Make the most of the holidays in Gillingham with our planner guide. Discover all the best events and activities.
Start your festivities with the magical Christmas Light Switch-On, where the town illuminates in a dazzling display to mark the beginning of the season. Adding a historical twist, the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival transforms the streets with Victorian charm and period costumes. And the Gillingham Christmas Market offers an array of local crafts and delicious treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Gillingham
- Christmas Light Switch-On
- Gillingham Christmas Market
- Riverside Country Park Winter Wonderland
- Ice Skating at Medway Park
- Elm Court Christmas Fair
- Twydall Christmas Lights Trail
- Santa’s Grotto at Hempstead Valley
Gillingham Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Light Switch-On
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and switch-on ceremony
Description:
Gillingham's streets burst into brilliance as thousands gather for the annual Christmas Light Switch-On. This cherished tradition brings together locals and visitors alike, culminating in a synchronized countdown. You can join the choir for caroling before the big moment. Dating back to the 1950s, this event has grown from a simple bulb lighting to a dazzling spectacle that illuminates the town's rich history.
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Twydall Christmas Lights Trail
What to Expect:
Self-guided neighborhood light display tour
Description:
Twydall's Christmas Lights Trail invites you to explore a neighborhood transformed by twinkling displays. This self-guided tour winds through residential streets, each home competing to create the most eye-catching illuminations. Grab a map and vote for your favorite display as you stroll. This grassroots event, started by enthusiastic residents in 2015, has grown into a beloved local tradition that strengthens community bonds.
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Twydall Christmas Lights Trail
Gillingham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gillingham Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and unique handcrafted gifts
Description:
Gillingham Christmas Market transforms the town center into a hub of creativity and commerce. Local artisans showcase their handcrafted wares, offering unique gifts you won't find in any store. The air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine as you browse stalls brimming with one-of-a-kind treasures. This market has become a platform for supporting local businesses since its inception in 2010, fostering community spirit and economic growth.
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Gillingham Holiday Giving Opportunities
Elm Court Christmas Fair
What to Expect:
Intimate community fair supporting local charities
Description:
Elm Court Christmas Fair brings together the local community in a spirit of giving and celebration. This intimate event showcases homemade crafts and baked goods, with proceeds supporting local charities. Visitors can participate in traditional fair games with a holiday twist. Elm Court has been a focal point for community gatherings in Gillingham for over five decades, embodying the town's strong sense of neighborly support.
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Gillingham Other Holiday Activities
Riverside Country Park Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Nature-inspired holiday activities in a scenic park setting
Description:
Riverside Country Park embraces the season with a nature-inspired twist on holiday celebrations. Visitors can embark on guided winter wildlife walks, spotting frost-covered flora and fauna. The park's transformation highlights the beauty of the English countryside in winter. Established in 1970, Riverside Country Park has been a vital green space for Gillingham residents, now offering a unique blend of natural beauty and seasonal cheer.
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Riverside Country Park Winter Wonderland
Ice Skating at Medway Park
What to Expect:
Indoor ice rink with themed skating sessions
Description:
Medway Park's indoor ice rink offers a frosty escape from the winter chill. Glide across the smooth ice surface during themed skating sessions, including disco nights and family-friendly cartoon character events. The rink's state-of-the-art cooling system ensures perfect ice conditions regardless of outdoor temperatures. Medway Park, formerly known as the Black Lion Leisure Centre, has been a cornerstone of community recreation since its renovation in 2011.
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Santa’s Grotto at Hempstead Valley
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling sessions with Santa
Description:
Hempstead Valley's Santa's Grotto goes beyond the typical meet-and-greet, offering interactive storytelling sessions with Father Christmas himself. Children are immersed in tales of the North Pole, complete with sound effects and props. The grotto's design changes annually, keeping the experience fresh for returning visitors. Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, opened in 1978, has been hosting Santa's Grotto for over four decades, evolving it into a cherished local tradition.
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Santa’s Grotto at Hempstead Valley
Nearby Events
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival (Rochester)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era costumed characters and performances
Description:
Step back in time at the Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival, where the streets come alive with characters from Charles Dickens' beloved novels. Costumed performers recreate scenes from classic tales, transporting visitors to 19th-century England. Explore the bustling marketplace filled with Victorian-inspired crafts and treats. Rochester's connection to Dickens runs deep, as the author spent much of his life in the area, drawing inspiration for his works.
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Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
Rochester Christmas Market (Rochester)
What to Expect:
Medieval-inspired market in the shadow of Rochester Castle
Description:
Rochester Christmas Market captivates visitors with its medieval-inspired atmosphere, set against the backdrop of the historic Rochester Castle. Wooden chalets line the ancient streets, offering a treasure trove of unique gifts and local delicacies. The market's layout is designed to evoke the feeling of stepping into a bygone era. Rochester Castle, standing sentinel since the 12th century, provides a majestic setting for this annual yuletide gathering.
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Christmas at Leeds Castle (Maidstone)
What to Expect:
Lavish decorations in a historic castle setting
Description:
Leeds Castle dons its holiday finest, with each room showcasing elaborate decorations that complement the castle's rich history. Visitors can admire the blend of medieval architecture and festive adornments as they tour the grounds. The castle's yew maze takes on a new challenge with holiday-themed clues guiding the way. Known as the "Ladies Castle" due to its many female owners, Leeds Castle has been celebrating Christmas in grand style since it opened to the public in 1976.
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Hoo Christmas Tree Festival (Rochester)
What to Expect:
Community-decorated tree competition and exhibition
Description:
Hoo Christmas Tree Festival transforms St. Werburgh Church into a forest of creativity. Local groups, businesses, and families showcase their uniquely decorated trees, competing for the title of most innovative design. Visitors can marvel at the diverse interpretations of holiday spirit expressed through ornaments and lights. This event, initiated in 2008, has become a platform for community expression and friendly competition, reflecting the village's collaborative spirit.