CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY CONT .
ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
Historic Rochester
Christmas as we celebrate it today has its roots firmly fixed in Victorian Britain . At the beginning of the 19th century , Christmas was hardly celebrated and many businesses did not even recognise it as a holiday . However , by the end of the century it had become the biggest annual celebration and this was largely down to Queen Victoria and her German husband ’ s influence in trends , traditions and fashions on the country . From Christmas trees and Christmas crackers to elaborate decorations , gift giving and mince pies , many of our adored Christmas traditions started in the UK with the Victorians . The Victorians also revolutionised the idea of Christmas so that it became heavily centred around the family ; a holiday very much meant to be celebrated together . While Charles Dickens did not technically invent the Victorian Christmas , as the eponymously named film The Man Who Invented Christmas would suggest , his short novella , A Christmas Carol , is credited with helping to popularise and spread these yuletide traditions . The tale ’ s themes of family , charity , goodwill , peace and happiness encapsulate the spirit of the Victorian Christmas and are very much a part of the Christmas we celebrate today . So where better to celebrate these British traditions than in Dickens ' childhood home of Rochester ?
Many of Dickens ' characters and stories are set in the Medway area and the town is awash with places that celebrate the life and works of the literary marvel . One of the best ways that visitors can really delve into this aspect is at The Making of Mr Dickens , a new permanent exhibition at The Guildhall Museum . Visitors can enjoy an exciting and immersive journey through Dickens ’ life in Medway , while exploring the people and places that shaped his complex personal and public life and inspired him to create some of the best loved stories in English literature . Eastgate House is an exceptional Grade I listed building and in the gardens the author ' s Swiss chalet can be found . Other attractions to visit in Rochester associated with the author that feature in his work include Restoration House , the Six Poor Travellers House and Rochester Cathedral ( www . rochestercathedral . org ). Rochester Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit this season , with its pretty stained-glass windows and interior aglow with candles and festive decorations , the spirit of Christmas is truly abundant here . During the Dickensian Christmas Festival , Rochester Cathedral hosts four free services at which guests can come and sing their favourite carols in true festive spirit !
The Dickensian Christmas Festival includes Rochester Christmas Market , which is set in the spectacular Rochester Castle Gardens and held over three consecutive weekends . The market is the ideal place to search for those special gifts and stocking fillers while wandering around the many craft and trade stalls . Food and drink stalls are also present , at which visitors can purchase hot and cold beverages , mulled wine , roasted chestnuts and many more yuletide treats . Celebrated on the first weekend of December , The Dickensian Christmas Festival brings Victorian festivities to Rochester in the form of a Dickensian Christmas , where as well as the market , visitors can experience street entertainment , readings , song and dance . Prepare to be captivated by Dickens ’ characters as you explore the literary journey that was the great writer ’ s life . A full programme of colourful and lively events can be found at www . visitmedway . org .
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