It is never too early to start thinking about the most wonderful time of the year and there is plenty to look forward to in Medway this Christmas.
Medway will transform into a spectacular winter wonderland with a Christmas market, traditional Victorian celebrations, a special Children’s Christmas Village and much more, it is set to be magical Medway Christmas.
Don't miss the Children's Christmas Village
Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “Our Christmas events are always a crowd-pleaser, and this year will be no different with so much on offer! Medway is steeped in history and it is amazing we can bring some of this to life over the festive period with the Dickensian Christmas Festival, as well as having the well-loved Christmas market making its return.
“Children are what makes Christmas such a special time of year, and in Medway we always put young people at the heart of everything we do. I am really happy that our exciting programme of events is packed full of things for children to do – don’t miss the brand new Children’s Christmas Village which is making its debut this year and is set to be absolutely fantastic!”
Get your gifts in early at Medway’s Christmas Market
The ever-popular Rochester Christmas Market will be running over three weekends starting on Saturday, 25 November – Sunday, 26 November and returning on Friday, 1 December – Sunday, 3 December and Friday, 8 December – Sunday, 10 December. The market is also part of the Dickensian Christmas Festival on Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 December.
The unique experience of shopping in the picturesque Rochester Castle Gardens with the country’s tallest and finest Norman castle keep providing a stunning backdrop has become a much-loved Medway Christmas tradition. It is back and bigger than ever this year with more than 80 stalls to pick from for boutique gifts and stocking fillers.
Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift whilst you are there and enjoy the festive food and drink on offer as you stroll around the castle gardens. With an on-site fun fair and family-friendly activities there is fun for all to be had - if you head to the Christmas market on a Friday, make sure to take advantage of the discounted prices with rides costing £1.50 and half priced activities!
Find out more about the Rochester Christmas Market.
Explore the new magical Children’s Christmas Village
A brand new addition to Medway’s Christmas line-up this year is the magical Children’s Christmas Village, which will be running within the Christmas Market at Rochester Castle Gardens.
This extra special festive treat for children will see them meet Mrs Claus and some of the most trusted elves from the North Pole, who have been hard at work to transform part of the castle gardens into a Christmas wonderland.
You will be greeted by elves as you enter the village who will guide you to Mrs Claus’ snug for a special Christmas story. Then it is off to visit the elves’ workshop where you will create and decorate your very own Christmas decoration to take home! All that hard work is sure to build up an appetite, so the final stop is to Mrs Claus’ kitchen where the elves have baked up a storm of gingerbread people ready to be decorated and enjoyed.
The Children’s Christmas Village is suitable for children aged between four and 11-years-old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost £10 per child and can be booked in advance. Gluten free and vegan gingerbread people will be available.
Take a step back in time at the Dickensian Christmas Festival
A unique Medway Christmas experience is back again this year with the Dickensian Christmas Festival on Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 December from 10am-6pm. Rochester will once again be transformed back to the Victorian era for two days of celebration and will come to life as Charles Dickens’ characters roam the historic cobbled streets. There will be plenty of live entertainment over the weekend for residents of all ages to enjoy including a choir stage in the Eastgate Quarter, family entertainment near The Guildhall Museum.
The City of Rochester Pipe Band will lead the midday parades along the cobbled High Street and a magical candlelight procession will take place from the Eastgate Quarter at 4.45pm which ends in a fabulous carol concert in the silhouette of Rochester Castle on the festival’s main stage. BAE Systems’ brass band will accompany the City of Rochester Choral society and the concert will mark the close of the festival each day.
With charming independent shops to visit, street entertainment, readings, songs and dance as well as spectacular parades throughout the day there is plenty to enjoy. The Christmas Market and Children’s Christmas Village will still be running at Rochester Castle Gardens, so you will be spoilt for choice for things to do.
Find out more about the Dickensian Christmas Festival.
Annual pantomime returns to Chatham – “Oh, yes it does!”
Christmas is a time for fun, love and laughter, and nothing says Christmas like the annual pantomime.
You could not wish for a better show this year, so make sure you get the whole family together for a thrilling time for Aladdin at The Central Theatre.
Stars such as Eastenders’ Delroy Atkinson, CBBC’s William Wyn Davies and Alex Anstey, who is back by popular demand as Widow Twankey, will take you on a magic carpet ride for a show packed with panto fun!
Performances take place from Friday, 8 December to Sunday, 31 December. You can book tickets online or by calling the box office on 01634 338 338. Tickets start from £19.50.
Victorian traditions at Eastgate House
The Victorian festivities continue at Eastgate House - the magnificent 16th century townhouse will be decked with traditional decorations from Saturday, 2 December to Sunday, 7 January.
Children will also have the chance to meet a traditional Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in his green robes, at Eastgate house from Monday, 18 December to Saturday, 23 December. Come along and listen to a story about the mice who live in Eastgate House before exploring the house and finding scenes from the story.
No advance booking is required, but admission fees apply. Find out more on our website.
For an extra special Christmas treat, come and enjoy an immersive adaption Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ where actors will perform all around you. Shows will be running on Sunday, 10 December, Saturday, 16 December and Sunday 17, December. Tickets cost £12 and will go on sale on Wednesday, 11 October – keep an eye on our website for ticket information.
Find naughty elves on shelves at The Guildhall Museum
There is a rumour that some of Father Christmas’ elves will be hiding at The Guildhall Museum in Rochester between Saturday, 9 December to Saturday, 23 December.
Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the museum and see how many elves you can spot. Be sure to let us know what they have been up to! You will also be able to write a letter to Father Christmas on your trip to the museum, which the elves will take back with them to the North Pole.
Admission to The Guildhall Museum is free. Find out more about the Guildhall Museum.