Step back in time and start the festive season in Dickensian style.
Step back in time and start the festive season in Dickensian style at the popular Rochester Dickensian Christmas festival taking place on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 December.
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.
Our full programme of colourful and lively events is below⬇.
Led from outside the Victoria & Bull Hotel, by the Town Crier, the procession will move along the High Street and conclude outside the Six Poor Travellers' House, where a short speech will be made.
Led by the Mayor of Medway, the parade of costume characters and performers will start in the High Street by Almon Place. It will move along the High Street, turn left at Northgate into Boley Hill and finishing on the Boley Hill Stage.
Led by the Mayor of Medway, the parade will start on the High Street by Almon Place. It will move along the High Street and turn left into Boley Hill to join the carol service on the open air stage.
This year we welcome the Rochester Choral Society as they lead the magical concert. Join the Marconi Brass Band and all the festival performers in a selection of popular Christmas carols outside Rochester's magnificent cathedral on Boley Hill, under a guaranteed snowfall. Hosted by our special guest - Graham Woodward - Sports and Event Presenter, The Voice of English Cricket & Lords.
There is limited parking available in Rochester. Disabled parking is available, on a first come first served basis. We recommend using public transport, such as the train, which is only a short 2-minute walk away from the town centre. Alternatively, visitors are advised to park in Chatham or Strood and walk into town centre.
For information on getting to Rochester by train click here.
For bus information, please click here.
The Park & Ride service will be available 9am to 6pm on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 December for the Dickensian Festival.
Town centre parking will be extremely limited during the festival. We strongly advise visitors to use the park and ride service, which will operate from the University of Greenwich Medway Campus, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, ME4 4TB.
To use the service:
Your four-legged friend is very welcome to join you, as long as she or he is kept on a lead. However, please note that the market does get very busy.
During the festival the majority of activities will be £3 or £3.50.
We have a variety of vegan and vegetarian food options on site, including:
All of our food traders have allergens lists available upon request.
You can book your place at Children's Christmas Village here.
The Rochester Christmas Market will be taking place at the same time as the festival. For more details on the market, click here for details.
Coaches need to pre-book their visit. Email [email protected]
Address
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival 2024 Rochester Town Centre
