Rochester Dickensian Christmas

Welcome to Rochester's Dickensian Christmas where the streets are alive with entertainment, readings, song and dance.

Packed with shopping stalls, Rochester becomes a feast of Victorian delights. There are lamp-lit parades, carols to be sung, Father Christmas to be met and even a guaranteed snowfall, framed by Rochester's fairytale cathedral and castle. You'll also see some familiar, fabled characters from Dickens' much-loved stories.

Experience festival favourites, including parades and processions, as well as new activities and shows.

Rochester's Dickensian Christmas has been held annually since 1988, which is fitting as Medway held such a special place in Charles Dickens' life and work. The writer spent five of his childhood years in Medway from 1817 to 1822. He returned for the last few years of his life, dying at Gads Hill in 1870.