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Rochester Christmas Market

Rochester Christmas Market

27th November - 13th December 2026

Get ready to experience the festive spirit at the 2026 Rochester Christmas Market!

Set in the spectacular Rochester Castle Gardens, with the impressive 11th-century Norman keep as a backdrop, the Rochester Christmas Market takes place over three consecutive weekends at the end of November and the beginning of December.

Attracting around 250,000 visitors from across Europe, the market is regarded as one of the UK’s premier festive events. With more than 120 stalls, it stands as Kent’s largest free-to-enter public Christmas market.

Market traders offer products and festive treats you won’t find on the High Street.

Explore locally produced and sustainable gifts, distinctive clothing and homeware, and a wide array of artisan goods and foods. This year’s Christmas Market truly has something for everyone, with special seasonal delights and unique gifts for all ages.

Let’s take a look at what’s in store this year:

Delicious food & drink – from freshly made donuts to indulgent Christmas Dinner wraps, plus mulled wine and hot chocolate!
Unique shopping – browse over 120 stalls with one-of-a-kind gifts.
Magical funfair – rides and attractions for the whole family.
Live entertainment – festive performances on the bandstand.
Festive atmosphere – twinkling lights, historic charm, and plenty of traditional Christmas cheer!

Useful Information:

Rochester Christmas Market 2026 is running:
- Friday 27 November, 12pm to 9pm
- Saturday 28 November, 10am to 9pm
- Sunday 29 November, 10am to 6pm
- Friday 4 December, 12pm to 9pm
- Saturday 5 December, 10am to 9pm (Dickensian Christmas Festival)
- Sunday 6 December, 10am to 6pm (Dickensian Christmas Festival)
- Friday 11 December, 12pm to 9pm
- Saturday 12 December, 10am to 9pm
- Sunday 13 December, 10am to 6pm.
Parking in the centre of Rochester is limited, and we encourage all our visitors to use public transport whenever possible.

The Rochester Train Station is a convenient 5-minute walk away from the Rochester Castle Gardens. Click here to plan your journey.

Rochester is also accessible by bus. Click here to plan your journey.

If you are visiting by coach or minibus, we recommend pre-booking your visit. Click here to book.

Additional information on travel and parking arrangements will be published soon.
Yes, all four-legged friends are more than welcome to visit, so long as they are on the lead! However, please note that the market can get busy, so may not be suitable for all pets.