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Rochester Christmas Market and Dickensian Christmas Festival

27 November – 13 December 2026
Rochester Castle Gardens, Rochester, Kent(ME1 1SW)

For three weekends before Christmas, the gardens of Rochester Castle become the Rochester Christmas Market, which bills itself as Kent's biggest Christmas market that's free to enter. This year's is its 17th. More than 120 stalls sell local and sustainable gifts, clothing, homeware and artisan food you won't find on the High Street, and around 250,000 visitors come from across Europe. Stop for festive food and drink in the Bavarian Village, catch the live acts on the bandstand and take the family to the funfair. On one December weekend, Rochester's Dickensian Christmas Festival brings to the town carol singers, bell ringers, street theatre and costumed parades of Dickens characters, and visitors are welcome to join the parades in Victorian dress. Every day is free.

Rochester Christmas Market and Dickensian Christmas Festival banner
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What to expect

Date & times
27 November – 13 December 2026
Getting there
Rochester Castle Gardens, Rochester, Kent (ME1 1SW for sat nav)
Dogs
Dogs welcome on a lead
Accessibility
Not confirmed: Wheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking, Accessible viewing areas.
Stalls
Stall list coming soon
Live schedule
Full timetable available when market goes live
Interactive map
Site map with GPS location available when market goes live
Live announcements
Real-time updates available when market goes live

Dogs at this market

Dogs are welcome at this market, on a lead.
Notes
Dogs are welcome on a lead. The market can get busy, so it may not suit every pet.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas by law.

Accessibility

No accessibility features confirmed yet.
Not confirmed:
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Step-free access
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible parking / blue badge parking
  • Accessible viewing areas
Notes
Accessibility information for the market is not confirmed. Parking in the centre of Rochester is limited, and the railway station is about a five-minute walk from the Castle Gardens. Ask Medway Council through its website if you need specific access.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Rochester Christmas Market?
The 2026 market runs over three weekends, Friday to Sunday: 27 to 29 November, 4 to 6 December and 11 to 13 December 2026.
What are the opening times?
Fridays 12pm to 9pm, Saturdays 10am to 9pm and Sundays 10am to 6pm.
Is it free to enter?
Yes. Medway Council describes it as a free entry event, and the Dickensian Christmas Festival is free to attend too.
Where is it?
In Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1SW, with the Norman keep of Rochester Castle as the backdrop.
How do I get there, and where can I park?
Medway Council says parking in the centre of Rochester is limited and encourages visitors to use public transport where they can. Rochester railway station is about a five-minute walk from the Castle Gardens, and Rochester is served by bus. Coaches and minibuses are advised to pre-book; ask Medway Council through its website.
What is there to see, eat and buy?
The council promotes more than 120 stalls, a Bavarian Village with food and drink, live entertainment on the bandstand and a family funfair.
What is the Dickensian Christmas Festival?
On the weekend of 5 and 6 December 2026 the market is joined by the Dickensian Christmas Festival, which Medway Council describes as turning Rochester into a Dickensian-themed shopping experience, with carol singers, bell ringers, costumed parades and street theatre with Dickens characters. It is free to attend, and the council says about 70,000 people come over the weekend.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on a lead. The market can get busy, so it may not suit every pet.
Is the market accessible?
Accessibility information for the market is not confirmed. Ask Medway Council through its website before you travel if you need specific access.
How can I trade at the market?
Trading applications for the 2026 market and festival have closed. For later years, ask Medway Council's Events Team through the council's website.

Is this your market?

This is a basic listing we've put together so visitors can find Rochester Christmas Market and Dickensian Christmas Festival. If you're one of its organisers, you can claim it — take control of the page, add your schedule, map and more.

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