Published: Thursday, 14th November 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and there is so much to see and do in Medway this Christmas.
Something for everyone to enjoy in Medway this Christmas
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on! It is great to see our highly popular Christmas market return for the 15th year, and Rochester Castle is such a spectacular and magical venue – it’s a truly unique experience to do your Christmas shopping within the backdrop of country’s finest and tallest Norman castle keep and Rochester Cathedral, the second-oldest Cathedral in England! No wonder visitors from near and far claim it is one of the prettiest places in the UK during this wonderful time of the year!
“Visitors will be spoilt for choice as there is so much to look forward to this year in Medway this festive season, from travelling back in time at the Dickensian Christmas Festival, re-living your childhood at the always-popular panto, to soaking in the festive cheer at our exceptional heritage attractions. We believe in promoting events that can be accessed and enjoyed by all community members, so we are proud that there are a number of sessions being put on at our various events specifically for our community members with special educational needs and disabilities - there truly is something for everyone to enjoy in Medway this Christmas!”
Rochester Christmas Market
The always-popular Rochester Christmas Market, now in its 15th year, will be running over three weekends. Starting on Friday, 29 November – Sunday, 1 December and returning on Friday, 6 December – Sunday, 8 December and Friday, 13 December – Sunday 15 December.
The Rochester Christmas market will have extended opening hours, with doors opening from 10am – 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10am – 6pm on Sundays.
This year, we have also introduced a more relaxed and inclusive ‘quiet shopping time’ every Friday between 10am – 11.30am. During this time, there won’t be any loud music or funfair sounds, for those who want to experience the festive fun without the usual hustle and bustle.
With more than 100 stalls to browse to find those perfect Christmas gifts and stocking fillers, a children’s funfair, live music and much more, there will be plenty of family-friendly fun to get you into the Christmas spirit.
As you walk around the unique and stunning Rochester Castle garden grounds, treat yourself to an early present with the amazing food and drink stalls, including the brilliant Bavarian food village which is back and bigger than ever.
The Rochester Christmas Artisan Market has also been added to the line-up this year, with the exciting new addition taking place on Boley Hill during the first and third weekend of the Christmas Market. Plenty of pop-up stalls and entertainment will also be on offer in the Eastgate Quarter, including the popular Psychic Alley, on the first and third weekend of the Christmas Market from 10am to 5pm. You’ll also be able to pick up the perfect presents from the stalls in the Eastgate Quarter, as well as shop owners trading outside their shops along High Street, during the Dickensian Christmas Festival on the second weekend of the Christmas Market from 10am to 6pm.
Find out more about the Rochester Christmas Market.
Medway’s African and Caribbean Association (MACA) will also be hosting an African and Caribbean Festive Market at the Rochester Corn Exchange on Sunday, 1 December from 10am to 4pm. To find out more about MACA, visit: MACACharity.org.uk.
The final Rochester Farmers’ Market of the year will also be held on Sunday, 15 December at Blue Boar Lane Car Park from 9am to 1pm.
Children’s Christmas Village
Following its incredible popularity last year, the magical Children’s Christmas Village makes a return to the Medway Christmas line-up, running within the Christmas Market at Rochester Castle Gardens.
The immersive Christmas family experience will see Medway’s children greeted by some of Santa’s finest elves, who have been sent on a mission to spread as much Christmas joy as possible. The extra special Christmas treat will involve a magical Christmas story form the one and only Mrs Claus, before they get a sneak peek at the elves’ workshop where they will get to decorate their very own decoration.
The final stop is in Mrs Claus’ kitchen where the elves have been baking up a storm of wonderful Christmas goodies, ready to be decorated, taken home and enjoyed!
The Children’s Christmas Village is suitable for children up to 11-years-old. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult, but a maximum of two. Tickets for children aged between two and 11-years-old cost £15.00, and adult tickets cost £5.
There will be BSL signed performances of the Children’s Christmas Village on Sunday, 8 December at 10.30am and 1.30pm, as well as relaxed performances on Friday, 29 November, Friday, 6 December & Friday, 13 December at 10.00am. The relaxed sessions will be limited to 20 people, and are twice as long with trained staff and pre-event information.
Children decorating their sweet treats at the Children's Christmas Village.
A window into the past with the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
One of Medway’s favourite traditions is back once again this year with the popular Dickensian Christmas Festival on Saturday, 7 December and Sunday, 8 December. From 11am to 6pm, street entertainment including singing, dancing, parades and readings will take place across historic Rochester. Residents and visitors can get even more into the spirit by dressing in their best Victorian costumes.
Find out more about the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival.
There’s a giant Panto in Medway this year
Medway’s Christmas pantomime is set to reach new heights this year – get ready for heaps of fe-fi-fo-fun with Jack and the Beanstalk at The Central Theatre!
Children, and those young at heart, will love this unforgettable Christmas treat, with live music, vibrant costumes, stunning sets, awe-inspiring special effects, and plenty of panto fun!
The Central Theatre is offering a relaxed performance of this year’s panto, which has been specially adapted to provide a calmer environment. The house lights will stay on, loud noises and special effects will be reduced and the audience can move around the auditorium as required. A breakout area will also be available, and a BSL interpreter will be present. The relaxed performance takes place on Monday, 30 December at 5pm.
Performances will take place at The Central Theatre from Thursday, 12 December 2024 to Sunday, 5 January 2025. 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
Medway’s magnificent 16th century townhouse will be decked out in traditional Victorian Christmas decorations, and will play host to a number of events in the build-up to Christmas.
Head to Eastgate House on Saturday, 23 November between 11am and 4pm to learn all about Victorian Christmas traditions from costumed guides, and have a go at making your own decoration at a drop-in workshop.
Children will also have the chance to meet a traditional Victorian Father Christmas, who will be at Eastgate House between Friday, 20 December and Monday, 23 December. Come along and hear a special Christmas story before exploring the historical house. Storytelling will take place from 12noon to 5pm each day. The 5pm sessions will be relaxed performances, for those who require a more gentle and inclusive experience.
Booking is not required, but admission fees apply. Find out more.
You will also have the chance to enjoy what is now a festive favourite at Eastgate House – an immersive adaption of the one of the world’s best-known Christmas stories – Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Shows will be running on Saturday, 30 November, Sunday 1 December and Sunday 15 December. The show lasts around 55minutes, and tickets cost £13 and can be booked here.
Festive fun at The Guildhall Museum
Whilst most of Father Christmas’ elves will be hard preparing everything for Christmas, there’s a rumour some of them will be hiding in The Guildhall Museum between Tuesday, 12 November and Saturday, 4 January.
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around the museum and let us know how many you can spot! There will also be special Christmas craft sessions at The Guildhall Museum every Saturday leading up to Christmas – starting on Saturday, 16 November to Saturday, 21 December.
Throughout the Christmas period, the Members Room at the Guildhall Museum will also be decked out in festive finery – offering the ideal space for families to take the perfect Christmas picture and make some special memories.
There’s no need to book in advance, but normal admission fees apply. Find out more about the Guildhall Museum.
Mistletoe Costumed Ball and Christmas magic at the Rochester Corn Exchange
The Rochester Corn Exchange will host the Mistletoe Costumed Ball on Friday, 6 December.
Dress in your Victorian finery or favourite Dickens character and have fun dancing the night away! A raffle will also be held supporting the Dickens Chalet Restoration Fund.
Tickets booked before Saturday, 24 November will cost £22, and any tickets booked after will cost £25. Book your ticket before Wednesday, 4 December to avoid missing out.
Candlelight concerts are also being held at The Rochester Corn Exchange on Tuesday, 10 December, Wednesday, 18 December, Thursday, 19 December and Sunday, 22 December. Two concerts will be taking place each on each evening, at 7pm and 9pm. Find out more information, including how to buy tickets.
The Rochester Corn Exchange will host its Christmas party night on Saturday, 14 December. With a welcome drink on arrival, 3 course festive dinner, entertainment, and plenty of dancing it’s the perfect venue to celebrate with family, friends, or colleagues. Limited tables are still available and can be purchased here.
Finding the perfect gift
If you are on the hunt to find the perfect gift for your loved ones this Christmas, why not take look at the range of gift vouchers on offer. From dazzling theatre shows to swimming lessons and fitness passes, there is lots to choose from this Christmas. Find out more.
Find out everything that’s going on in Medway this Christmas.