The Medway Council just confirmed the dates for the popular Rochester Christmas Market. It is coming back for three whole weekends.
The festive shopping event will take place within the grand, and famously old, Rochester Castle grounds. It begins on Friday, November 28th, and runs through Sunday, December 14th, 2025. This is Kent’s biggest free Christmas market. Crowds are expected. It will feature over 100 stalls, that renowned Bavarian food village, and plenty of live music on the bandstand.
Operating Schedule: Plan Your Visit
You need to know the times. They change depending on the day you choose. Fridays are shortest; Saturdays go late.
Market Opening Hours
| Weekend | Dates (2025) | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| First Weekend | 28th – 30th November | 12:00 – 21:00 | 10:00 – 21:00 | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Second Weekend (Dickensian) | 5th – 7th December | 12:00 – 21:00 | 10:00 – 21:00 | 10:00 – 21:00* |
| Third Weekend | 12th – 14th December | 12:00 – 21:00 | 10:00 – 21:00 | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Export to Sheets
*Note: Sunday, December 7th, is extended. It is part of the Dickensian Festival weekend, running until 9pm.
Quiet Hours
Good news for some guests: ‘quiet shopping times’ are returning. This is a big deal. Organisers are adapting the experience for people who need a gentler environment. Fewer crowds are a promise. No music. Absolutely no loud funfair sounds.
These quieter slots are available:
- Friday Afternoons: Midday to 3pm on November 28th, December 5th, and December 12th.
- Sunday Mornings: Early morning, 10:00 to 11:30, on November 30th and December 14th.
What Else Is Happening? The Dickensian Experience
The market’s middle weekend, specifically December 6th and 7th, is crucial. It’s the date of the annual Dickensian Christmas Festival.
Rochester’s High Street simply transforms. You will see costumed characters everywhere, right out of the pages of Charles Dickens. People come dressed up. It is a lot of fun. There will be street theatre, carol singers, and bell ringers making a racket. Look out for the parades. They usually take place twice on both Saturday and Sunday. Expect a lovely, traditional, and very Victorian feel to the whole city.
Tips and Logistics for the Day
The place offers plenty. Artisan gifts, locally sourced products, and all the food you could want: bratwurst, waffles, mulled wine. You will definitely find something unique for Christmas shopping.
Travel Note: Seriously, avoid driving if you can. Parking near the town centre is a nightmare when the market is on.
The council strongly suggests public transit. Rochester train station is nearby; it is just a short walk to the castle. If you must drive, plan to use the free Park-and-Ride service. You must check the official Medway Council website right before you visit for the final location details. It often operates from the University of Greenwich campus.
A final, quick reminder: dress warm. The castle grounds are open, it gets chilly, and a lot of the market path is cobbled. Wear comfortable shoes! Bring some cash too. While most vendors have card machines, signal can be awful by the castle walls.
