A Family Christmas in Cheshire

Let us help you 'Light up your Christmas in Cheshire'! Perfect for a family break, there’s a whole host of magical festive events and things to do in Cheshire this Christmas for all the family.

Pantomimes and Christmas Performances

No Christmas is complete without a visit to see a traditional pantomime, oh no it isn't! You will be spoilt for choice in Cheshire this Christmas as there are lots of traditional pantomimes to choose from; Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and even the less traditional but classic Beauty and the Beast and even Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Don't forget to look out for a few familiar faces!

Or if a panto is not your thing there are other festive performances that the children might enjoy. Help get Santa’s Christmas Party back on track in an adventure full of fun at The Brindley, tumble down the rabbit hole and step into a dazzling festive adventure like no other at Bents Garden and Home and enjoy a special screening of the Snowman at Chester Cathedral, alongside a live orchestra, this award winning show is one not to be missed!

For something a little different Goofus Theatre present a non-verbal, marvellous, mousey play packed with puppetry and heart at Jodrell Bank this Christmas!

A curious mouse turns a quiet house into a playground of adventure, dreaming of rocket ships and moon cheese! This enchanting puppet performance by Goofus Theatre captivates audiences of all ages with sensory play and imaginative storytelling.

More Pantomimes and Christmas performances

Light Trails

Cheshire is becoming known for its spectacular Light Trails at Christmas, the only problem is choosing which one you want to go to as they are all so magical. For the second year, Gulliver's World in Warrington presents Land of Lights, a place where nature's most majestic creatures and natural wonders have been imagined in stunning technicolour.

Christmas at Dunham Massey, has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way and at Quarry Bank you can take a wander through the Upper Garden on the Enchanted Winter Walk. 

Yuletide, a glittering adventure through the gardens returns to Tatton Park as will firm favourites Magical Woodland at Blakemere, the Sparkly Light and Panto Trail at BeWILDerwood and Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo with some fantastic new additions.

All the Cheshire Light Trails

Where to see the big man himself

There are plenty of opportunities for the little ones to see Santa in Cheshire this festive season. Visit him in one of his many grottos, take a cruise along the canal with him, make cookies with his wife or meet his elves in his workshop. Have breakfast, brunch, Afternoon Tea or lunch with him or listen to him read his favourite Christmas storybook. Rumour has it that he might even be popping along to some of the Cheshire towns and villages for our special festive events!

All the places you can see Santa in Cheshire

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets are also a must in the lead up to the big day and it seems almost every town in Cheshire is hosting one this year. Pop along to find all your gifts, you'll find locally produced and handmade candles, jewellery, crafts, textiles and of course plenty of tasty treats to keep the kids happy!

Find Christmas Markets in Cheshire 

Other events worth a mention are the many light switch on events taking place across the county and the fantastic parades that take place in Chester, both lovely ways to spend a festive afternoon/early evening. Cheshire West Museums are offering craft workshops for kids who love to be creative and two of our country parks will let Elves loose and need your help to find them, a great way to encourage the kids out into the countryside to enjoy some fresh air.

Animal Crackers returns for another fun-filled Christmas at Lyme. The house once again becomes home to a menagerie of magnificent and unusual beasts with some familiar faces as well as new guests.

The third year of Animal Crackers sees Fox returning with his host of wild and wonderful friends, alongside a mystery guest.

Join in the theatrical fun as Animal Crackers takes you on a self-guided journey of mischievous merrymaking through the house, designed by artist Sophie Tyrell. Have a dance party with King Stag, perform a puppet show, and do karaoke with the badgers. With larger-than-life installations and a traditional Christmas theme, it's an immersive and festive experience for all the family.

Don't let your four legged friend miss out on all the festive fun! Give your canine companion their own festive experience with a trip to visit Santa Paws at Bents Garden and Home. Your furry friend can enjoy a photo with Father Christmas, receive a Christmas present, and a doggy treat for during their visit.

Cheshire’s garden centres truly come alive at Christmas. Scattered across the county, these magical spots transform into winter wonderlands filled with sparkling decorations, seasonal gifts, and that unmistakable Christmas scent of pine and mince pies. Don’t miss Bents Garden & Home in Warrington, where dazzling lights, themed displays, and a cosy café make for the perfect festive outing. Over at Port Sunlight Garden Centre, you’ll find beautifully dressed trees, thoughtful gift ideas, and a welcoming place to warm up with a hot chocolate after browsing.

Find more Christmas events in Cheshire

I think you will agree there is far too much happening in Cheshire to just come for the day. You need to come for at least one night, if not two, to make sure you unwrap everything Cheshire has to offer at Christmas time.

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