A lot is being done by RTW Together to make Christmas 2023 the biggest holiday event Tunbridge Wells has ever seen. All over town, there are three different Big Reveal Trails and Light-Switch-On events, as well as other fun things to do.
How do you get to The Big Reveal in Tunbridge Wells?
A lot of places have big events to turn on their Christmas lights, but in Tunbridge Wells, we like to go all out. There will be Christmas cheer in Tunbridge Wells on November 16, 17, and 18 thanks to The Big Reveals.
Before the big events, merchants will be hard at work making magical window displays that they will not want anyone to see. Anyone can go to “The Big Reveals,” where all of the window displays are shown to the public. After that, everyone can pick the window show they like best. This is a time for everyone in Tunbridge Wells to enjoy our great town and local businesses.
Each Big Reveal Trail will have a lights switch. There will also be music, songs, a visit from Santa Claus with his sleigh, special guests, and holiday food and drinks. No matter what age, all three trails will be fun for everyone.
When and where will The Big Reveals take place?
Upper Town and Camden Road. Thursday, November 16, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Start the “Big Reveal Trail” at the cave in Royal Victoria Place. It goes along Camden Road, and Monson Road, and ends in Five Ways. Before and after the walk, the Christmas lights will be turned on.
From 2 p.m. on the same day, Royal Victoria Place will also have holiday events, such as performances by “The Snow Sisters & The Ice Harvester” from Once Upon a Wish Events, songs by The Rock Choir, and a chance to see Santa and his elves. Find out more here.
These are the times:
🎄 2 to 4.30 pm: Shows and Santa will be at Royal Victoria Place (RVP) before the big reveal
🎄 4.30 pm: RVP Grotto’s Rock Choir
🎁 5 pm: The Christmas Grotto lights will be turned on in RVP (ground floor, outside of M&S)
🎄 5 to 6 p.m.: Window Reveal Trail
🎁 Six o’clock: Five Ways Lights Go On 🎄 6.20 pm: A Christmas show by the Clock Tower by the Salvation Army Brass Brand
🎁 4.30 pm–7 pm: Santa and other special guests will be performing throughout the event.
Lastly, keep an eye out for the RTW Round Table sleigh. It will be at Five Ways during the event to promote Nourish Community Foodbank.
They will also be collecting toys for kids in the area who wouldn’t get Christmas presents otherwise because of their family situation.
Mount Pleasant, High Street, and Chapel Place on November 17, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
People will gather in front of the Town Hall. The Big Reveal Trail will then go down Mount Pleasant Road and into Chapel Place. Plus, the Christmas lights are turned on before and after.
These are the times:
- 4.30 p.m.: Carol singing in front of the Town Hall
- 5 pm: The Christmas lights at the theatre are turned on.
- Window Reveal Trail from 5 to 6 p.m.
- At 6 p.m., the lights in Chapel Place turn on.
- At 6:20 p.m.: Carol sings at Chapel Place
Those with trousers
Saturday, November 18, at 4:30:07 p.m.
The Big Reveal Trail will go through the whole Pantiles and start at the Bandstand. You’ll hear more about this soon.
🎄 4.30 pm: Carol singing on the bandstand
🎄 5 p.m.: The bandstand lights come on
🎄 5 to 6 p.m.: Window Reveal Trail
🎁 At 6 p.m., the Christmas tree lights will be turned on in Bath Square
🎄 Carol singing at the bandstand at 6:20 p.m.
Everyone is taking part in making Tunbridge Wells a happier place for the holidays, and it’s all free.
This year, there will be more than 100 traders at the events, and up to 800 people are expected to come every night.
RTW Together is also putting on other Christmas events, like the Selfie Station on Lower Pantiles. Keep an eye out for more details about those.
All of this is already making us feel very holiday-like. We’re sure that this year’s Christmas in our town will be the best one yet. With help from Maddisons Residential, RTW Together has done a lot of work. We’re excited to support this event and see those windows come together. Who will win?!
