A Cheshire Christmas on a budget

Christmas in Warrington

Warrington Disability Partnership will present a spectacular, fully accessible, Santa’s Grotto experience at Walton Hall and Gardens. Each visit is £14 per child, which includes a booking fee, a visit to see Santa, a present and a puzzle trail.

Bring your littlest animal lovers to Walton Hall on 30th November for their Tiny Tots Zoo Adventure, a magical festive experience designed especially for preschool-aged children, combining animal encounters, festive fun and creative Christmas crafts. Led by friendly Zoo Rangers, little ones will embark on a guided adventure around Walton’s Children’s Zoo, meeting some of their favourite furry and feathered friends along the way. Children will have the opportunity to get up close to a selection of gentle animals, learning fascinating facts and enjoying hands-on interactions in a safe and welcoming environment. All for just £15.

Christmas @ the Works

Come along to the Lion Salt Works on 13th December, 11am – 4pm and join the Christmas festivities for all the family – meet Santa and his elves in his grotto (booking necessary £3), take part in free Christmas craft activities with Northwich Explorers - Winter Wonders (£5 per child, limited tickets, booking necessary), post your letters to Santa and get creative with free Christmas crafts, join in with Christmas carols and much more!

Northwich Extravaganza

There's A LOT going on this Christmas in Northwich on 21st November. The town is coming together to bring a truly spectacular Christmas for residents and visitors alike. There's a whole host of completely FREE events with fairground rides, a Christmas artisan market, a Santa’s Grotto, family activities and festive entertainment. Highlights also included a magical lantern parade, the Christmas lights switch-on and a spectacular fireworks display.

Light Switch on events are the perfect way to spend a festive afternoon/early evening and you don't have to spend a penny if you don't want to. Find out about events happening in Crewe, Warrington and Knutsford.

Visit Father Christmas at The Silk Museum

A festive grotto, Victorian toys and a visit from the man himself, in the heart of Macclesfield’s silk story.

Little ones can share their Christmas wishes face to face, then step back in time with a collection of traditional Victorian toys and try on historical dress-up costumes. It’s a lovely way to show children how Christmas was played and celebrated long before screens and gadgets came along.

Every child takes home a special memento of their visit, so the memories last well beyond the day.

The museum is housed in Macclesfield’s old School of Art building on Park Lane, a short walk from the town centre, so it’s easy to combine your visit with a festive wander around town. £10 per child.

Wander the Christmas Markets

A sure-fire way to get into the Christmas spirit, a visit to the Christmas markets doesn’t have to break the bank. You can wander the festooned streets, peruse the stalls, and simply soak up the atmosphere.

Knutsford’s Christmas Market on 5th & 6th December is a two-day festive street market featuring over 140 traders per day selling the finest foods, drinks, crafts and gifts in the area – the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping!

Find more Christmas markets in Cheshire 

What Santa Sees Dome Show at Jodrell Bank

Fly alongside the reindeers and discover the night sky through Santa’s eyes! From the shining moon to the changing constellations, this enchanting Space Dome Show brings together storytelling and astronomy to take you on an immersive journey in Santa’s sleigh.

14th November – 23 December.

Elf Hunts

The Elves will be on the loose again at Tegg's Nose Country Park and Brereton Heath LNR throughout December. Can you find them all and collect their names? An inexpensive and sneaky way to get the kids of their consoles and out into the fresh, Cheshire air! Plus parents can pop into The Nose Coffee Shop at Tegg's Nose for a quick brew!

Meet Santa at Congleton Museum

Get into the festive spirit with a magical day at Congleton Museum!

Snuggle up and enjoy heart-warming tales to spark the festive spirit, get creative with Christmas-themed activities suitable for all ages, post a letter to the North Pole, explore the museum with their seasonal trail—full of surprises and cheer and most importantly meet Father Christmas in his cosy grotto.

All for just £7 per child!

Room on the Broom Christmas Trail

Join Witch and her friends on a magical Christmas adventure at Delamere Forest.

This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating winter forest facts and plenty of fun for all the family.

As you explore, help Witch decorate her Christmas tree by uncovering seven enchanted baubles with your magic lens along the trail. Complete the activities, discover how animals and plants get ready for winter and help make Witch's tree sparkle.

Start your Christmas adventure with a Room on the Broom trail pack, available for just £4 from the Welcome Point. Until 31st December

FREE family fun at Blakemere Village

Blakemere has a sleigh-load of over 20 different shops and 100 independent retailers, all offering unique artisan gifts handcrafted jewellery, beautiful handbags and accessories, children’s toys, food gifts, houseplants, sports equipment, pet products, homeware, furniture, antiques and collectables.

Plus their Christmas calendar is packed with joyful activities that won’t cost a penny. On the 22nd November and 6th December, bring the family for a lively Mascot Meet & Greet where everyone can snap selfies with the Yuletide Trickster. Expect big laughs, silly antics, and plenty of Christmas cheer as this mischievous mascot brings fun across the Village, all for free.

On Sunday 22 November and Sunday 6 December, the Small Street Markets return to Blakemere Village, bringing independent makers and creators together for a day of festive browsing.

Take your time over the stalls, chat to the people behind the products and pick up something you won’t find on the high street. Every purchase supports a small business, which makes ticking off your list feel even better.

Entry and parking are free, and dogs are welcome, so the whole family can come along, four-legged members included.

Find more things to do at Christmas in Cheshire

Find places to stay in Cheshire this Christmas