Only 45 minutes from London is the historic Rochester Castle, an impressive relic from the 11th-century Norman era and the backdrop for the Rochester Christmas Market.
This guide provides full details for planning a visit, including confirmed dates and opening times.
Rochester Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Rochester Christmas Market dates: 29th November to 15th December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in June. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Rochester Castle Gardens.
Opening times:
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Public transport: The castle is a 10 minute walk from Rochester Station.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Rochester Riverside Multi-Storey has long-stay parking.
Where to stay: Golden Lion Wetherspoon is located less 7 minutes from the event.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Children’s Village: Fee applies.
Rides: Ferris wheel, carousel and other fun fair rides and activities.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: The wonderful location in Rochester Castle Gardens and the Bavarian food village.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Traditional mulled wine, German bratwurst sausages, roasted chestnuts and churros.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Quiet Shopping Time: Every Friday: 10am to 12pm.
Pet-friendly: No.
Nearby Hotels
Rochester is a small town, and most of the sights and attractions are around High Street. Only a few hotels are in this area, including the popular Golden Lion Wetherspoon.
Rochester is one of many popular winter events. Read my UK Christmas Markets List for more places to visit this winter. Discover where to go, what to do, and the best ways to experience UK food, history, and culture.
Event Location
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
Christmas in Rochester
The Christmas market in Rochester runs over three weekends and is not a daily event.
As the largest Christmas market in Kent, Rochester offers a range of weekend activities, including food, drinks, music, and singing.
Held within the historic grounds of Rochester Castle, the market attracts visitors with over 100 stalls featuring artisan goods and festive treats.
Despite its traditional setting, the market includes modern elements such as live music performances and craft workshops, all set against the backdrop of the castle’s lights and decorations.
Read our Kent Christmas Market Guide for more places to visit in the region.
Food Specialties
- Mulled Cider: A welcome winter warmer, mulled cider made from Kentish apples is a hot favourite.
- Chestnuts: Vendors roast chestnuts on open fires for a quick snack.
- Poffertjes: Venturing beyond British borders, this Dutch treat consists of mini, fluffy pancakes.
- German Bratwurst: These sizzling sausages bring a bit of German tradition to the English market and are always a hit.
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce: A Spanish sweet treat, these deep-fried dough pastries are often dusted with sugar and served with a rich, warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
What to Buy
- Handcrafted Jewellery: Discover intricate jewellery made by local artisans.
- Kentish Wines: Pick up a bottle of Kentish wine produced in the region’s vineyards.
- Traditional Decorations: Choose from various handmade ornaments, from glass baubles to wooden nativity scenes.
- Cheese from Local Dairies: Explore gourmet cheeses from local dairies, each variety highlighting Kent’s dairy heritage. Vegan options are often available, too.
- British Woollen Goods: Stay warm with British woollen goods, from chunky knit scarves to mittens.
Sustainability Tips
- Use Public Transport: Lower your carbon footprint by using Rochester’s public transport, such as buses and trains. Southeastern Railways offers regular services to Rochester, making it easy to visit without a car.
- Choose Local and Ethical Gifts: Preference locally made and ethical gifts, like artisanal soaps and handmade jewellery. This supports local businesses and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.
- Dine Sustainably: Enjoy local food at the market while choosing sustainable options. Many vendors use ingredients from nearby farms, lowering food miles. There are also plenty of plant-based and vegetarian choices for a lower-carbon meal.
- Mind Your Waste: Reduce waste by ordering sensible portions to avoid leftovers. Most vendors offer compostable plates and cutlery, but bringing your own reusable utensils can make an even bigger difference.
- Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodation: To support more sustainable tourism, consider staying in accommodations with sustainable practices, such as hotels using renewable energy and strong waste reduction strategies.
- Walk Around the Town: Explore Rochester on foot to enjoy its history and scenery while minimising your environmental impact. The castle, cathedral and market are all within easy walking distance.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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