Christmas in Medway

Christmas events in Medway

We have taken the difficult decision not to hold the Rochester Christmas Market, Dickensian Christmas Festival or the Christmas light switch on events this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Our priority is to make sure you are safe. Due to the popularity of these events it would be not be possible to put into place the government’s current social distancing guidelines.

Festive lights

In the true spirit of Christmas, festive lights will be on display across Medway for all visitors and residents to enjoy.

Christmas shopping

Across Medway, there are five town centres that will start to twinkle with Christmas lights in November and have everything you need for Christmas shopping. From craft stalls to toys shops, there is something for all.

A Message from Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council

“Although we understand that this news may be disappointing, the health and wellbeing of our residents, visitors and staff is our highest priority. We must do all we can to ensure our coronavirus rate remains low. An awful lot of time and planning goes into organising our Christmas events and, as we do not know what the government advice will be on mass gatherings in November and December, we have made the difficult decision not to hold them this year.

"We have all been affected by the ongoing pandemic and it has been truly heart-warming to see our residents coming together to help each other in these challenging times. We must all continue to play our part and stop the virus from spreading.

"Even though the usual festivities will not be held, I would encourage residents to continue supporting our town centres and helping Medway’s economy grow once again. It’s really important we get behind local businesses and shop in Medway.

"To paraphrase Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we will honour Christmas in all our hearts, and try to keep it all the year.”

Carry out your Christmas shopping on Medway’s high streets this year. Local businesses need your support more than ever – from boutiques along Rochester High Street and Strood to family owned businesses in Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham, find the perfect gift on your doorstep.

There will be free parking in council owned car parks between Thursday 17 December and Sunday 20 December, making shopping even easier.

Even though we will not be holding our usual light switch on events this year, it will begin to look a lot like Christmas in November when the lights are switched on for residents to enjoy when they visit our town centres.

We’d love to see your Christmas tree creations or window displays – tag us in your pictures on social media #ChristmasinMedway.

Our light switch ons are not quite the same this year. However, our teams have been working as hard as ever to ensure our towns are full of festive cheer. Make sure you follow our Christmas in Medway Facebook pages to see what they’ve been up to.

Rochester Art Gallery

5 December 2020 to 20 March 2021: 'The Last Dream of My Soul' – Dickens 150 Print Open Call Exhibition

Discover Upnor Castle at Christmas for the first time

For the first time, Upnor Castle opens its doors over the Christmas period. It will be a fantastic opportunity to witness the beauty of the castle surrounded with festival decorations, lovely lanterns adorning the upper magazine and a sparkling Christmas tree to help bring festive cheer.

Look out for their Rochester at Christmas baubles in the gift shop, plus their new children’s craft bags, packed with festive fun activities for little fingers.

Sewing: Christmas stocking project

Join Medway Adult Education online for this short sewing course where they will cover the planning, laying out, cutting, and making up of a luxury, lined Christmas stocking. This stocking can be personalised, will look fabulous and will grace any mantelpiece with style. It’s an enjoyable make, and you’ll want to go on and make more for all the family.

Date and time: Tuesday 8 December, 2 sessions, at 12:45pm and 6.30pm.

As an alternative to sending Christmas cards this year, why not donate the money you would have spent to the Medway Tree Fund? Your donation will help to improve our local area and support local wildlife.

Fitness classes: Looking to burn off the Christmas indulgence with some FitSteps? Or perhaps you’re looking for a relaxing start to 2021 with a bit of yoga? We have a range of fitness classes available at our sports centres.

Adult gifts

One-month gym pass, giving you access to our gyms at Medway Park, Strood and Hoo Sports Centre. Members will need to book online before they visit.

Children's gifts

Rookie Lifeguarding course for children aged 8 plus. This course teaches children how to swim and enjoy water safely, whether in shallow or deeper water.
Child membership: Just £12.50 a month for children aged 8 to 15. Giving them full access to all the facilities at our sports centres including gym, swim and racket sports.

View membership types

Rochester Visitor Information Centre

24 to 28 December - closed
29 to 31 December - open
1 to 4 January - closed

Reopens on 5 January 2021.

Guildhall Museum

24 to 28 December - closed
29 to 31 December - open
1 to 4 January - closed

Reopens on 5 January 2021.

Eastgate House

24 December to 2 January - closed

Upnor Castle

Closed from 23 December until spring 2021

24 to 28 December - closed inclusive
1 January 2021 - closed

For opening times please check the libraries page

Classes finish on 18 December and restart on 4 January 2021
The centres will be closed 24 to 28 December inclusive
1 January 2021 - closed

For opening times check the Medway Adult Education

Gillingham Market

Monday 21 December open from 9am to 4pm
Thursday 24 December (additional market) open from 9am to 3pm
Saturday 26 December - closed
Monday 28 December - closed

Reopens on Saturday 2 January 2021

Rochester Farmers Market

Sunday 20 December from 9am to 1pm
Sunday 17 January 2021 from 9am to 1pm

23 to 28 December - closed
29 December - 9.30am to 1pm
30 December - closed
31 December - 9.30am to 1pm
1 January - closed

Medway Park

Monday 21 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Tuesday 22 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Wednesday 23 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Thursday 24 December 2020 (Christmas Eve) - Closed
Friday 25 December 2020 (Christmas Day) - Closed
Saturday 26 December 2020 (Boxing Day) - Closed
Sunday 27 December 2020 - Closed
Monday 28 December 2020 (Christmas Bank Holiday) - Closed
Tuesday 29 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Wednesday 30 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Thursday 31 December 2020 - 6.30am to 2pm
Friday 1 January 2021 (New Year's Day) - Closed
Saturday 2 January 2021 - 7.30am to 6pm
Sunday 3 January 2021 - 7.30am to 6pm
Monday 4 January 2021 - 6.30am to 9pm

Strood

Monday 21 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Tuesday 22 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Wednesday 23 December 2020 - 6.30am to 8pm
Thursday 24 December 2020 (Christmas Eve) - Closed
Friday 25 December 2020 (Christmas Day) - Closed
Saturday 26 December 2020 (Boxing Day) - Closed
Sunday 27 December 2020 - Closed
Monday 28 December 2020 (Christmas Bank Holiday) - Closed
Tuesday 29 December 2020 - Closed
Wednesday 30 December 2020 - Closed
Thursday 31 December 2020 - 6.30am to 2pm
Friday 1 January 2021 (New Year's Day) - Closed
Saturday 2 January 2021 - 7.30am to 6pm
Sunday 3 January 2021 - 7.30am to 6pm
Monday 4 January 2021 - 6.30am to 9pm

Hoo

Monday 21 December 2020 - 7.30am to 8pm
Tuesday 22 December 2020 - 7.30am to 8pm
Wednesday 23 December 2020 - 7.30am to 8pm
Thursday 24 December 2020 (Christmas Eve) - Closed
Friday 25 December 2020 (Christmas Day) - Closed
Saturday 26 December 2020 (Boxing Day) - Closed
Sunday 27 December 2020 - Closed
Monday 28 December 2020 (Christmas Bank Holiday) - Closed
Tuesday 29 December 2020 - 7.30am to 8pm
Wednesday 30 December 2020 - 7.30am to 8pm
Thursday 31 December 2020 - 7.30am to 2pm
Friday 1 January 2021 (New Year's Day) - Closed
Saturday 2 January 2021 - 7.30am to 3pm
Sunday 3 January 2021 - 7.30am to 3pm
Monday 4 January 2021 - 6.30am to 9pm