Dickens Festival Carol Services
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Dickens Festival Carol Services

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Rochester Cathedral's Dickens Festival Carol Services. Join in traditional carol singing during this special event, with free services offered on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the holiday season in a historic and beautiful setting.

What to Expect

Free carol services during Dickensian Christmas Festival.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: We do not have any parking at the Cathedral but there are many local carparks within a few minutes walk. Find out more here: https://www.rochestercathedral.org/getting-here
  • Accessibility: Level access is available at the North Door. More information can be found here: https://www.accessable.co.uk/visit-kent/access-guides/rochester-cathedral
  • Pets: Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted. Other animals are not allowed.

Other Christmas Events Near Rochester

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, holiday enthusiasts, music lovers

Vibe

Festive, traditional, serene

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (3/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Four free carol services during the Dickensian Christmas Festival
  • Open to everybody, arrive in good time for a good seat

Tags

ServicesWhat's OnAdvent and Christmascommunity celebrationholiday traditionfree eventfamily friendlycarolsseasonal activities

Location

Rochester Cathedral
The Precinct
Rochester
ME1 1SX

Event Details

Duration

2 hours per service

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

The Precinct

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Rochester Cathedral

Food & Drink

Café in the Crypt is open Monday - Saturday.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, at least 20-30 minutes before the service, to secure a good seat, especially for popular services like those during Christmas.
  • While admission is free, consider making a voluntary donation of £5 per person to support the ongoing work and preservation of Rochester Cathedral.
  • Check the 'Upcoming Closures' page on their website before your visit to ensure the Cathedral is open as expected.
  • The Cathedral's café is open Monday-Saturday, offering a convenient spot for refreshments before or after the services.
  • Photography is generally allowed, but refrain from taking pictures or videos during acts of worship and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do services take place?

Services take place every day at Rochester Cathedral, with multiple services per day. More information can be found here: https://www.rochestercathedral.org/articles/2021/4/1/services-at-rochester-cathedral-from-april-11th-2021

Do I need to book for services?

No, attendees can just turn up for the vast majority of services. Occasionally, large and popular services may require advance booking, which will be published on their website.

How much does it cost to visit Rochester Cathedral?

Rochester Cathedral is free to visit, but voluntary donations of £5 per person are encouraged. Charges apply for group and education visits.

Are dogs allowed in the Cathedral?

Unfortunately, dogs and other animals are not permitted due to concerns about their behavior and impact on visitors. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed.

Where can I find out about upcoming closures?

Upcoming closures can be viewed on their website: https://www.rochestercathedral.org/upcoming-closures

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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