Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival & Market

Step Into a Victorian Winter Wonderland.

A perfect way to start the festive season as Historic Rochester glows with the sights and sounds of a Christmas scene from the Victorian era as we witness the best-loved characters from the works of Charles Dickens come to life.   With carol singers, bell ringers, costumed parades and street theatre. This popular well-established event is not one to be issed.

Step back in time and experience the magic of the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival where the streets come alive with Victorian Characters,festive music and traditional Christmas cheer.  Wander through the historic High Street as costumed performers, carol singers and chimney sweeps recreate the world of Charles Dickens.  Enjoy seasonal stalls, delicious treats and the joyful parades that fill the City with colour and nostalgia.

This event runs in conjunction with Rochester Christmas Market, which is located in the picturesque and historic Rochester Castle Gardens.

Rochester Christmas Market is set in the spectacular Rochester Castle Gardens and is held over three consecutive weekends at the end of November and beginning of December.   The market attracts visitors from all over Europe and is one of the best festive events in the UK. With over 120 stalls, the market is Kent’s biggest FREE to enter public Christmas Market.   The focus of the market is to showcase traders with products and festive treats that can’t be found on the High Street, such as locally produced and sustainable gifts, clothing and home ware, along with artisan goods and foods. 

Shoppers can enjoy a variety of festive food and drink on offer within the Bavarian Village, watch live entertainment performed on the bandstand and enjoy the family funfair.