A range of family activities and festive entertainment are on offer in Kingston's town centre this Christmas, organised by Kingston First, the town centre's Business Improvement District.

From stunning new light installations, a free family Christmas trail and live music performances at the Christmas Market, to new curling lanes and Candy Cane Forest, there's plenty to be enjoyed over the festive season.

(Image: Kingston First)

Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive of Kingston First said: "We're delighted to be delivering an exciting and magical festive experience in Kingston town centre this Christmas.

"From an outstanding retail and hospitality offer, to our traditional Christmas market with live music performances, stunning new light installations, curling lanes, Candy Cane Forest and free Christmas trail for families, there's something for everyone to enjoy."

(Image: Kingston First)

Christmas in Kingston begins on 10 November with the much-loved Christmas Market, with its European-style wooden chalets which will be selling all kinds of unique gifts and delicious food, and a fully stocked 360-degree bar serving festive drinks.

The stage in the Market will host daily live music and local community performances, and regular open mic nights which are free.

(Image: Kingston First)

The town centre streets will be decked out in twinkling lights, with two new light installations this year; a giant reindeer in the Market Place and a tree decorated with bespoke handmade neon lights. With three other impressive light installations (the giant bauble, candy cane hat and I Love Kingston sign) and two giant Christmas trees, visitors will be able to discover them all on a wintry stroll around the town centre.

There are some exciting additions this year set to delight visitors. Memorial Gardens in the town centre will be transformed into a Candy Cane Forest, with snow-capped fir trees, candy cane decorations and traditional rides, including a vintage carousel, train and swing boats for younger children. In the ski-themed Alpine Village, two curling lanes will be available for games - perfect for families, groups of friends and the after-work crowd. 

(Image: Kingston First)

In December, local businesses will be part of a free Christmas Trail around the town centre, with little ones being able to spot posters in shop windows, piece together the missing festive word and collect a prize at the end for their efforts. 

On top of all this, the outstanding retail and hospitality offer with close to 300 shops and a fantastic selection of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from, makes Kingston the perfect place to enjoy a magical experience this Christmas. 

Key Dates

• Christmas in Kingston begins on 10 November (there will be no light switch on event)
• Gift stalls in the Christmas Market will be open 10 November to 24 December
• Lights across the town centre will be on from 10 November
• The Christmas Market stage, bar and food stalls and Alpine Village curling will be open 10 November to 2 January
• The Candy Cane Forest in Memorial Gardens will be open 26 November to 2 January
• The free family Christmas Trail will run from 15 to 24 December

More information, including links to book curling and festive events can be found on the Kingston First's Christmas page, here.