rocksalt's Wine Bar & Terrace, including music from local musicians and DJs each weekend. While things are getting quizzical at the Radnor Arms with a quiz night every third Tuesday of the month, so be sure to round up your most knowledgeable friends for a fun night out.
A Christmas Carol at Gad’s Hill Place
One of the most memorable festive tales has got to be A Christmas Carol, and we can’t think of a better place to watch it than at Gad’s Hill Place, Dickens’ beloved home. On Monday 23rd December, the author’s house will host two afternoon performances of the Christmas classic, plus lucky ticket holders will have the chance to take a peek at the house itself. Be quick, as tickets for this one will sell out fast!
Gravesend
St George’s Arts Centre Café is another go-to this Christmas, with Carols by Candlelight on 9th December providing a very special evening performance from the Marlowe Singers Chamber Choir. While Woodville Theatre is the perfect spot for classical concerts and tribute acts, with Pink-Ish, The Fureys and Vasilis Rakizis all set to perform early next year.
The Wishful Thinker
The Wishful Thinker in the village of Lenham is a foodie favourite, with seasonal menus, cocktails and cosy country pub vibes, but what makes this pub truly special is their live music calendar. From Frank Sinatra tributes to comedy nights and even an ABBA tribute show, this is a fab night out. Better yet, with beautifully designed rooms upstairs, you can even make a weekend break of it.
The Pub at Solley’s
In summertime, Solley’s is a real favourite for their delicious ice creams, but in winter, you’ll find us cosying up in their very own pub in Ripple in Deal. Check your diaries and book in a fun night out, with live music, events and even quiz nights on the cards this winter. What’s more this comfy country pub offers an extensive range of drinks, light bites, all with a side of views across the farm.
