Rochester Christmas Market 2025

Updated on: 15 August 2025

Rochester Christmas Market 2025 transforms the historic Castle Gardens into a lantern-lit wonderland across three weekends: 28–30 November, 5–7 December and 12–14 December 2025. Wander beneath the Norman keep as a hundred alpine-style stalls serve artisan gifts, Kentish produce, mulled wine and sizzling bratwurst. Expect local choirs, live bands and the Dickensian Christmas Festival with costumed parades, carols and snow-dusted photo spots. Entry is free, making it a perfect festive day trip or short break. Below you’ll find dates, opening times, travel and parking tips, accessible routes, where to stay near the market, and insider advice to beat the crowds.

Rochester Christmas Market 2025: Dates & Opening Times

Confirmed by Medway Council

Quiet shopping hour: 10 – 11.30 am every Friday (no amplified music or fun‑fair noise – ideal for SEN visitors).

Dickensian Christmas Festival parades: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th Dec, c. 11 am–6 pm, with candle‑lit procession at dusk.

Hotels Near Rochester Christmas Market 2025

Why This Market Is Special

• Setting: Over 100 alpine huts nestle inside Rochester Castle Gardens, back‑dropped by England’s second‑oldest cathedral.

• Size: 220 k+ visitors a year but still walkable in an afternoon.

• Free entry: Save your pennies for gifts (and mulled wine).

• The Dickens vibe: Charles Dickens lived nearby; expect costumed characters, readings and period decorations everywhere.

Market Layout at a Glance

• Bavarian Food Village – giant bratwursts, glühwein steins and live oompah.

• Children’s Christmas Village – meet Mrs Claus, decorate gingerbread in the elf workshop (ticketed; relaxed & BSL‑signed sessions available).

• Artisan Market on Boley Hill (weekends 1st & 3rd) – Kentish gin, handmade candles, psychic alley pop‑ups.

• Fun‑fair & music stage – family rides plus local choirs and brass bands.

---

Food & Drink at Rochester Christmas Market (Mulled Wine, Street Food)

1. Kentish cobnut truffles – hyper‑local nutty chocolates.

2. Medway cider hot toddy – sweet, spiced and dangerously drinkable.

3. Vegan roast wraps – look for the green‑signposted stall near the castle wall.

4. Bavarian pretzel & raclette combo – the queue is worth it!

---

Dickensian Christmas Festival Weekend: Parades & Timings

The second weekend morphs into a full‑blown street theatre spectacular:

• Victorian costumed parades at noon and 4 pm.

• Free carol concerts inside Rochester Cathedral (arrive 30 min early for seats).

• Candle‑lit procession with snow machine finale at the castle moat (~5.30 pm).

Tip: Wear something Dickensian (top hat, bonnet, muffler) and you’ll blend right in—plus it keeps you warmer.

---

How to Get There: Trains, Driving, Parking & Park and Ride

By train

High‑speed Southeastern services from London St Pancras to Strood (33 min) or classic services from Victoria/Charing Cross to Rochester (45–55 min). Both stations are a 10–12 min riverside walk.

Driving & parking

Pay‑and‑display car parks at Blue Boar Lane, Corporation Street and The Esplanade (Blue Badge bays). Coach parties must pre‑book bays via Medway Council.

Park & Ride

Details are published close to each weekend (often from University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime). Check Medway’s updates in the run-up to your visit.

Accessibility

Step‑free entry via Baker’s Walk gate; accessible loos inside the gardens and at Rochester Community Hub.

Money

Most stalls are card‑friendly but bring £1 coins for the fun‑fair. ATMs on High Street often run dry by evening.

---

Where to Stay Near Rochester Christmas Market

Luxury (⭑⭑⭑⭑ & standout reviews)

Mid‑Range (good 3‑star comfort)

Budget (central & cheerful)

*Indicative off‑peak prices per double room (July 2025). Expect rates to rise by 10–25 % in December—book early.

---

1-Day Itinerary for Rochester Christmas Market

1. 10 am – Arrive, grab cinnamon latte in High Street.

2. 10.30 am – Enter via Bakers Walk for quiet browsing.

3. 12 pm – Bavarian lunch & glühwein.

4. 1 pm – Castle keep climb (£8) for panoramic photos.

5. 2 pm – Browse Artisan Market or Cathedral tour.

6. 4 pm – Dickensian parade (weekend 2).

7. 5.30 pm – Candle‑lit procession & carols.

8. 7 pm – Dinner on the marina at The Ship & Trades or back to your hotel.

---

Family Visiting Guide (Kids’ Activities, Pushchairs, Dogs)

• Pack layers; the Thames estuary wind is icy after dark.

• Leave large pushchairs at home—castle paths are narrow.

• Dogs are welcome on leads but not inside the fun‑fair area.

• Book accommodation and any Mrs Claus Village slots now; weekends routinely sell out by October.

With the dates in your diary, hotel reserved and this guide bookmarked, you’re set for a story‑book Christmas in Rochester. See you under the fairy lights!

Rochester Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the dates for Rochester Christmas Market 2025?
A1. The market runs over three weekends: 28 – 30 November, 5 – 7 December and 12 – 14 December 2025.

Q2. Where exactly is the market held?
A2. All stalls sit inside Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SW.

Q3. Do I need to buy a ticket or is it free entry?
A3. Entry is completely free; you only pay for rides, food and gifts.

Q4. What time does the market open and close?
A4. Friday 12 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 10 am – 9 pm, Sunday 10 am – 6 pm.

Q5. Is Rochester Christmas Market dog‑friendly?
A5. Yes—well‑behaved dogs on short leads are welcome, though it can be crowded at peak times.

Q6. Can I pay by card or should I bring cash?
A6. Most stalls accept contactless cards, but some are cash‑only and fun‑fair rides take £1 coins—bring both.

Q7. Where can I park and how much does it cost?
A7. Pay‑and‑display car parks at Blue Boar Lane, Corporation Street and The Esplanade are a 10‑minute walk (about £2.10 / hour; free after 6 pm). If full, use Strood car parks across the bridge or the park‑and‑ride shuttle.

Q8. Is the market wheelchair accessible?
A8. Yes—use the step‑free Baker’s Walk entrance; accessible toilets are in the gardens and at Rochester Community Hub.

Q9. How do I get there by train from London?
A9. High‑speed Southeastern trains from London St Pancras reach Strood in about 33 minutes; Rochester station is a 10‑minute walk.

Q10. Are there toilets and baby‑changing facilities on‑site?
A10. Standard, accessible and baby‑change toilets are inside the Castle Gardens, with extra units on busy Dickensian Festival days.

Map