Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
Visitors step into a traditional Victorian Christmas with costumed parades, live street entertainers, readings, and guaranteed snow. Hands-on Dickensian-themed workshops and roaming characters bring Charles Dickens' stories to life. Guests can also browse a Christmas market, enjoy a funfair in the castle gardens, and sample offerings from a Bavarian food village.
See more other Christmas activities near Rochester
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
10am to 6pm.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
The Bavarian food village offers food and drink.
Parking
Parking in central Rochester is limited, and visitors are encouraged to use public transport. Coaches must pre-book parking for the event.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Take the train if you can, since parking in central Rochester is limited and the station is a five-minute walk from the castle gardens.
- Coach and minibus groups should pre-book parking now, as some departure slots on both days are already full.
- Add a visit to the Rochester Christmas Market at the castle, which runs the same weekend, to pick up a gift or souvenir.
- Head to the Bavarian food village when you need a break, and let the children enjoy the funfair in the castle gardens.
Links & Contact
Run by Medway Council
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see and do?
There's street entertainment, live performances, readings, costumed parades and guaranteed snow, with Dickens' characters out on the streets. You can also join hands-on Dickensian-themed workshops.
Is the Christmas market on the same weekend?
Yes, the Rochester Christmas Market at Rochester Castle runs the same weekend as the festival.
What's the best way to get there?
Parking in central Rochester is limited, so take public transport if you can. Rochester station is a five-minute walk from Rochester Castle Gardens, and buses also serve the town.
Do coach groups need to book?
Yes, all visiting coaches must pre-book parking for the event. Some departure slots are already full.
What is there to eat, and what else is there for families?
A Bavarian food village serves food and drink. There's also a funfair in the castle gardens next to the Christmas market.
Browse Christmas in Rochester
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.