Exact dates popular annual Kent Christmas market returns with new ‘quiet shopping time’
Though there are still a good few months until Santa comes to town, it’s never too early to start getting those Christmas plans in order and now there are some new dates to get jotted in the calendar. Rochester’s beloved festive market will be returning once again in 2024, marking its 15th year.
Taking place across three weekends in the run up to Christmas, the market will transform the iconic Rochester Castle Gardens into a certified winter wonderland. It will run each weekend from Friday, November 29 until Sunday, December 15, combining popular elements from past iterations alongside some new additions for 2024.
Medway Council promises over 100 stalls to peruse, which will make the most of extended trading hours in 2024, stocking a range of festive treats, scrumptious food, handcrafted gifts and plenty more. For the younger ones, a Children’s Christmas Village will also be running as part of the market, with chances to meet Santa’s best elves and Mrs Claus herself.
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Featuring a Christmas story in Mrs Claus’ snug, decoration making and festive baking, the experience is jam packed with experiences to get you in the holiday spirit. Tickets for the Christmas village will cost £15 for children aged 2 to 11, £5 for adults with a maximum of two adults per child, and free entry for carried babies. Full booking information can be found here.
Alongside the village, the market will see the return of the popular funfair, complete with rides, games and amusements for the family to enjoy. The Baverian food village will be extended for 2024 as well, while live music will help set wintery mood throughout.
New for this year will be the introduction of ‘quiet shopping time’, for those looking to enjoy all the market stalls have to offer in a more laid back atmosphere. This will take place every Friday from 10am to 12pm every Friday.
Rochester Christmas Market dates and times
Friday November 29 and Saturday November 30: 10am to 9pm
Sunday December 1: 10am to 6pm
Friday December 6 and Saturday December 7: 10am to 9pm
Sunday December 8: 10am to 6pm
Friday December 13 and Saturday December 14: 10am to 9pm
Sunday December 15: 10am to 6pm
Getting to Rochester Christmas Market
As parking in Rochester’s town centre is expected to be extremely limited during the market, guests are urged to use public transport where possible. Those planning on visiting by bus can do so through many routes as Rochester supports a number of bus services, with numerous stops around the town.
You can reach the festival with the following routes:
From Chatham: Arriva- 133, 140, 141, 190, 191, (193 Sundays) 700;Nu-Venture 151, 174, ASD 173,197
From Gravesend: Arriva 190
From West Malling, Halling and Cuxton: Nu Venture 151
From Grain, Hoo: Arriva 191 (193 Sundays)
Visiting by train is one of the quickest and easiest ways to attend the market. Rochester train station sits just two minutes away from the main High Street while Strood train station is a less than 10 minute walk away.
Those holding blue badges will be able to park in all of Rochester’s pay and display car parks. Visitors are advised that, for car parks that operate ANPR camera systems, blue badge holders will need to register their vehicle in advance to qualify for free parking.
Car Parks can be found at the following locations:
Cathedral Rochester Car Park, Northgate, Rochester ME1 1LX
Rochester Station Car Park, Railway Station, Corporation St, Rochester ME1 1NH
Rochester Riverside Car Park, Cory's Rd, Rochester ME1 1GR
Almon Place Car Park, Almon Pl, Rochester ME1 1LN
Blue Boar Lane Parking Lot, Blue Boar Ln, Rochester ME1 1PD
King Street Car Park, Rochester ME1 1UT
High Street Furrells Car Park, High St, Rochester ME1 1JA
Easons Yard - Short Stay, Doust Way, Rochester ME1 1BY
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