Chatham Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Chatham and surrounding areas
Chatham comes alive for the Christmas season with the Historic Dockyard and Rochester Road lined in seasonal lights and bustling Christmas markets for visitors to explore. Enjoy Christmas at Cafe Nucleus or join Mission Christmas for generous community festive events and holiday activities across the town centre and the Chatham waterfront. Whether you’re browsing independent stalls, sipping mulled drinks beneath twinkling lights or joining local performances, Chatham offers warm family fun and plenty of things to do this Christmas 2025.
Find the best Chatham Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
21 eventsKent's largest free Christmas market with a Dickensian festival
Christmas Parties
21 eventsChef-prepared, frozen Christmas meals for easy home celebration.
Christmas Lights
12 eventsImmersive 'Land of Oz' themed Christmas experience
Christmas Shows
6 eventsCharity carol concert in a historic cathedral
Other Christmas Activities
40 eventsImmersive Christmas quest to boost the 'Cheerometer'.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Rochester Christmas Market
(Rochester)
Kent's largest free Christmas market with a Dickensian festival
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Christmas at Bewl Water 2025
(Bewlbridge)
Immersive Christmas quest to boost the 'Cheerometer'.
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The Pantiles Christmas Markets
(Tunbridge Wells)
Festive chalets and Rudolph's Runner land train
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Christmas at Hever Castle: The Land of Oz
(Hever)
Immersive 'Land of Oz' themed Christmas experience
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Christmas at Cafe Nucleus
Three distinctively decorated Christmas locations
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Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
(Maidstone)
Award-winning light trail producers create a magical winter wonderland.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Also Near Chatham
Rochester
- Dickens Festival Carol Services
- Advent Carol Service and Procession
- Christingle Service at Rochester Cathedral
Maidstone
- Christmas Glass Workshop with Mona Whitton
- Maidstone Museum Quiz Night: Seasonal Edition
- Family Art Day - Christmas Decorations
Stanfordlehope
See all in Stanfordlehope →Southendonsea
See all in Southendonsea →Chatham Christmas FAQ
Light Up the Park at Chatham Community Park is the marquee holiday lights event, drawing visitors for its drive-through displays. Seasonal markets and neighborhood light tours also rank among the most popular annual traditions.
Chatham’s Light Up the Park is a distinctive local tradition, offering a mile-long drive of holiday lights that’s become a community highlight. Neighborhood decorating contests and informal gatherings also add to the town’s festive character.
Residential areas around Chatham Community Park and nearby streets are known for their enthusiastic holiday decorating. A casual evening drive or walk through these neighborhoods reveals some of the most creative light displays in town.
Look for holiday markets at community centers, churches, and parks during December. These events often showcase local artisans, crafters, and food vendors, offering a chance to support small businesses and find unique gifts.
Light Up the Park is free and family-friendly, as are many neighborhood light displays. Seasonal markets often have free admission, and strolling downtown to see decorations is another no-cost way to enjoy the holidays.
Families will enjoy Light Up the Park for its easy drive-through experience, and many markets offer kid-friendly activities like crafts and visits with Santa. Neighborhood light walks are also a hit with children of all ages.