Last updated: 11 November 2024
Explore the best of the season in Chester with our ultimate holiday guide. From Chester locals to wandering adventurers, our guide ensures a season full of magic and delight.
Popular Events: One highlight of the season is the Chester Christmas Market, where visitors can browse a charming array of festive stalls offering handmade crafts and seasonal treats. Additionally, The Lanterns at Chester Zoo invites families to immerse themselves in a festive light display, enhancing the magical atmosphere with vibrant illuminations. And the enchanting experience of "Deck the Hall" at Little Moreton Hall brings an eclectic mix of holiday cheer and historic charm, showcasing beautiful decorations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Chester Holiday Light Displays
The Lanterns at Chester Zoo
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with animal puppets.
- Description
- The Lanterns at Chester Zoo features an illuminated trail with spectacular scenes and breathtaking displays, including vibrant lands with orangutans, elephants, and lions, a glowing tunnel of lights, festive treats, and Father Christmas in his workshop.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : The Lanterns at Chester Zoo
Mog’s Christmas Trail at Dunham Massey
- What to Expect
- Color-changing lights and giant glowing deer create a unique festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Explore Dunham Massey's illuminated Christmas trail featuring thousands of twinkling lights, stunning installations, and festive treats. Wander through ancient trees bathed in light, marvel at the dancing reflections on the moat, and enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks.
- Where
- Altrincham | More Info : Mog’s Christmas Trail at Dunham Massey
Christmas at Bolesworth
- What to Expect
- Extensive festive lights trail and ice skating rink.
- Description
- Christmas at Bolesworth is a comprehensive holiday event featuring a dazzling 1.2-mile dog-friendly lights trail, a 240sqm real ice skating rink, Santa's Grotto, and a variety of festive attractions and food options.
- Where
- Tattenhall | More Info : Christmas at Bolesworth
12 Days of Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Traditional parade with pyrotechnics and Father Christmas.
- Description
- The 12 Days of Christmas Parade in Chester features a traditional parade with sparkle, color, music, and lights, illuminating each street as it passes through. Look out for pyrotechnics and Father Christmas at various points along the parade route.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : 12 Days of Christmas Parade
Christmas Lights Trail at Delamere Forest
- What to Expect
- Over a million lights and festive sounds.
- Description
- Delamere Forest's Christmas Lights Trail features a stunning display of multi-colored lights and festive music, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a family outing.
- Where
- Delamere | More Info : Christmas Lights Trail at Delamere Forest
Christmas at the Magical Woodland – Sandiway
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with festive decorations and activities.
- Description
- Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere at Christmas at the Magical Woodland – Sandiway, featuring beautifully decorated landscapes and holiday activities.
- Where
- Northwich | More Info : Christmas at the Magical Woodland – Sandiway
Chester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Chester Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Handmade crafts and local produce in a historic city setting.
- Description
- Chester Christmas Market features 70 traders selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and unique gifts in the city center. Enjoy a variety of food and drinks, including Gluhwein and mulled wine, amidst beautifully lit streets and festive decorations.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Chester Christmas Market
Chester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Little Moreton Hall - Deck the Hall
- What to Expect
- Tudor-themed Christmas decorations and live music.
- Description
- Step back in time at Little Moreton Hall, where different rooms are decorated to transport you through Christmas past, from Tudor to present day. Enjoy the jovial jester, musical talents, and hearty hospitality of this iconic Tudor manor house.
- Where
- Congleton | More Info : Little Moreton Hall - Deck the Hall
Christmas at Gulliver’s World
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa experience with gift selection.
- Description
- At Gulliver’s World, Christmas festivities include a visit to Santa's Grotto, where children can choose their own gift. The event features festive train rides, Elf School, and Mrs. Christmas's kitchen. Decorations and Christmas shows add to the holiday atmosphere.
- Where
- Warrington | More Info : Christmas at Gulliver’s World
The Snowman tour at Chester Cathedral
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral accompaniment to classic animated films.
- Description
- The Snowman tour at Chester Cathedral features a special screening of the beloved animated film accompanied by a live orchestra, including a fun introduction to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself. The show also includes a second short film, either The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle or The Snowman and the Snowdog, both screened live with the orchestra.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : The Snowman tour at Chester Cathedral
Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Join us for a dreamy Christmas show featuring Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse. This timeless tale is packed with pop favorites, audience interaction, and dazzling dances. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will transport you to a world of wonder.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse
Saturnalia Parade
- What to Expect
- Historical Roman reenactment with fire-breathing finale.
- Description
- The Saturnalia Parade is a historical reenactment that brings Chester back to its Roman occupation in 47/48 AD. The Roman Legion marches through the city with flaming torches, while Emperor Domitian delivers a speech confirming Roman rule. The parade culminates with the Winter Watch Parade, featuring a cast of characters including ghosts, ghouls, and giant skeletons, ending with a spectacular fire-breathing finale.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Saturnalia Parade
BeWILDerwood presents Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with festive characters and activities.
- Description
- BeWILDerwood presents Christmas is a family-friendly event featuring a Sparkly Light Trail, a mini BeWILDerwood pantomime, and a Father Christmas Meet & Greet. The event includes festive decorations, beloved characters, and a special treat for children.
- Where
- Cheshire | More Info : BeWILDerwood presents Christmas
Chester Other Holiday Activities
Christmas events at The Ice Cream Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa's Grotto with personalized gifts and activities.
- Description
- Meet Santa and his Elves in a cozy winter lodge, choose your own gift, and participate in Christmas-themed activities like making reindeer food. Enjoy two scoops of ice cream in a collectable Christmas character mug.
- Where
- Tattenhall | More Info : Christmas events at The Ice Cream Farm
Winter Watch Parade
- What to Expect
- Historical procession with unique character combinations.
- Description
- The Winter Watch Parade in Chester features a historical procession with characters like Jack Frost, Angels, and Fire Skeletons, blending traditional winter figures with summer characters. The parade starts at the Christmas Market in Town Hall Square and continues into the night.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Winter Watch Parade
Santa’s Grotto at Grosvenor Shopping Centre
- What to Expect
- Whimsical journey through classic fairytales with iconic characters.
- Description
- Step into a world where storybooks come alive at Santa's Grotto at Grosvenor Shopping Centre. Guided by jolly enchanted elves, families embark on a whimsical journey through classic fairytales, meeting iconic characters who sprinkle extra magic along the way. The journey culminates in a heartwarming visit to Santa himself, where children receive a special gift.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Santa’s Grotto at Grosvenor Shopping Centre
Luminate UK – Walton Hall & Gardens
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly events with historical and natural attractions.
- Description
- Walton Hall & Gardens offers a variety of events, including the Cycle Museum's Gigantic Jumble, Tiny Tots Zoo Adventure, and a Christmas Artisan Market. The venue features beautiful grounds, a children's zoo, and historic Walton Hall, making it a unique destination for both family outings and cultural celebrations.
- Where
- Warrington | More Info : Luminate UK – Walton Hall & Gardens