Rochester Christmas Market Guide (2025)

You’ll find their holiday celebrations in Rochester Castle Gardens, a spectacular setting for the Christmas market that will make you feel merry and bright!

A special Christmas activity for your little ones, to make their holiday season extra magical…

Mrs Claus and her elves have been working really hard to bring all children a magical and memorable Christmas this year. You can enjoy Christmas stories in Mrs Claus’ snug, get crafty with Christmas decorations in the Elves’ workshop and they can even decorate their very own festive treat to take home.

A holiday village that will only leave your kids with happy smiles and delicious holiday treats.

Rochester Castle Gardens lets visitors enter the world of Christmas. With a wide range of different market stalls, fantastic events and plenty of shops – you’ll be stuck on what to do first! The food stalls will have a delicious selection of German bratwurst sausages, hog roasts and sweet treats! This sounds like a holiday tradition you can start with your family.

Want to do all your Christmas present shopping here? Why not head on down to the gift stalls? You can buy your handmade gifts at fab prices or even browse for special gift ideas for your loved ones! Whether they’re stocking fillers or the star of the show!

Fancy a glass of wine or a festive beer? Every drink stall will have the seasonal favourite mulled wine to a yummy Bailey’s hot chocolate! Whether you’re in the mood for hot or cold beverages, you’ll find something to quench your thirst.

On Rochester High Street there will be live entertainment to keep all the family in a festive mood. With music from local bands and artists, this will be a magical Christmas for everyone to enjoy.

You’ll even find tasty roasted chestnuts to munch on – cementing that Christmas is well and truly here!

The Rochester Christmas market comes alive with the enchanting allure of funfair rides, transforming the historic city into a festive playground for all ages!

Against the backdrop of twinkling lights and the sweet melody of Christmas carols, the funfair rides add an extra dash of merriment to the seasonal celebration. Families and friends gather to experience the exhilarating whirl of the carousel, the nostalgic sway of the Ferris wheel, and the laughter-inducing twists and turns of the roller coaster.

The air is filled with joyous shrieks and the delightful aroma of holiday treats as visitors enjoy the magical ambience of the Christmas market. The funfair rides become a cherished part of the festive tradition, creating lasting memories for all who partake in the seasonal revelry in Rochester!

Discover a Christmas like no other with the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival.

Step back in time and discover a Dickensian Christmas, Victorian style. From lively street entertainment and special readings to a host of singing and dancing!

You’ll soon be sucked into the immersive atmosphere, with the annual procession, a candlelit parade and Christmas carols. It’s not a festive event you should miss!

The Dickensian Christmas Festival will be running on Saturday 30th November, Sunday 1st December  and Sunday 15th December at 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm.