Rochester Christmas Market
Visit Historic Rochester this winter and experience the magic of our ever-popular Rochester Christmas Market. Wander through beautifully decorated stalls brimming with unique gifts, delicious food and magical funfair you won’t find anywhere else.
Rochester Christmas Market begins on Friday, 27 November. For dates and times, as well as FAQs. Please click here for more details.
The Rochester Dickensian Festival
Experience the magic of Christmas past as Historic Rochester transforms into a scene straight from the pages of Charles Dickens.
Immerse yourself in the charm of a Victorian Christmas - browse traditional market stalls, join in hands-on workshops, and watch as street performers bring much-loved Dickensian tales to life.
The festival will take place on Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 December. Please click here for more details.
Heritage Events
Eastgate House
Deck the Halls!
Get into the festive spirit as you explore this beautiful historic house, all decorated for a Victorian Christmas.
Sat, 14 Nov, 10am to 6pm (last admissions 5.15pm). Read more...
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Immerse yourself in Dicken’s best loved festive story, performed in the magnificent 16th century Grand Reception Room, where the drama will unfold all around you.
Sat, 28 and Sun, 29 Nov, Sat, 12 and Sun, 13 Dec. Read more...
Mr. Scrooge & Company
Visit Eastgate House during Rochester’s Dickensian Christmas festival and meet characters from A Christmas Carol, including everyone’s favourite old curmudgeon Mr Scrooge.
Sat, 5 and Sun, 6 Dec, 11am to 5pm. Read more...
Storytelling with Victorian Father Christmas
Gather round the fire and hear a new festive story read by Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in his green robes in our beautiful 17th century kitchen.
Sun, 20, Mon, 21, and Tue, 22 Dec. Read more...
Dickens at Dusk: Carols from Three Towns Theatre Company
Members of the Three Towns Theatre Company will be singing traditional carols outside Charles Dickens’ Writing Chalet in Victorian costume.
Sat, 5 & Sun, 6 Dec. Read more...
Guildhall Museum
Elf Christmas Trail
Celebrate the festive season at Rochester's Guildhall Museum with our Christmas trails and workshops. Discover seasonal surprises, get creative, and enjoy a memorable Christmas experience.
Sat, 14 Nov to Sat, 2 Jan. Read more...
Christmas Crafts
Celebrate the festive season at Rochester's Guildhall Museum with our Christmas trails and workshops. Discover seasonal surprises, get creative, and enjoy a memorable Christmas experience.
Sat, 14 Nov, Sat, 21 Nov, Sat, 28 Nov and Sat, 12 Dec. Read more...
Create your own Christmas Story Workshop with Mrs Claus
Meet Mrs Claus and her Elf and create your own magical Christmas story in our interactive workshop, where you decide what happens.
Sat, 14 Nov to Sat, 2 Jan. Read more...
Elsewhere in Medway
The Mistletoe Costumed Ball
Friday, 4 December, 7.30pm
Come dressed in your festive finery or as a Dickens Character for an evening to remember at the Corn Exchange Rochester. Complementary refreshments are available and there will be a raffle in aid of Friends of Eastgate House.
Tickets are available online or by calling The Central's box office 01634 338338.
Panto – Cinderella 2026
This year’s panto is Cinderealla set to enchant audiences at The Central Theatre, Chatham from Friday, 11 December 2026 to Sunday, 3 January 2027.
In what promises to be a production full of laughter, magic and festive fun, the production is a treat for the whole family to enjoy – and tickets are available now.
