A Cheshire Christmas on a budget

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, and as we feel the pinch, we want to be able to enjoy Christmas to the fullest and get the most value for our money. Luckily many Christmas events and activities don’t have to break the bank and across Cheshire there’s a whole host of affordable and completely free ways for you to enjoy the festive season. We’ve put together some suggestions for how to Unwrap Christmas in Cheshire while saving, too.

Christmas in Warrington

A Christmas lights switch on will be returning to Warrington town centre after six years on 15th November. The event is one of the town’s biggest festive celebrations and it has been much missed. This year’s light switch countdown will be led by Father Christmas himself, along with a trusty helper - Hacker the Dog from CBBC. As well as the Christmas lights being turned on, there will be a sing along show, featuring musical hits from Wicked, Mamma Mia, The Lion King, The Greatest Showman and Matilda.

Plus Warrington Disability Partnership will present a spectacular, fully accessible, Santa’s Grotto experience at Walton Hall and Gardens. Each visit is £12 per child, which includes a booking fee, a visit to see Santa, a present and a puzzle trail.

Christmas @ the Works

Come along to the Lion Salt Works on 7th December, 11am – 4pm and join the Christmas festivities for all the family – meet Santa and his elves in his grotto (booking necessary), 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. 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 and activities for the whole family to enjoy as part of the Christmas Extravaganza including a Christmas Crazy Golf course, face painting, festive games, and a bustling craft village and a fantastic firework finale!

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.

Step into Christmas, Macclesfield

Join us in welcoming Christmas to Macclesfield on Saturday 29th November, 11-5pm. The big day kicks off from 11am on the Silk FM stage with a festive welcome from the Major followed by Macc Youth Brass Band, performing around the Christmas tree from 11.30am to 12.30pm in Market Place.

The pace then steps up from 12.30pm, with a bumper lineup of live music on the Silk FM stage organised by Choose Macc. The town centre will also be buzzing throughout the day with entertainment including stilt-walkers, jugglers, magic performers and street entertainment.

Pop in to the Town Hall to make a festive buttonhole with HomeStead Grown and also find some unique Christmas gifts in the ‘Made in Macc’ makers market.

The annual ‘Father Christmas Parade’ will be making their way around the town centre from 3pm, finish off at Market Place in time for a big Christmassy sing-along until 5pm.

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 29th & 30th November  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.

Children’s tickets include a mini hot chocolate and gingerbread man. £5. Weekends 15 November – 21 December, 22 and 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!

Stick Man Festive Winter Trail

Join Stick Man for a magical winter adventure as the beloved character, based on the beautiful picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, launches a brand-new Christmas trail at Delamere Forest.

Follow specially designed Stick Man Christmas trails, where families team up with Stick Man and Santa as they deliver the final present. This interactive festive adventure encourages young explorers to enjoy lots of fun wintry activities whilst keeping a lookout for hidden letters to discover who the special gift is for. To make the adventure even more special, you can purchase a Christmas trail pack for just £4.

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 23rd November and 7th 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.

Animal lovers are in for a treat on 14th December as Blakemere hosts a totally free, hands-on experience with some of the Village’s most lovable festive friends. Kids (and grown-ups) can meet friendly donkeys and adorable alpacas up close, perfect for creating those magical photo opportunities and learning about these gentle animals in a safe, welcoming setting.

And don't forget to look out for the Singing Penguins as they bring festive cheer to the courtyard! Watch these adorable penguins perform your favourite Christmas carols live from the bandstand.

Find more things to do at Christmas in Cheshire

Find places to stay in Cheshire this Christmas