Despite all the challenges 2020 has thrown our way, traders, attractions and organisations in Medway are pulling out all the stops to make Christmas as magical as possible. So grab your santa hats and face masks and enjoy some of these Covid-safe treats and festive experiences.
Carry out your Christmas shopping on Medway’s high streets this year. From boutiques along Rochester High Street and Strood to family owned businesses in Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham, find the perfect gift on your doorstep.
There will be late night shopping in Rochester High Street on 9 and 16 December when shops will be open until 7.30pm.
There will be free parking in all council-owned car parks between Thursday, 17 December and Sunday, 20 December, making shopping even easier.
Although this traditional Rochester Christmas Market is not going ahead this year, Rochester will be hosting its Vintage and Artisan Market on Saturday 12 and 19 December. 10am-3.30pm with stalls along the High Street from Blue Boar Car Park to the Guildhall Museum.
All of the high streets are festooned with Christmas lights, plus look out for timeless traditions, characters, music and Street Food Sundays in Rochester through December.
For further inspiration for supporting online Medway traders visit the Medway Local shopping guide and check out the Christmas Gifts story on the Visit Medway Instagram page.
Don't forget to follow social distancing measures at all times. #shoplocalshopsafe
Rochester Cathedral and the Rochester traders have put together some festive trails.
The Cathedral's Christmas Trail for Advent: Scan the 12 QR codes on cafe and restaurant windows in Rochester High Street to hear sections of the Nativity story with carols and prayers for Christmas. The final QR code is directly outside the cathedral. Runs 5 December to 2 January.
Christmas in Rochester Children's Trail: Younger children can help find Tiny Tim Mouse and help him get home for Christmas! Tiny Tim Mouse is hiding in 12 shops in Rochester High Street. Can you find him in at least 10 windows? Pick up a Christmas in Rochester Map in participating Shops and Restaurants. £100 of High Street Vouchers to be won. Runs 5 December to 2 January.
Christmas in Rochester Adults' Trail: Find 12 letters hidden in High Street shop windows which spell out a name associated with Christmas. £100 of High Street Vouchers to be won. Pick up a Christmas in Rochester Map in participating Shops and Restaurants. Runs 5 December to 2 January.
Christmas isn't Christmas without snuggling down together with your loved ones to enjoy a festival film. But with cinemas currently closed, the popular new way to enjoy a Covid-safe movie experience is at a drive-in cinema.
Nightlfix Drive-in Cinema returns to Medway this December, with a menu of classic Christmas films for all the family including Elf, Home Alone, Polar Express, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Love Actually. Find out more and buy tickets via the Nightflix website.
