The most wonderful time of year is getting closer... and there's plenty to see, do and experience this #ChristmasInMedway! Take a look below at our full list of festive fun⬇
One of Medway's most popular festive attractions is returning for 2024, and it's back bigger than ever! Once again, this year's market will take over Rochester Castle Gardens with over 100 stalls to find the perfect gift, an improved Bavarian Village so you can snack whilst you shop and of course our exciting fairground.
Friday, 29 November - Sunday, 15 December 2024, various times.
Returning for its second year, Sat amongst the vibrant Rochester Christmas Market, Mrs Clause and her elves are working hard to bring your children a magical Christmas experience; including a Christmas story in Mrs Claus’ snug, crafting their own Christmas decoration in the Elves’ workshop and decorating a festive sweet treat to take home.
There will also be a number of BSL and relaxed performances, the details of which can be found here.
Find out more about the village and book tickets here.
Saturday, 7 & Sunday, 8 December 2024, 10am-6pm
Step back in time and start the festive season in Dickensian style!
Each year, the first weekend of December brings Victorian festivities to Rochester in the form of a Dickensian Christmas, where you can experience street entertainment, readings, song and dance. You’ll be captivated by Dickens’ characters as you explore the literary journey that was the great writer’s life.
Learn more about the event here.
Looking for festive fun this holiday season that’s designed with all children in mind?
We have the perfect guide to Christmas activities tailored for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Including quiet shopping at Rochester Christmas Market, relaxed performances at the Children's Christmas Village and The Central Theatre's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime and plenty more.
Learn more here.
Thu 12 Dec 2024 to Sun 5 Jan 2025, various times.
Tickets from £20.50.
Following the tremendous success of the smash hit, Aladdin, we're thrilled to present a LARGER-THAN-LIFE adventure!
Join Jack, Dame Trott (played by, back by popular demand: Alex Anstey), CBeebies' Katy Ashworth and the lovable Clarabelle the Cow for an unforgettable escapade filled with FE-FI-FO-FUN! Starring Joe McFadden as Fleshcreep and Andrew Curphey (Britain's Got Talent, 2024) as Silly Billy, this spectacular production will transport you to a world of magic beans, a majestic castle in the clouds, and a walking, talking, and rather bad-tempered Giant. It’ll be the STALK of the town, and you won't want to miss a moment of this magical extravaganza!
Whether you’re young or young at heart, this unforgettable holiday treat will blow you away with live music, vibrant costumes, stunning sets, breath-taking special effects, and heaps of panto merriment and laughter!
Secure your tickets here.
Friday, 6 December 2024, 7pm.
Tickets from £22.
Join us for the Mistletoe Costumed Ball at the Corn Exchange, Rochester! Dress in your Victorian finery or as a Dickens character and dance the night away! Enjoy complimentary refreshments, fabulous music and a raffle supporting the Dickens Chalet Restoration Fund. A magical evening awaits!
Saturday, 7 & Sunday, 9 Dec, 11am to 5pm (last admissions 4.15pm)
Bah humbug! As part of Rochester’s Dickensian Christmas festival, that old curmudgeon Mr Scrooge will be in residence at Eastgate House along with a few other Dickensian characters.
Included with general admission to the house.
Friday, 20 to Monday, 23 December, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm* (*quiet session).
Gather round the fire and hear a magical festive tale about the mice of Eastgate House, read by Victorian Father Christmas in his green robes. Then discover scenes from the story all around the house…
Booking in advanced is recommended. Learn more.
Saturday, 30 Nov, Sunday 1 December & Sunday, 15 December, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm.
Now a festive favourite in Rochester. Immerse yourself in this unique theatrical adaptation of Dickens’ best loved story, performed in the beautiful setting of the 16th century Grand Reception Room. Please note this year’s performance is fully seated and is around 55 minutes duration.
Tickets £12.50, available by phoning 01634 332700.
Saturday, 23 November 2024, 11am to 4pm.
Come and explore the house all dressed up for a traditional Victorian Christmas. Learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from our costumed guides and have a go at making your own decoration at our drop-in workshop (subject to capacity).
Free with general admission to the house.
Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10am-4pm
The elves are back and up to mischief can you tell us what they have been doing in our museum.
Admission fees apply.
10am - 4pm
Enjoy different festive crafts each Saturday leading up to Christmas. Every Saturday you can decorate a paper plate with a festive scene, make a Christmas card for someone, in addition we will have fun themed crafts for you to make on the below Saturdays.
Sat, 16 Nov - Make a paper plate Christmas wreath
Sat, 30 Nov - Make a snowman
Sat, 7 Dec & Sun 8 Dec - Make your own Reindeer hat
Sat, 14 Dec - Make a crafty Christmas Tree
Sat, 21 Dec - Make a Christmas Cracker
Admission charges apply. Crafts included with admission.
From dazzling theatre shows to swimming lessons, there is so much to choose from this Christmas.
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