Last updated: 11 November 2024
Feel the holiday spirit in Ellesmere Port Town! Discover all the exciting events and activities with our guide. For Ellesmere Port Town connoisseurs and newcomers alike, our guide is your compass to holiday adventures.
Popular during the festive season is the enchanting Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo, where vibrant displays illuminate the grounds, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. There’s also the charming 12 Days of Christmas Parade, showcasing delightful floats and festive performances that bring the community together. And the Lanterns Parade is something you definitely don’t want to miss, as it features a stunning display of handmade lanterns lighting up the streets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Ellesmere Port Town Holiday Light Displays
Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with new animal puppets.
- Description
- Lanterns and Light 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, and festive treats at Christmas food markets.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
12 Days of Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Traditional parade with illuminated streets and pyrotechnics.
- Description
- The 12 Days of Christmas Parade in Chester features a traditional parade with sparkle, colour, and music. Each street becomes illuminated as the parade passes through, with pyrotechnics and Father Christmas at various points along the route.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : 12 Days of Christmas Parade
Lanterns Parade
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with interactive animal puppets.
- Description
- Journey through vibrant lands where orangutans, elephants, and lions roam. Explore a glowing tunnel of lights and enjoy festive treats at the Christmas food markets. Encounter never-seen-before animal puppets and experience a mesmerizing spectacle of light and sound.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Lanterns Parade
Ellesmere Port Town Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Makers Market
- What to Expect
- Supporting local community with handmade artisan goods.
- Description
- The Chester Makers Market is a monthly event featuring local artisans, bakers, and creators selling handmade goods, delicious food, and unique crafts. Visitors can wander through Exchange Square and enjoy shopping at independently run local businesses.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Christmas Makers Market
Light Up Bramhall
- What to Expect
- Santa's grotto and Lantern parade.
- Description
- Light Up Bramhall is a vibrant Christmas event in Bramhall Village Square, featuring market stalls, Santa's grotto, a fantastic light show, and a Lantern parade. Artisans will be warm and dry inside the old Sainsbury's unit, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Bramhall | More Info : Light Up Bramhall
Holmes Chapel Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Community-driven market with local vendors and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Holmes Chapel Christmas Market & Fair is an annual event held on the first weekend in December, featuring almost 50 charity and commercial stalls selling gifts, novelties, food, and drink. Entertainment includes local musicians and singers, with Father Christmas visiting throughout the event.
- Where
- Holmes Chapel | More Info : Holmes Chapel Christmas Fair
City Centre Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A bustling market showcasing local artisans and gourmet treats in a historic setting.
- Description
- Set against the backdrop of historic Chester, this market features an array of local crafts, delicious food options, and unique gifts. Visitors can wander through charming stalls, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere while soaking in the seasonal spirit that fills the city streets. With twinkling lights and a festive ambience, the market offers something for everyone.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : City Centre Christmas Market
Ellesmere Port Town Holiday Shows and Entertainment
BeWILDerwood presents Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas event with Father Christmas meet-and-greet and a mini pantomime.
- Description
- BeWILDerwood presents Christmas is a family-friendly event featuring a Sparkly Light Trail and a mini BeWILDerwood pantomime. Children can meet Father Christmas and receive a festive gummy lollipop. The event includes interactive elements with beloved characters and festive decorations.
- Where
- Cheshire | More Info : BeWILDerwood presents Christmas
Festive Boat Trips & Santa’s Grotto Experience
- What to Expect
- Interactive boat trip with Father Christmas and his elves.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, where you can visit his Grotto and enjoy a festive boat trip along the canal with his elves. Sing carols, play games, and follow a treasure trail as you celebrate the holiday season.
- Where
- Ellesmere Port | More Info : Festive Boat Trips & Santa’s Grotto Experience
Journey to Oz at Tatton Park
- What to Expect
- Immersive adventure through iconic Wizard of Oz scenes in a historic mansion.
- Description
- Journey to Oz at Tatton Park transforms the historic mansion into a vibrant world inspired by The Wizard of Oz, featuring beautifully decorated staterooms and festive decorations.
- Where
- Knutsford | More Info : Journey to Oz at Tatton Park
Step Into Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive festivities with local entertainment and crafts.
- Description
- Step into Christmas in Macclesfield features a day of fun and entertainment with balloon modelling, face painting, live music, and more, all under the beautiful Macclesfield Christmas lights.
- Where
- Macclesfield | More Info : Step Into Christmas
Ellesmere Port Town Other Holiday Activities
Meet Santa at Grosvenor Shopping Centre
- What to Expect
- Whimsical journey through classic fairytales with iconic characters.
- Description
- Meet Santa at Grosvenor Shopping Centre, where families embark on a whimsical journey through classic fairytales, meeting iconic characters and receiving a special gift from Santa.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Meet Santa at Grosvenor Shopping Centre
Christmas at Gulliver’s World
- What to Expect
- Children choose their own gifts at Santa's Grotto.
- Description
- At Gulliver's World, immerse yourself in a vibrant Christmas celebration with visits to Santa's Grotto, festive train rides, and a variety of holiday-themed attractions.
- Where
- Warrington | More Info : Christmas at Gulliver’s World
Castaway Play Christmas Alpine Retreat
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas activities with beloved characters.
- Description
- Castaway Play's Christmas Alpine Retreat offers a festive journey with Santa's Grotto, Elf's Toy Workshop, and Northern Lights Disco. Meet beloved characters and enjoy unique activities amidst snowfall and festive delights.
- Where
- Congleton | More Info : Castaway Play Christmas Alpine Retreat
Chester Boat, Santa Cruise
- What to Expect
- Meet Santa and receive a personalized book on a decorated river cruise.
- Description
- Join ChesterBoat for a family-friendly Santa Special Cruise on the River Dee. Meet Santa, enjoy festive music, and receive an age-appropriate book as a gift. The Lady Diana boat is decorated with lights and tinsel, offering tea, coffee, mince pie, and gingerbread for adults, and colouring sheets and stickers for children.
- Where
- Chester | More Info : Chester Boat, Santa Cruise
Meet Santa at Congleton Museum
- What to Expect
- Unique Christingle craft activity and special gift from Santa.
- Description
- At Congleton Museum, children can create their own Christingles, meet Santa Claus, and explore a fun and interactive Christmas trail. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa and enjoy festive surprises throughout the museum.
- Where
- Congleton | More Info : Meet Santa at Congleton Museum
Magical Malpas Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Personalized Father Christmas experience with unique gifts.
- Description
- At Magical Malpas, experience a warm and personal Christmas celebration with a festive tractor ride, gingerbread decorating, hot chocolate, games, role play areas, and animal meets. Your meeting with Father Christmas will be personal and not rushed, and every child will receive a gift.
- Where
- Malpas | More Info : Magical Malpas Christmas Experience
Santa’s Grotto at the Ice Cream Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa experience with festive activities and treats.
- Description
- Meet Santa and his Elves in a cozy winter lodge, choose a gift from the Elves Emporium, and participate in Christmas-themed activities including making reindeer food. Enjoy two scoops of ice cream served in a collectable Christmas character mug.
- Where
- Tattenhall | More Info : Santa’s Grotto at the Ice Cream Farm